Southern District of West Virginia

CHARLESTON, W.Va. –  Brian Scott Miller, the President  of Executive Air Terminal, Inc., and Executive Air Terminal, Inc. each pled guilty to the felony offense of Storage of Hazardous Waste without a Permit, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.    Executive Air provides fueling and other services for private and commercial airplanes at Yeager Airport in Charleston. Miller is the owner and president of Executive Air.    Stuart praised the work of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection and the Yeager Airport Police Department.

“Business owners have a responsibility to legally and safely dispose of hazardous waste,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “And everyone will be held accountable for violating these responsibilities.”  

Miller, 56, of Charleston, faces up to 5 years of in prison, a $250,000 fine, supervised release for three years, and a special assessment when he is scheduled to be sentenced on July 19, 2018 by United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.  Executive Air faces a corporate fine of up to $500,000.

Executive Air’s business of  fueling and servicing planes generated hazardous waste.  The waste was stored in unlabeled 55 gallon drums that were kept on site.   By September of 2015, Executive Air had accumulated 37 drums of waste fluid, of which 27 drums were hazardous under federal law.  The 27 drums of hazardous waste included a mix of oil, aviation gas, and jet fuel, and each drum was hazardous because it was either ignitable, toxic, or both.   Executive Air did not have the federally required permit to store such a large quantity of hazardous waste.   Miller admitted that he knew about the drums of waste material at Executive Air.  In his plea agreement, Miller admitted that he directed that employees of Executive Air  to dispose of the waste drums in September of 2015.  Instead of hiring a licensed hazardous waste hauler, the employees moved the drums in the middle of the night to a farm outside Charleston, West Virginia.  The drums were further moved to a building in Charleston where they were discovered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division in November 2015.  Once discovered, the drums were then sent to a licensed hazardous waste disposal facility for proper disposal. 

Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes and Special Assistant United States Attorney Perry D. McDaniel are handling the prosecution.

 

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Both defendants had  prior misdemeanor convictions for illegally entering the United States

BECKLEY, W.Va. –  Jeyson Francisco Sanchez-Castillo and Olvin Alexis Ramos-Diaz both entered guilty pleas to the felony offense of Reentry of a Removed Alien, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.   Sanchez-Castillo, 19, of  and Ramos-Diaz, 21, both of Honduras, both face up to 2 years of incarceration, a 250,000 dollar fine, supervised release for one year, and a special assessment of 100 dollars when they are both scheduled to be sentenced on August 15, 2018 by United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.  Both men will face removal proceedings at the conclusion of any sentence of incarceration.   United States Attorney Mike Stuart praised the work of  Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). 

 “Respect our laws or don’t come to the United States,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “Everyone hates line skippers and it’s not fair to those who followed the law.” 

On February 28, 2018,  both Sanchez-Castillo and Ramos-Diaz were arrested by ICE agents, who were conducting targeted law enforcement operations in the Beckley area.  Agents observed defendants leaving a home on their way to work to at a restaurant in Beckley, West Virginia.  After stopping the cars and confirming their identity, both men admitted they were not in the United States legally and were placed under arrest.  ICE agents submitted Sanchez-Castillo’s and Ramos-Diaz’s  fingerprints, forensically matching both of them to prior removals from the United States in 2017.  They both also forensically matched Texas  misdemeanor convictions of Illegal Entry into the United States.  After being deported, Sanchez-Castillo and Ramos-Diaz both illegally reentered the United States without lawful permission from the Secretary of Homeland Security. Sanchez-Castillo and Ramos-Diaz are citizens of Honduras.

Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes handled both prosecutions.

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston drug dealer was sentenced today to 66 months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Yusuf Ali, 38, previously pled guilty to distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base, more commonly known as “crack.”   Stuart commended the thorough investigation conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (“MDENT”).

“I applaud MDENT’s tireless work to remove drug dealers from our  streets,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “By now, drug dealers should be getting the picture that if you peddle dangerous drugs in Charleston, we’re going to lock you up.”

Ali admitted that in August 2017, he sold crack to a confidential informant on four occasions on Charleston’s East End. On August 29, 2017, officers with MDENT executed a search warrant of Ali’s apartment and found over 125 grams of crack, 44 grams of heroin, and a .380 caliber handgun.

Assistant United States Attorney Matt Davis was responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over these cases.

This case was prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs, including crack and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.

 

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Defendant had  four prior deportations from the United States

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. –  Victor Santa Maria-Cleofas pled guilty to the felony offense of Reentry of a Removed Alien, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  He also faces removal proceedings at the conclusion of any sentence of incarceration.   United States Attorney Mike Stuart praised the work of  Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). 

“Another reason for the proposed wall.  Maria-Cleofas has 4 previous deportations and keeps coming back,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “He will soon face deportation a 5th time.  Everyone hates line skippers.  This is a nation that welcomes new immigrants but every immigrant must respect our country and follow our laws.”

Santa Maria-Cleofas , 47, of Mexico, faces up to 2 years of incarceration, a 250,000 dollar fine, supervised release for one year, and a special assessment when he is scheduled to be sentenced on May 29, 2018 by United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers. 

On March 15, 2018, Santa Maria-Cleofas  was arrested by ICE agents who observed defendant biking to a restaurant in Hurricane, West Virginia where he worked.  ICE already had information that defendant was in the United States illegally, and were able to stop him as he rode by.  After confirming his identity and with defendant admitting he was not in the United States legally, he was placed under arrest. ICE agents submitted Santa Maria-Cleofas’s fingerprints, forensically matching him to four prior deportations in 2001, 2004, 2008, and 2010.  Santa Maria-Cleofas  reentered the United States a total of  five separate occasions without legal permission from the Secretary of Homeland Security.  Santa Maria-Cleofas  is a citizen of Mexico.

Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is handling the prosecution.

 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Kansas man who was caught with crystal methamphetamine and a firearm in Hurricane in November of 2017 pled guilty today to federal drug and gun charges, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Bunthia Can Thach, 39, entered his guilty pleas to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Hurricane Police Department.

“Another dangerous, drug dealing, gun-toting criminal off the streets,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “My Office is working with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to prosecute repeat offenders like Thach.”

Around midnight on November 10, 2017, an officer with the Hurricane Police Department observed a vehicle parked just off the Interstate 64 exit ramp at Hurricane.  The officer noted the vehicle had Kansas registration plates, was not running, and approached the vehicle to see if it contained a stranded motorist.  The officer located Thach and another individual in vehicle.  The officer also observed that Thach was wearing a gun holster and saw a loose bullet in the floorboard of the vehicle.  Thach subsequently told the officer he hid a handgun under the passenger seat when the officer was approaching the vehicle.  Officers then recovered a loaded Glock .45 caliber handgun with a 30-round extended magazine from under the seat.  Officers also located approximately 54 grams of methamphetamine from a bag in the rear of vehicle. 

Thach admitted that he traveled from Kansas to purchase a large quantity of marijuana which he was going to transport to North Carolina.  Thach further admitted that he intended to sell the methamphetamine and that he brought the handgun from Kansas for protection during the trip.  Officers also discovered that Thach had previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Thach faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the drug charge, and a mandatory minimum consecutive term of at least 5 years in federal prison for the gun charge, when he is sentenced on August 13, 2018.

Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is responsible for the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District. 

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – An Arizona man who took part in a methamphetamine conspiracy in March of 2017 pled guilty today to a federal drug charge in Huntington, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Rigoberto Fernandez, Jr., 29, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.  United States Attorney Stuart commended the work of the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force and the United States Postal Inspection Service.

“If it fits, it ships,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “But these drug suppliers need to take note that if it fits and ships illegal drugs into West Virginia, we’ll see if we can fit and ship them directly to a prison cell.”

Between March 10, 2017, and March 13, 2017, Fernandez conspired to distribute methamphetamine that was shipped from California to West Virginia.  During that period, a confidential informant arranged to purchase 1 pound of methamphetamine from a source in Huntington.  The confidential informant was instructed to transferred payment for the drugs to Fernandez in California.  The informant also provided Fernandez an address where the drugs were to be shipped.  After receiving the payment, Fernandez mailed the drugs from the United States Post Office in Carson, California to the address provided by the informant.  Agents seized the package and it was found to contain over 440 grams of methamphetamine.  A forensic chemist later analyzed the methamphetamine and found it to be 98% pure. 

Fernandez faces a mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on August 6, 2018.

Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is responsible for the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.

 

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15th National Prescription Drug Collection Event Scheduled for Saturday, April 28th from 10:00am to 2:00pm

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart is encouraging everyone to participate in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day this Saturday, April 28, 2018.  The event, held from 10:00am to 2:00pm , provides an opportunity for people to safely dispose of unwanted, unused or expired prescription medications.  The service is free and anonymous. 

“Unused prescription medication sitting in a medicine cabinet is an invitation for abuse or worse,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “I urge all West Virginians to be smart and take part in Saturday’s Take-Back event to avoid a potential nightmare of abuse or accidental overdose.”

As a result of the 14 previous National Take Back events, DEA and its law enforcement partners have taken in more than 9 million pounds – more than 4,500 tons – of pills.

“DEA is committed to the citizens of West Virginia,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Gourley. “This program allows citizens to empty their medicine cabinets of unwanted or expired medications with no questions asked. DEA will then dispose of these medications in a safe manner.” 

To find a collection site near you, go to https://takebackday.dea.gov/.

 

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Beckley area physician, Dr. John Pellegrini, D.O., 64, of Huntington, West Virginia,  pled guilty today to a conspiracy to commit money laundering related to the promotion of the illegal distribution of Schedule II controlled substances, outside the usual course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.

Stuart commended the investigation conducted by agents with the:

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, OIG
• Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations
• Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations (OCI)
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• West Virginia State Police
• Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT)
• Beckley Police Department
• Kentucky State Police
• Harrison County (KY) Sheriff’s Department
• Appalachia HIDTA
• Drug Enforcement Administration

“Physicians and pharmacies that exploit addiction, the weak and the vulnerable for personal greed must be held accountable,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “Every physician takes the Hippocratic Oath promising, “First, do no harm.”  Tragically, physicians like Pellegrini either forgot or chose to ignore that oath in favor of greed, profits, and easy cash. The opiate crisis has claimed too many of our good citizens because of doctors like Pellegrini. We will all meet our maker someday and no one, including Pellegrini, can escape the ultimate judgment. It is a tragedy on many, many levels.”

Pellegrini admitted that he worked at the Beckley location of the HOPE Clinic from November 2010 through October 31, 2012, which was owned by another physician and managed by a company called PPPFD, Inc..  He also admitted that many of the prescriptions that he wrote for HOPE Clinic customers were illegal, as they were written outside the usual course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.  He further admitted that he understood from his interactions and conversations with other unnamed co-conspirators that the main purpose of the HOPE  Clinic was to provide opioid prescriptions on a monthly basis to customers visiting HOPE Clinic.  Pellegrini admitted that his interactions and examinations of customers were brief, cursory, or non-existent and generally resulted in a monthly prescription for opioids, which were typically oxycodone and oxycodone-based narcotics such as Roxicodone, powerful pain medications. Pellegrini admitted that he wrote these prescriptions at times even after customers’ screened positive for controlled substances other than what the customer was prescribed.  Pellegrini further admitted that, as he and his co-conspirators knew, he did not create any meaningful treatment plans for his customers at HOPE Clinic and that he did not have any specialized training in pain management.  Pellegrini further admitted that the clinic manager instructed and encouraged him to write opioid prescriptions and he complied.

Pellegrini also admitted that HOPE Clinic charged customers at least $160 per monthly visit, even when the customer did not see a doctor.  He further admitted that he knew that some of the funds deposited into the bank account of HOPE Clinic were the criminally derived proceeds of distributing controlled substance without a medical legitimate purpose, as he knew that HOPE Clinic and PPPFD received funds from customers in exchange for the illegal prescriptions he wrote.  Pellegrini further admitted that he received bonuses from HOPE Clinic, through the staffing service that employed him, based on the number of paying customers visiting the clinic, and those bonuses encouraged and promoted him to write even more illegal prescriptions for highly-addictive controlled substances because as the number of customers went up, the amount of his bonus went up.

Pellegrini admitted that during his work at the HOPE Clinic, he wrote at least 98 prescriptions for controlled substances outside the usual course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.

Pellegrini faces up to 20 years when he is sentenced on August 8, 2018.

           

This case was brought as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.

 

Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart 

 

 

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution at Beckley pled guilty to possession of a weapon at the prison. Stuart praised the efforts of the Bureau of Prisons (BOP).

“My Office takes these offenses very seriously and works closely with BOP investigators to prosecute offenders to the fullest extent of the law,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.

Richard Ray Guerrero, 33, admitted that on June 30, 2017, he possessed a weapon which he made.  It consisted of a belt attached to two combination locks. The weapon was seized from him by a Federal Bureau of Prisons staff member.  Guerrero faces up to five years in prison, consecutive to the sentence he is now serving, when he is sentenced on August 8, 2018.

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided at the plea hearing.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John File.

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man caught with methamphetamine and firearms in February 2017 was sentenced today to 10 years in prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Derrick Houston, 39, previously pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.  Stuart commended the work of the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

“Drug dealing and gun violence happen far too often on Charleston’s West Side,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “My office is working with our law enforcement partners and the West Side is on my priority target list.”

On February 28, 2017, officers with MDENT executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence, 1201 Beech Avenue, in Charleston, West Virginia.  During the search, officers located approximately 237 grams of methamphetamine hidden in the couch.  Officers also located two firearms during the search.  As part of the plea agreement, Houston admitted that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine. 

Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor handled the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

 

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BECKLEY, W.Va. –A Charleston man was sentenced today to 188 months -- almost 16 years -- in prison for a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Clarence Murray, 41, previously pled guilty to distribution of heroin.  Stuart praised the joint efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) for their work during this investigation.

“Gun-toting drug dealers cause fear and chaos in our communities,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “16 years because this guy couldn’t figure out that selling drugs is just plain stupid.  Now he gets to spend most of the rest of his good days behind bars, enjoying Christmas and Hanukah with other inmates instead of family.  It would be funny if it weren’t so sad.” 

Murray previously admitted that in February 2014, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement on two different occasions. Following the second controlled purchase, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Murray’s residence and seized over $2,500 in cash and a stolen Hi-Point .40 caliber pistol. The currency found in the search included previously recorded buy money used in one of the controlled purchases. Murray further admitted that he obtained the gun to protect himself because he was selling drugs.

Murray also admitted that on March 9, 2015, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place in Dunbar. He additionally admitted that he sold heroin to this same confidential informant on four different occasions. Murray further admitted that he sold heroin to a confidential informant in January 2016, and that he sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant in March 2016.         

Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess was in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.

This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.

 

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that an Oak Hill man pled guilty to a gun charge in federal court in Beckley.  Jordan Goard, 27, pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.  Stuart applauded the efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the United States Marshal Service CUFFED Task Force. 

“Law-abiding citizens with guns is a right I’ll fight for but felons with guns are a danger to our law enforcement officers and the public,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.   “That’s why we are committed to prosecuting as many of these cases as law enforcement can bring us.” 

He admitted that on February 2, 2017, after a foot pursuit in Beckley, law enforcement agents apprehended him and found that he was carrying a pistol.  At that time he was prohibited from possessing a firearm by virtue of two felony convictions in Fayette County in 2014—one for delivery of heroin and one for possession with intent to deliver marijuana.  Goard faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced on August 1, 2018.

Assistant United States Attorney John File is prosecuting the case.  United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided at the plea hearing.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

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

BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Kanawha County man pled guilty today to a child pornography crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Robert Daniel Mullins, 37, of South Charleston, entered his guilty plea to production of child pornography.  The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, the West Virginia State Police, the Australian Federal Police, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the Toronto Police Service.

“Unconscionable,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “Pedophiles like Mullins belong in prison and away from our children.” 

Mullins admitted that between August 5, 2017, and February 18, 2018, he took several sexually explicit photographs of a toddler, at least one of which depicted sexual contact between Mullins and the minor. Mullins further admitted that he distributed at least two of the sexually explicit images of the toddler to others via the messaging service Kik. In addition to producing and distributing these images of child pornography, Mullins also admitted to using the Kik messaging service to exchange child pornography with users in Canada and Australia, and he further admitted that he had offered to take sexually explicit photographs of minors to send to the individual in Australia.

Mullins faces at least 15 and up to 30 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on October 11, 2018. 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.

Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.

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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BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that two inmates at the Federal Correctional Institution at Beckley were sentenced for being in possession of weapons.  The cases were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. 

“It’s unfortunate that these inmates chose to continue their criminal behavior once inside prison walls,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “It only guarantees they will have a longer stay.” 

Daqone Lance, 23, was sentenced to 12 months in prison, to be served consecutively to the sentence he is now serving.  Lance pled guilty in January and admitted that on June 3, 2017, a Bureau of Prisons staff member found an object hidden inside the waist band of his pants.  The object was a handcrafted weapon consisting of a sock tied to a combination lock. 

Michael Camp, 30, was sentenced to 12 months in prison, also to be served consecutively to the sentence he is currently serving.  Camp pled guilty in January, admitting that on July 17, 2017, a Bureau of Prisons staff member discovered an object in Camp’s boot.  The object was a handcrafted weapon commonly referred to as a “shank.”  It was a toothbrush about six inches long and sharpened to a point on one end. 

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the sentencing hearings.  Assistant United States Attorney John File handled the prosecution.

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Kanawha County man was sentenced today to 151 months in federal prison for distributing child pornography, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Christopher Chad Winnell, 36, of Marmet, will serve a term of 25 years on federal supervised release following his release from prison and will also be required to register as a sex offender. Winnell previously entered a guilty plea to two counts of distribution of child pornography.  Stuart praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations, the West Virginia State Police, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. 

“These crimes are horrific,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “Winnell’s exploitation of children, including infants, is deplorable.  We can all rest easier knowing that this guy has been removed from our community and will be spending a good number of years behind bars.”

Winnell admitted that on December 20, 2014, he engaged in an email conversation from his residence discussing the exchange of child pornography. Winnell further admitted that the email discussion resulted in the exchange of child pornography images involving infants. Winnell also admitted that on November 7, 2015, he used a messaging service to share an image of child pornography involving an infant with multiple individuals. The investigation determined that the image was received by at least one individual in Canada. The investigation further revealed that Winnell possessed hundreds of images and videos of child pornography stored in an online account.

Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald was in charge of the prosecution. The sentencing hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.

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 Charleston felon who possessed a firearm in December 2016 was sentenced yesterday to 38 months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Jamie Edward Smith, 31, previously pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.  United States Attorney Stuart commended the investigation of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the West Virginia State Police.

“It’s simple -- convicted felons are prohibited from possessing firearms,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “We will aggressively prosecute anyone that choses to violate our federal gun laws.” 

Smith admitted that on December 20, 2016, he had a Raven Arms, .25 caliber pistol in his possession.  Smith is prohibited from possessing any firearms under federal law because of a 2008 felony conviction for breaking and entering in Fayette County, West Virginia. 

Assistant United States Attorney Matt Davis was in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., handed down the sentence.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

 

 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man caught with heroin in August 2017 was sentenced today to 60 months in prison for a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Joseph Mitchell, 44, previously pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin.  Stuart praised the efforts of the Marshall University Office of Public Safety and the FBI Huntington Safe Streets Task Force.

“Heroin dealers have run rampant in Huntington for far too long,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “My office, along with our law enforcement partners, will use every tool in our arsenal to send drug dealers to prison.”

On August 2, 2017, an officer with the Marshall University Office of Public Safety conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by the defendant in the 500 block of 20th Street in Huntington.  Upon searching the vehicle, the officer discovered approximately 11.5 grams of suspected heroin and a digital scale.  As part of the plea agreement, Mitchell admitted that he intended to sell the heroin.  Mitchell also admitted to the other drug activity charged in the indictment.

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

This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District. 

 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit, Michigan man was sentenced today to 18 months for a federal gun charge, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Quadralon Mayberry-Figures, 20, previously pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.  Stuart applauded the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Hurricane Police Department.

“Prosecuting felons with firearms is a priority of mine,” said United States Attorney Stuart.   “In order to protect the rights of citizens who legally possess guns, we must enforce guns laws aimed at keeping weapons out of the hands of people like Mayberry-Figures that are prohibited from having them.”

On February 17, 2017, an officer with the Hurricane Police Department conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 64.  The defendant was a passenger in the vehicle.   Upon searching the defendant, the officer located a Diamond Back arms 9mm caliber pistol in his right front pocket.   Mayberry-Figures was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of multiple felony convictions, including a 2016 conviction for carrying a concealed weapon in Michigan. 

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

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A methamphetamine dealer from South Charleston was sentenced yesterday to 135 months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Carl “Yogi” Clark, 40, previously pled guilty to distribution of methamphetamine. The investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

“135 months.  More than 11 years. And a destroyed future,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “All because he decided a great career move was dealing drugs and selling meth and causing trouble in our communities.  Not a good career move.”

Clark previously admitted that in January 2017, along with other individuals, they brought approximately four kilograms of crystal methamphetamine from Atlanta to Charleston. On January 12, 2017, officers with MDENT executed a search warrant at a hotel room and found over 130 grams of methamphetamine, scales, baggies, and a gun. The methamphetamine was part of the approximately four kilograms Clark and others brought back from Atlanta, and it was lab-tested and confirmed to be over 90% pure. Clark had also admitted to distributing additional methamphetamine to confidential informants during controlled buys in March 2017.

Four other defendants involved in this methamphetamine conspiracy have been sentenced to federal prison. Quinton Funk, of Webster Springs, was sentenced to 21 years and 10 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Jamie Harmon, of South Charleston, was sentenced to 8 years for distributing methamphetamine. Christopher Carte, of St. Albans, was sentenced to three years in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Holly Doub, of South Charleston, was sentenced to five days in federal prison for aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine.

Assistant United States Attorneys Eric Bacaj and Haley Bunn were responsible for the prosecutions. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin is presiding over these cases.

These cases are being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.

 

BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Beckley man pleaded guilty yesterday to a federal firearm offense, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Jeffrey Alpaugh, 46, of Beckley, West Virginia, entered his guilty plea to dealing firearms without a license. U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the investigation of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Beckley Police Department.

“To keep guns out of the wrong hands and to protect our Second Amendment rights, we will aggressively prosecute individuals like Alpaugh that violate our gun laws,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.

Alpaugh admitted that from in or about February 2017, to on or about October 30, 2017, at or near Beckley, Raleigh County, West Virginia, within the Southern District of West Virginia and elsewhere, he willfully engaged in the business of dealing firearms affecting commerce without a license.  Specifically, during that timeframe he offered firearms for sale at flea markets and gun shows in Raleigh and Monroe Counties on almost a weekly basis.  At all relevant times, Mr. Alpaugh was not licensed under the provisions of Chapter 44 of Title 18 of the United States Code as a manufacturer, importer, or dealer in firearms.  On October 30, 2017, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives executed a search warrant at defendant’s home and seized 152 firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition.  Any and all such firearms and ammunition will be forfeited and abandoned by him as set out in the plea agreement. 

Alpaugh faces up to 5 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on July 25, 2018.  United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the plea hearing.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

 

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Defendant faces up to 20 years in federal prison

BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Parkersburg, West Virginia man pled guilty yesterday to a child pornography crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Craig Williams, 37,  entered his guilty plea to possessing child pornography. U.S. Attorney Stuart praised the investigative efforts of the Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations and the West Virginia State Police.

“Crimes that exploit our children will not be tolerated,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “We have a primary duty to protect our kids.  My Office will aggressively prosecute pedophiles to the fullest extent of the law.”

Williams admitted that on February 19, 2015,  he possessed pictures of prepubescent minors engaged in sex acts. Williams received the pictures over the internet while he was living in Kentucky.  The investigation revealed that Williams was using a web-based chatting service to access and download child pornography. Williams further admitted to possessing over 600 images and videos of minors engaged in sex acts, and that some of those images involved sadistic conduct.

Williams faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on a date to be determined by the Court.  Williams 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.

Erik S. Goes, Assistant United States Attorney, is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.

This case is being 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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BECKLEY, W.Va. – A South Carolina man who moved to Lincoln County and failed to register as a sex offender was sentenced to 2 years in federal prison today, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Cody Matthew Wroblewski, 33, of Harts, will spend 10 years on federal supervised release following his sentence.  Stuart praised the work of the United States Marshals Service and the West Virginia State Police.

“Sex offenders that do not register as required must be held accountable,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “The safety of our children depends on it.”

Wroblewski admitted that from January 2017 until his arrest on August 30, 2017, he failed to register as a sex offender as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. On August 30, 2017, Wroblewski was located and arrested at his residence on Bag Harts Creek Road in Lincoln County. Wroblewski was required to register as a sex offender because of a 2011 South Carolina conviction for third degree criminal sexual conduct involving a minor victim. He was also previously convicted in 2012 in South Carolina for failing to update his sex offender registration.

Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald was in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger  presided over the sentencing hearing.

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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BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that two federal inmates were sentenced for possessing weapons.  Stuart commended the work of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

“The staff of the Bureau of Prisons has incredibly dangerous jobs,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “I commend them for preventing violence within the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) at Beckley.”

Brandon Owens, 22, an inmate at the FCI Beckley, was sentenced to 12 months in prison, to be served consecutively to the sentence he is now serving.  Owens pled guilty in January, admitting that on June 3, 2017, he possessed a handcrafted weapon, often called a “shank,” inside the waistband of his pants.  An FCI Beckley staff member found the weapon when he searched Owens. 

George A. Harper, 33, also an inmate at FCI Beckley, was sentenced to 12 months, also to be served consecutively to his current prison sentence.  He pled guilty in January, and admitted that on July 16, 2017, he hid a shank in his coffee cup.  A prison staff member found the shank inside the cup. 

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentences.  The cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John File.

 

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BECKLEY, W.Va. –  A Delaware man was sentenced to 5 years for a federal firearm violation,  announced United States Attorney Michael B. Stuart.  Jeffrey M. Burris, 41, of Wilmington, Delaware, formerly of Nettie, West Virginia, pled guilty in September 2017 to a single count of possessing firearms which were not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.  Stuart commended the investigative work of the West Virginia State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). 

“As I’ve said before, I strongly support the Second Amendment, but those who break our gun laws will pay a heavy price,” said United States Attorney Stuart.

On May 10, 2017, the West Virginia State Police contacted ATF agents to advise that troopers were called to the Burris's residence in Nettie in response to a domestic disturbance call received from Mrs. Burris. Mrs. Burris advised 911 operators that Burris was taking and concealing evidence in the woods behind their residence. Upon arrival at the residence, officers indicated they could hear an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) in the woods behind the residence. Mrs. Burris met officers in the driveway and advised that Burris was hiding evidence in the woods, and Burris had a firearm in his possession.

Officers proceeded to the woods in an attempt to locate Burris. Unsuccessful in locating Burris, officers returned to the residence and spoke with Mayra Burris, who advised that after Burris learned officers were at the residence earlier in the day regarding an ATF tip alleging he possessed illegal firearm silencers, Burris became angry. Burris loaded items onto his ATV and took them into the woods to hide.

While speaking with Mrs. Burris, officers heard and observed an ATV coming from the woods.  The ATV was driven by Burris. Officers made contact with Burris and observed he was armed with two pistols and an AR-style rifle. Officers secured Burris, secured the weapons for officer safety, and placed Burris into custody.

On May 11, 2017, ATF agents and WVSP troopers returned to the Burris residence. The agents searched over 30 acres of property owned by Burris. During a search of the residence, officers seized several thousand rounds of ammunition from an upstairs attic area, along with additional marijuana paraphernalia found near a gun safe. In the wooded area surrounding the residence where Burris had initially fled to prior to his arrest the previous evening, officers discovered a black cylindrical container and a blue five-gallon bucket with a lid. Inside the bucket, officers found four homemade silencers with mounting hardware/adapters. Inside the cylindrical container, officers discovered a Cobray/Street Sweeper, 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun; an RPB Industries, Model M-10, 9-millimeter pistol with a partially obliterated serial number; a German MP40, 9-milliter machinegun, three firearm trigger assemblies and marijuana paraphernalia.

Fourteen of the approximately 70 firearms seized from the Burris property were required to be registered with the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. None of the 14 were.

C. Haley Bunn  and R. Gregory McVey handled the prosecution.  United States District Court Judge Irene C. Berger handed down the sentence. 

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston felon who possessed a firearm in August 2017 was sentenced yesterday to five years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Vincent Deward Beatty, 40, previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.  U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the investigation of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT).

“As part of our ongoing efforts to reduce violent crime in our communities, my office is working with ATF and other law enforcement partners, to aggressively prosecute convicted felons that possess firearms,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “I strongly support the Second Amendment but convicted felons have forfeited the right to bear arms.”

On August 7, 2017, Beatty sold a Smith & Wesson .22 caliber pistol to an MDENT confidential informant for $200.  Beatty admitted at his plea hearing that he had the gun in his possession at the time of the sale.  Beatty is prohibited from possessing any firearms under federal law because of a 2007 felony conviction for aggravated assault in Union County, New Jersey. 

Assistant United States Attorney Matt Davis was in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin, handed down the sentence.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Lonnie Brown, 47, of Akron, Ohio, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison, announced United States Attorney Michael B. Stuart.  He was caught with a firearm in September 2016 and selling fentanyl in February 2017.  Stuart praised the investigative efforts of the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department STOP Team, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Charleston Police Department.

“Felons, guns and drugs do not mix,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “Guys like Brown are a danger to the safety of our citizens and law enforcement officers and should be locked up.”  

On September 26, 2016, officers with the Charleston Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a Honda Accord in Charleston.  Brown fled the vehicle on foot.  During the search of the vehicle, officers located a Glock, Model 27, caliber .40 semi-automatic pistol in the floorboard where Brown had been sitting.  Brown was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because he had been convicted in 2015 in Montgomery County, Ohio for possession of heroin.

On February 15, 2017, agents with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team used a confidential informant to make a controlled buy of heroin from the defendant.  The buy occurred at 602 Randolph Street, Apartment B, in Charleston.  The defendant provided the informant with suspected heroin.  The substance tested positive for fentanyl. 

Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor handled the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence.

The drug prosecution is part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District. 

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

 

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that a Michigan man was sentenced to prison on drug charges in federal court in Beckley.  Tremaine Dean Pool Jr., 23, of Romulus, a suburb of Detroit, was sentenced to 40 months in prison.  Stuart praised the work of the Greenbrier Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force.

“I commend the law enforcement agencies in Greenbrier County for working together to rid their streets of violent pill dealers,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “Communities throughout southern West Virginia have been ravaged by opiate abuse and addiction and we are more committed than ever to putting an end to this epidemic.”

Pool pled guilty in January, admitting that on December 2, 2016, law enforcement authorities found a loaded 9mm handgun and a bag containing 68 40 mg oxymorphone pills close to him when they searched a residence in Lewisburg.  Pool admitted that he possessed the pain pills with intent to distribute them and also possessed the gun.  He further admitted that he worked with his codefendants, Joshua Adam Smith and Jessica Nicole Honaker, to distribute pain pills in Greenbrier County during November and December 2016, and that they distributed or possessed with the intent to distribute about 300 40 mg oxymorphone pills during that time.  Smith received 96 months for his part in this drug activity, and Honaker was sentenced to 24 months.

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.  The case was investigated as part of the Greenbrier Valley Heroin and Pill Initiative.  That initiative is part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, to combat illegal drug trafficking in communities across the Southern District.  Assistant United States Attorney John File prosecuted the case.

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Defendant was dumping truckloads of sewage into Little Huff Creek in Wyoming County

BECKLEY, WV -- Mike Blankenship was found guilty after a two day jury trial, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Mike Blankenship, 54, of Hanover, West Virginia, was convicted of two felony Clean Water Act violations and faces a total sentence of up to six years of incarceration, a $500,000 fine, supervised release for three years, and a special assessment of $200 when he is sentenced on August 1, 2018 by United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.  United States Attorney Mike Stuart praised the work of  the Environmental Protection Agency and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, who were also assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the West Virginia State Police. 

“Environmental crimes are serious, serious matters,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “After presentation of the evidence and in front of a jury of his peers, Mr. Blankenship was convicted for a serious environmental crime.  Great work by my team and by the EPA and West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection.”

“The defendant in this case showed reckless disregard for the environment and public health,” said Susan Bodine, assistant administrator of EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Working together, EPA, FBI and the State of West Virginia are sending a clear message that those who violate laws designed to protect our communities will be held responsible.”

On September 29, 2015,  a sewage truck owned by Blankenship was seen dumping untreated sewage into Little Huff Creek, a tributary of the Guyandotte River in Southwestern West Virginia.  Inspectors with the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) responded to the truck’s location in Hanover, West Virginia.  They saw the sewage truck with a hose placed in the creek, observed sewage in the water and on the ground, and quickly requested the assistance of the West Virginia State Police. Returning to the truck, WVDEP agents were able to take samples from the truck and pad.  Lab tests confirmed the presence of fecal coliform, an indicator of raw or untreated sewage.  Later, agents with the FBI, EPA, and WVDEP spoke to Blankenship.  Blankenship owns a porta-john and sewage business under the name Hanover Contracting Company.  Blankenship admitted that it was his sewage truck dumping sewage into the water on the day the WVDEP inspectors observed it.   Blankenship also admitted to dumping sewage into Little Huff Creek on other occasions.  Neighbors provided photographic evidence that they testified showed Blankenship’s trucks dumping sewage and porta-john waste into the creek on various dates in 2015 and 2016.   The jury also heard testimony from the law enforcement agents and experts in water quality assessment.

Assistant United States Attorneys Erik S. Goes and Special Assistant United States Attorney Perry McDaniel represented the United States during the jury trial.  

 

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United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today a major takedown of drug traffickers and related drug networks recently indicted by a federal grand jury in Huntington, as well as other narcotics, violent crime and firearm related targets.  Joining United States Attorney Stuart in the announcement were Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Chris Evans, Federal Bureau of Investigation Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC) Nick Boshears, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special  Agent in Charge (SAC) Stuart Lowrey, Homeland Security Investigations Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC) Dave Abbate, Huntington Mayor Steve Williams, Huntington Interim Police Chief Hank Dial, West Virginia State Police Captain Mike LaFauci, West Virginia National Guard Adjutant General James Hoyer, Cabell County Prosecuting Attorney Sean “Corky” Hammers, U.S. Marshal Michael Baylous, Cabell County Sheriff Chuck Zerkle, Wayne County Sheriff Rick Thompson, Marshall University Police Chief Jim Terry and AHIDTA State Director Kenny Burner.

In response to a growing opiate epidemic and violent crime in southern West Virginia, United States Attorney Stuart announced the formation of Project Huntington on March 15th alongside federal, state and local law enforcement partners.  Today, in a takedown of federal and state targets, nearly 100 defendants have been targeted for arrest including the execution of Operation Saigon Sunset and related search warrants in Huntington, WV.  It is believed that today’s actions will result in the dismantling of the Peterson Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO), a major multi-state heroin and fentanyl distribution network.  In addition to the dismantling of the Peterson DTO, federal, state and local law enforcement are executing arrests for related violent elements including narcotics and firearms targets. 

Today’s actions break down as follows:
 

• At least 15 individuals involved in the Peterson DTO have been charged in a federal indictment in the Southern District of West Virginia with conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl;
• 15 individuals involved in the Peterson DTO were indicted yesterday in Cabell County Circuit Court on state charges;
• Additional members of the Peterson DTO will be arrested and charged in Detroit;
• 13 individuals involved in narcotics and/or firearms that have been charged in federal indictments in the Southern District of West Virginia; and
• At least 48 individuals are targeted for arrest on various narcotics, violent crime, and firearms related charges at the federal or state level as determined by the circumstances of each matter.

As an indication of the scale of the operation, over 200 federal, state and local law enforcement officers took part in today’s take-down effort.  The West Virginia National Guard also provided a number of personnel in a support function to the operation. 

Today’s actions would not have been possible without the seamless collaboration of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.  The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West, with assistance from the Michigan State Police and the Ohio Highway Patrol.    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia and the Eastern District of Michigan, as well as the Cabell County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, worked together hand-in-hand to remove these dangerous drug traffickers from the streets of Huntington and Detroit.

In conjunction with the arrest and search warrants executed in Huntington today, it is anticipated federal authorities in Detroit will soon be executing additional arrest warrants and search warrants.  Additional charges will be brought against individuals in the Eastern District of Michigan.  

“Our great country has never seen drug deaths like we’re seeing today,” Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. “Under President Trump’s strong leadership, the Department of Justice has taken historic new actions to put drug traffickers in jail and keep dangerous drugs out of the wrong hands.  I want to thank all of our partners at DEA, FBI, ATF, the Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, as well as our fabulous partners at the state and local levels for their hard work.  Today’s charges against at least 90 defendants will help make the people of West Virginia and Michigan safer from the threat of dangerous drugs—and they bring us one step closer to ending the opioid epidemic.” 

“Today’s actions have removed from our streets enough fentanyl to kill more than 250,000 people and massive amounts of other drugs that would have wreaked havoc and misery on our good citizens.  Today is a turning point for the City of Huntington and in the war against the opiate nightmare,” said US Attorney Stuart. “Best yet, today’s actions have resulted in the destruction of a supply network, the supplier of suppliers of illicit drugs.  The peddlers of poisons like heroin and fentanyl are in the crosshairs of this Administration and law enforcement.  We still have work to do but the days of havoc, chaos and misery caused by the peddlers of illicit poisons are soon to be over.”  

“Today, on tax day, the citizens of Huntington and the surrounding area got their money’s worth, said Huntington Mayor Steve Williams.  “Thanks to the coordination of our federal, state and local law enforcement agencies our city is safer.  I thank United States Attorney Mike Stuart and Major General Jim Hoyer of the West Virginia National Guard for their steadfast support.  The men and women of every law enforcement agency are owed a monumental debt of gratitude for placing their lives in harm’s way to make our families safe.”

The investigation revealed that the Peterson DTO had been operating in Huntington for nearly 15 years, trafficking large amounts of heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine from Detroit to be sold in Huntington in street-level gram quantities.  In August 2017, investigators with the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West (“VCDTFW”) executed a search warrant at Manget Peterson’s residence and an associated hotel room, where Manget Peterson’s workers were distributing heroin.  These searches resulted in the seizure of two handguns, over seventy half gram baggies of heroin ready for distribution, and other evidence of drug trafficking.  Manget Peterson’s brother, Willie Peterson, was identified as the leader and drug supplier of the organization.  Multiple sources advised that the Peterson DTO distributed kilogram quantities of heroin in Huntington, West Virginia, on nearly a weekly basis, using a network of re-distributors. 

Law enforcement learned that the DEA in Detroit had opened an investigation into Willie Peterson, after a search of his residence in July 2017 resulted in the seizure of over 360 grams of fentanyl.  The DEA’s investigations in West Virginia and in Detroit have resulted in investigators seizing additional drug loads and to the identification of two of Willie Peterson’s drug suppliers in Detroit, Michigan.  As of April 3, 2018, law enforcement has seized approximately 760 grams of suspected heroin, 450 grams of suspected fentanyl, and 167 grams of suspected cocaine.  The fentanyl seized prior to today’s actions could have resulted in the death of more than 250,000 people. 

This morning, Manget Peterson was apprehended in Huntington and his brother, Willie Peterson, was apprehended in Detroit.  Malcolm Simmons was also arrested in Detroit this morning.

According to Chris Evans, Special Agent in Charge of DEA’s Louisville Division Office, “Today’s round-up sends a clear message to the people of Huntington and all of West Virginia:  drug traffickers who come here to destroy our communities will be aggressively pursued by DEA, in conjunction with West Virginia’s federal, state and local law enforcement components.”

“ATF is committed to working with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office to reduce violent crime in Huntington,” said Stuart Lowrey, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in West Virginia and Kentucky.  “Together we will identify and investigate armed violent offenders and their illicit sources of guns.  Traffickers and triggerpullers – beware.”

“We are building a collaborative approach here in Huntington,” said Interim Huntington Police Chief Hank Dial.  “Day in and day out we go after criminals who are bringing these drugs into our community and work to get people into much needed treatment.  We greatly appreciate our state and federal partnering agencies bringing their powerful resources to our community.  There is one thing the good people of Huntington and the bad people in Huntington have in common, they both deserve today.” ​ 

In the Southern District of West Virginia, 15 individuals have been charged in a federal indictment with conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl.  The investigation is ongoing and could result in additional federal and state charges in the future.

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

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today a Wood County man was sentenced in connection with a federal methamphetamine charge.  Timothy Waldron, 31, of Mineral Wells, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.  to 12 years in federal prison for  possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.  Stuart praised the work of the Parkersburg Drug Task Force.

“This sentence should send a message to anyone thinking about distributing methamphetamine in the Southern District of West Virginia,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “Unless you want to be locked up, it’s just not a good idea.”

Waldron previously pled guilty in January admitting that he possessed methamphetamine seized from a safe in his Mineral Wells residence for distribution. The approximately 1300 grams of methamphetamine had been found during execution of a search warrant at defendant’s residence by agents of the Parkersburg Drug Task Force on November 20, 2016. 

This case was prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of heroin, methamphetamine and prescription drugs.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal heroin, methamphetamine and pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of heroin, methamphetamine and opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District. 

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Defendant had a felony child abuse conviction in Florida and a prior removal

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. –  Alan Lopez-Salazar pled guilty to the felony offense of Reentry of a Removed Alien, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Mr. Lopez-Salazar, 29, of Mexico, faces up to 10 years of incarceration, a 250,000 dollar fine, supervised release for three years, and a special assessment when he is sentenced on May 21, 2018 by United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.  He also faces removal proceedings at the conclusion of any sentence of incarceration.   United States Attorney Mike Stuart praised the work of  the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). 

“We are committed to prosecuting every single individual who enters the United States illegally,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.    “Legally entering the United States is not complicated.  Get in line and follow the rules, and if you don’t, we’re sending you back home.”

On January 31, 2018, Mr. Lopez-Salazar was arrested by the Cabell County Sheriff’s department for disturbing the peace and destruction of property.  After giving a Mexican identification document, ICE agents were contacted and responded to the scene. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents confirmed that Mr. Lopez-Salazar was not in the United States legally and he was taken into federal custody.  Fingerprints taken from the defendant matched him to a felony conviction and a prior removal in 2011.   The felony conviction occurred on August 23, 2011 in Collier County, Florida where, defendant was convicted of felony child abuse.  After this conviction Mr. Lopez-Salazar was removed from the United States on October 11, 2011   Mr. Lopez-Salazar then reentered the United States without legal permission from the Secretary of Homeland Security.  Mr. Lopez-Salazar is a citizen of Mexico.

Assistant United States Attorneys Erik S. Goes and Stephanie Taylor are handling the prosecution.

 

Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart 

 
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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man who was caught with heroin in Huntington in 2015 was sentenced to 49 months in federal prison today, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  JaJuan Thrasher, 30, previously pled guilty in January to possession with intent to distribute heroin. Stuart commended the work of the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force.

“Detroit drug dealers are soon to be a mere footnote in Huntington’s history,”  said United States Attorney Stuart.  “Thrasher is just the latest to be going to federal prison as a result of our efforts.”

On September 14, 2015, members of the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at 2317 Lincoln Avenue, Apartment A in Huntington.  When investigators executed the warrant, they located Thrasher and two additional individuals inside the residence.  Investigators subsequently seized approximately 18 grams of heroin, which was packaged for distribution, from Thrasher’s pocket.  Thrasher admitted to investigators that he had been engaged in distributing heroin in the Huntington area.  As part of his plea, Thrasher also admitted that he and others used the Lincoln Avenue apartment to distribute heroin between the summer of 2015 and September 14, 2015.

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

This case was brought as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District. 

Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart 

 
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A methamphetamine dealer from South Charleston was sentenced today to 8 years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Jamie Harmon, 38, previously pled guilty to distribution of methamphetamine.

Stuart commended the thorough investigation conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

“Thanks to our law enforcement partners, another meth dealer is out of business,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “Meth is a serious growing problem and now dealers are blending it with other poisons like fentanyl.  It’s priority we keep these poisons off the streets and we’ll lock up every crystal meth dealer we can find.”

Harmon admitted that in January 2017, he and other individuals brought approximately four kilograms of crystal methamphetamine from Atlanta to Charleston. On January 12, 2017, officers with MDENT executed a search warrant at a hotel room and found over 130 grams of methamphetamine, scales, baggies, and a gun. The methamphetamine was part of the approximately four kilograms Harmon and others brought back from Atlanta, and it was lab-tested and confirmed to be over 90% pure. Harmon also admitted to distributing additional methamphetamine to confidential informants during controlled buys in March 2017.

Three other defendants involved in this methamphetamine conspiracy have been sentenced to federal prison. Quinton Funk, of Webster Springs, was sentenced to 21 years and 10 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Christopher Carte, of St. Albans, was sentenced to three years in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Holly Doub, of South Charleston, was sentenced to five days in federal prison for aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine.

Assistant United States Attorneys Eric Bacaj and Haley Bunn were responsible for the prosecutions. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over these cases.

These cases are being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.

 

 

Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart 

 
 
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BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that an inmate at the Beckley Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) pled guilty to possession of a weapon.  Coleman Ferrell, 31, an inmate at FCI Beckley, pled guilty to possession of a weapon by a federal inmate. 

Stuart praised the work of the Bureau of Prisons (BOP).

“This was a very serious situation that could have led to tragedy for prison staff and other inmates,” said United States Mike Stuart.  “My team is committed to working with the Bureau of Prisons to prosecute these cases.”

Ferrell admitted that on December 22, 2017, he possessed a handcrafted weapon known as a “shank” inside FCI Beckley.  He faces up to five years in prison when he is sentenced on July 18, 2018.  

United States District Court Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the plea hearing.  Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the prosecution.

 

Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart 

  
 
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BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that a Detroit man pled guilty to a federal drug charge.  William James Springer, 31, of the Detroit area, pled guilty to distribution of a quantity of oxymorphone.  Springer admitted that on October 5, 2016, he distributed three oxymorphone pills to a confidential informant.  He further admitted that between September 2016 and December 2016 he was involved in distributing about 300 40 mg oxymorphone pills in Greenbrier County, including pills which he distributed as charged in the other counts of the indictment.  Springer faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on July 18, 2018.   Stuart praised the work of the Greenbrier Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force.

“We should send Detroit a bill.  They send us their drug dealers and we lock them up,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “They have wreaked havoc in West Virginia for far too long. Detroit drug dealers are not welcome here.”

United States District Court Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the plea hearing.  Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the prosecution.

The case was investigated as part of the Greenbrier Valley Heroin and Pill Initiative, an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the sale of heroin and the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District.

 

Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart 

 
 
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston felon, who sold heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine was sentenced to six years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Christopher Rush, 32, previously pled guilty to distribution of heroin.   Stuart commended the investigation conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT).

“A repeat drug dealer and, now a repeat convicted felon.  Getting him and others like him off the streets is a priority for me,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “Sending him to prison is a win for law enforcement and the general public.”

Rush previously admitted that on May 10, 2017, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with MDENT.  The drug deal took place in Charleston, West Virginia.   He also admitted that he sold heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine to this same confidential informant on three other occasions.  Based on the four controlled drug buys, officers with MDENT obtained a search warrant for Rush’s residence.  On May 31, 2017, officers executed that search warrant and found in excess of 100 grams of crystal methamphetamine that had a purity of 99 percent. Rush admitted to law enforcement officers that the methamphetamine belonged to him.        

Assistant United States Attorneys C. Haley Bunn and Timothy D. Boggess handled the prosecution. The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.

This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.

 

Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart 

 
 
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Beckley man pled guilty today to his role in a mail theft and counterfeit check cashing conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Shawn Meadows, 30, entered his guilty plea to uttering counterfeit securities.

Stuart commended the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Beckley Police Department.

“Mail theft and counterfeiting are serious, serious crimes,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “Honest, hardworking taxpayers are left paying for those who cheat, steal and lie and I will protect the taxpayers from criminals like this every single day.”

Meadows admitted that he received three counterfeit checks from his co-defendant, Savion Thomas, which he then passed at three separate branches of a bank in Raleigh County.

Smith faces up to ten years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on August 1, 2018.  Meadows also agreed to pay more than $7,000 in restitution.

Assistant United States Attorney Eric P. Bacaj is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.

 

Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart 

 
 
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UNITED STATES ATTORNEY JOINS WITH GOVERNOR IN HONORING FALLEN HEROES OF LAW ENFORCEMENT

AND TO COMMEMORATE NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS' RIGHTS WEEK

Back the Blue:  Honoring Our Fallen Heroes, and Celebrating Law Enforcement’s Contributions to Crime Victims and Service

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Federal, state and local law enforcement and advocates of crime victims’ rights will join United States Attorney Mike Stuart in hosting an opening ceremony on Thursday, April 12, 2018, in the Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse in Charleston, and a Walk/Run for Justice on Friday, April 13, 2018, at Haddad Riverfront Park in Charleston.  Both events are being held in recognition of National Crime Victims' Rights Week.

This year’s local theme is “Back the Blue:  Law Enforcement’s Contributions to Crime Victims and Service.”  The ceremony and walk/run will honor and remember fallen law enforcement who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and celebrate those who continue to serve crime victims and the community.  As part of the event, the United States Attorney and the West Virginia Fraternal Order of Police will unveil a statewide tribute to our men and women in blue. 

West Virginia Governor James “Jim” Justice, II has issued a Proclamation ordering on April 13th at noon a statewide moment of silence be observed, at which time United States Attorney Mike Stuart has, in addition to the moment of silence, called for all houses of worship to toll their bells. 

This years’ events mark the 18th Annual Operation Reach Out event. Operation Reach Out is a collaborative group of federal, state and local agencies and organizations that work to raise awareness about the rights, protections, and services available to crime victims in West Virginia. This event is being held in conjunction with the nationwide observance of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, which begins on April 8 and runs through April 14, 2018. 

OPENING CEREMONY:

WHO:   United States Attorney Mike Stuart

            West Virginia Fraternal Order of Police

            Operation Reach Out committee members

            Other federal, state and local officials

            Families of fallen heroes of law enforcement

            Staff of United States Attorney's Office, Southern District of West Virginia

WHAT:   Operation Reach Out Opening Ceremony for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week – Back the Blue

WHERE:  Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse – Fifth Floor
              300 Virginia Street, East
              Charleston, WV  25301

WHEN:   Thursday, April 12, 2018, at noon. The ceremony will immediately follow a reception and lunch beginning at 11:30 a.m. 

 

WALK/RUN FOR JUSTICE & PRE-RACE CEREMONY:

WHO:       United States Attorney Mike Stuart 

                James Bailey, Senior Counsel to Governor Jim Justice

                Major General James A. Hoyer, West Virginia National Guard 

                Operation Reach Out committee members

                Survivors of Crime

                Other federal, state and local officials

                Staff of United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of West Virginia

WHAT:     Walk/Run for Justice and Pre-Race Ceremony

WHERE:    Haddad Riverfront Park     

                Kanawha Boulevard

               Charleston, WV

WHEN:     Friday, April 13, 2018.  Registration to begin at 11:00 a.m.  Ceremony at 11:30 a.m.  Race at noon.

 

Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart 

 
 
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Webster County man who brought more than 4 kilograms of methamphetamine to Charleston was sentenced to 262 months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Quinton Funk, 38, of Webster Springs, previously pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute over 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.   Stuart commended the investigation conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

“The increase in methamphetamine trafficking throughout the Southern District of West Virginia is greatly concerning,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “We need to stop meth now before it becomes an even bigger problem.  We will aggressively prosecute meth dealers like Funk to the fullest extent of the law.”

Funk took part in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy that transported more than 4 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine from Atlanta and sold it in West Virginia. On January 4, 2017, Funk traveled to Atlanta with codefendants Jamie Harmon and Carl “Yogi” Clark to buy the methamphetamine. He further admitted to bringing the drugs back to West Virginia and selling that methamphetamine. Later that month, Funk was arrested with approximately $28,000 in cash in his backpack, and a loaded Glock 22, .40 caliber pistol in his possession. That same day, MDENT officers executed a search warrant at a hotel room where Funk was staying and found over 130 grams of methamphetamine, scales, baggies, and a gun. In February 2017, law enforcement arrested him again after he provided Christopher Carte, another codefendant, an ounce of methamphetamine to distribute. Officers recovered another $2,700 in cash from Funk when he was arrested. As part of his plea agreement, Funk also admitted to all the drug and gun crimes he was charged with in the indictment.

Two other defendants involved in this methamphetamine conspiracy have been sentenced to federal prison. Christopher Carte, of St. Albans, was sentenced to three years in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Holly Doub, of South Charleston, was sentenced to five days in federal prison for aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine.

Clark and Harmon both pled guilty to distribution of methamphetamine and each faces up to 20 years in federal prison when they are sentenced on April 12, 2018. Clark and Harmon have admitted they possessed approximately four kilograms of methamphetamine during the course of the conspiracy.

Assistant United States Attorneys Haley Bunn and Eric Bacaj are handling the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence.

These cases are being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.

 

Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart 

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston woman entered a guilty plea today to a federal drug trafficking crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Baylee Gibson, age 19, of Bench Road, pled guilty to distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Stuart praised the work of the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT).

“It’s always tragic when young people make bad choices that forever alter the course of their lives,” said United States Attorney Stuart.  “Becoming a drug dealer is one of the worst choices anyone could make and, as a result, this defendant will be spending much of her young adulthood in federal prison.”

On August  25,  2017,  an agent  with  MDENT arranged to meet Gibson and purchase one ounce of methamphetamine for $1200. The agent had spoken to Gibson on the telephone and had arranged the price and quantity.. Gibson told the agent to meet her at a parking lot just off the campus of West Virginia State University (WVSU) on Baron Drive in Institute.  This was the site of a previous methamphetamine sale by Gibson.  The agent met Gibson as planned. After a brief discussion, Gibson took $1200.00 of prerecorded buy money, got out of the agent' s car and walked towards the campus of WVSU.  Additional MDENT agents were positioned around the campus conducting surveillance. Gibson then met with another individual, later identified as her co­ defendant, Kyle Keith Russell, and returned to the agent's car. There, Gibson provided the agent with a clear plastic bag with a substance that field tested positive as methamphetamine. The substance was sent to the Mid-Atlantic DEA laboratory where it was tested. The testing showed the substance was 23.39 grams of pure methamphetamine. Gibson arranged and sold methamphetamine to the  same undercover agent on August 22, 2017, and twice on August 30, 2017. The agent arranged all three of those additional sales directly with Gibson. Those sales took place in the same manner and at the same location as the count of conviction.  Kyle Keith Russell was Gibson’s source of supply for those sales.   Russell’s jury trial is scheduled for May 15, 2018.

Gibson faces up to 40 years imprisonment and up to a $5 million fine when she is sentenced on July 10, 2018.  United States District Court Judge John T. Copenhaver presided over the plea hearing.  Assistant United States Attorney R. Gregory McVey handled the prosecution.

      

 

Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart 

 

 
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Defendant faces at least five and up to 20 years in federal prison

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg man pled guilty today to a child pornography crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Stephen Craig Sluss, 59, of Scott Depot, entered his guilty plea to receiving child pornography. U.S. Attorney Stuart praised the investigative efforts of the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations.   

U.S. Attorney Stuart said, “I commend the law enforcement officers dedicated to investigating these disgusting crimes, as well as the members of my team who prosecute these cases. Protecting our children from predators is some of the most difficult and important work we do.”

Sluss admitted that on April 1, 2017, he received videos of prepubescent minors engaged in sex acts. The videos were received by Sluss via the Internet. The investigation revealed that Sluss was using a web-based chatting service to access and download child pornography. Sluss further admitted to possessing over 600 images and videos of minors engaged in sex acts, and that some of those images involved sadistic conduct.

Sluss faces at least five and up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on July 19, 2018. 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.

First Assistant United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston and Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald are in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

This case is being 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.

                       

Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart 

 
 
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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A New York man who took part in drug conspiracy between 2016 and 2017 pled guilty today in federal court in Huntington, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Karl Nesly Lamerique, 31, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute heroin and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.  United States Attorney Stuart commended the work of the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force and the United States Postal Inspection Service.

“Great teamwork between the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force and United States Postal Inspection Service means another out-of-state drug dealer is out of business and headed to the big house,” said United States Attorney Stuart.  “We are building remarkable relationships among our federal, state and local partners and utilizing every tool at our disposal to prosecute anyone selling dangerous drugs in our communities.”

From at least February of 2016 to June of 2017, Lamerique obtained quantities of methamphetamine and heroin from California which were mailed to the Huntington and Cross Lanes areas.  Lamerique and others would then distribute the drugs to customers in Cabell, Putnam, and Kanawha counties.  Lamerique also utilized others to distribute drugs by providing large quantities of drugs on credit and receiving payment for the drugs after they were sold. 

Lamerique admitted that during the conspiracy, he and others utilized a residence and a storage unit in Cross Lanes to store, prepare and distribute drugs.  Lamerique provided drugs to individuals who stayed in the residence and distributed the drugs on behalf of Lamerique and another individual.  On June 1, 2017, agents executed search warrants at the residence and storage unit.  During the search, agents seized multiple firearms, ammunition, and over 3 kilograms of methamphetamine that was found to be 98% pure after testing by a forensic chemist.  As part of his plea, Lamerique admitted that he was responsible for the distribution of up to 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine during the conspiracy.

Lamerique faces a mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on July 19, 2018.

Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is responsible for the prosecution. The investigation was conducted by the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.

 

Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart 

 
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LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CRIME VICTIM ADVOCATES JOIN TO COMMEMORATE NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS' RIGHTS WEEK

Back the Blue:  Honoring Our Fallen Heroes, and Celebrating Law Enforcement’s Contributions to Crime Victims and Service

 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Federal, state and local law enforcement and advocates of crime victims’ rights will join United States Attorney Mike Stuart in hosting an opening ceremony on Thursday, April 12, 2018, in the Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse in Charleston, and a Walk/Run for Justice on Friday, April 13, 2018, at Haddad Riverfront Park in Charleston.  Both events are being held in recognition of National Crime Victims' Rights Week.

This year’s local theme is “Back the Blue:  Law Enforcement’s Contributions to Crime Victims and Service.”  The ceremony and walk/run will honor and remember fallen law enforcement who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and celebrate those who continue to serve crime victims and the community.  As part of the event, the United States Attorney and the West Virginia Fraternal Order of Police will unveil a statewide tribute to our men and women in blue. 

United States Attorney Mike Stuart has called for and West Virginia Governor James “Jim” Justice, II has issued a Proclamation ordering on April 13th: (i) a statewide moment of silence at noon; (ii) simultaneous tolling of the bells at houses of worship across the state; and, (iii) flags flown at half-staff for the entire day. 

This years’ events mark the 18th Annual Operation Reach Out event. Operation Reach Out is a collaborative group of federal, state and local agencies and organizations that work to raise awareness about the rights, protections, and services available to crime victims in West Virginia. This event is being held in conjunction with the nationwide observance of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, which begins on April 8 and runs through April 14, 2018. 

OPENING CEREMONY:

WHO:    United States Attorney Mike Stuart 

             West Virginia Fraternal Order of Police

             Operation Reach Out committee members

             Other federal, state and local officials

             Staff of United States Attorney's Office, Southern District of West Virginia

WHAT:   Operation Reach Out Opening Ceremony for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week – Back the Blue

WHERE:  Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse – Fifth Floor
              300 Virginia Street, East
              Charleston, WV  25301

WHEN:    Thursday, April 12, 2018, at noon. The ceremony will immediately follow a reception and lunch beginning at 11:30 a.m. 

 

WALK/RUN FOR JUSTICE & PRE-RACE CEREMONY:

WHO:    United States Attorney Mike Stuart 

             James Bailey, Senior Counsel to Governor Jim Justice

             Major General James A. Hoyer, West Virginia National Guard 

             Operation Reach Out committee members

             Survivors of Crime

             Other federal, state and local officials

             Staff of United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of West Virginia

WHAT:   Walk/Run for Justice and Pre-Race Ceremony

WHERE:  Haddad Riverfront Park, Kanawha Boulevard, Charleston, WV

WHEN:    Friday, April 13, 2018.  Registration to begin at 11:00 a.m.  Ceremony at 11:30 a.m.  Race at noon.

                                   

Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart 

 
 
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Defendant faces at least five and up to 20 years in federal prison

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg man pled guilty today to a child pornography crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Terry Allen Riley, 59, entered his guilty plea to receiving child pornography. U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Parkersburg Police Department.   

“These cases are truly crimes of hideous violence and a priority for my team,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “Riley’s conviction means another child predator will soon be behind bars.”

Riley admitted that on June 12, 2015, he received a video of a prepubescent minor engaged in sex acts. The video was received on Riley’s computer located at his residence. The investigation revealed that Riley was using a cloud-based email service to download, receive, and distribute child pornography. Riley further admitted to possessing over 600 images and videos of minors engaged in sex acts, and that some of those images involved sadistic conduct or conduct involving infants and toddlers.

Riley faces at least five and up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on July 3, 2018. 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.

First Assistant United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston and Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald are in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.

This case is being 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.

 

Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart 

 
 
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man pled guilty today in federal court to a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Michael B. Stuart.  Avante Anthony Jones, age 22, of South Park Road, pled guilty to distribution of methamphetamine.   United States Attorney Stuart gave credit to the joint investigation conducted by DEA, the U.S. 119 Drug Task Force, and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) for the successful prosecution. 

“Methamphetamine is quickly becoming the illicit drug of choice among West Virginia drug abusers,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “We are making a concerted effort to stem the tide of methamphetamine coming into our communities by aggressively prosecuting distributors like Avante Jones.”    

On August 8, 2017, a confidential informant contacted Jones and arranged to buy an ounce of methamphetamine for $1000. Jones met the confidential informant on Centers Road in Charleston and conducted the deal.

The plea hearing was held before United States District John T. Copenhaver, Jr.  Assistant United States Attorney R. Gregory McVey is in charge of this prosecution.

Jones faces up to 40 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $5 million when he is sentenced on July 2,  2018.

 

Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart 

 
 
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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Hurricane man caught receiving a shipment of crystal methamphetamine in Huntington was sentenced today to 90 months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Sean Bradsher, 35, previously pled guilty to aiding and abetting the attempted possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in federal court in Huntington.   United States Attorney Stuart praised the efforts of the DEA AHIDTA Task Force.

“Any day we can intercept a delivery of illicit drugs and keep them off the streets is a great day.  Meth is back and in a terribly horrible way,” said United States Attorney Stuart.  “Guys like Bradsher need to be locked up.”

On January 13, 2017, members of the DEA AHIDTA Task Force conducted a controlled delivery of approximately 25 pounds of marijuana and 150 grams of crystal methamphetamine to Bradsher at a residence on 4th Avenue in Huntington. The drugs were intercepted by agents the previous day after they were sent from California to Huntington. After Bradsher took possession of the drugs, agents executed a search warrant at the residence. Agents recovered the marijuana and methamphetamine along with a total of $13,842 in United States currency during the search.

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

This prosecutions was part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.

Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart 

 
 
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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit woman caught with pain pills in Huntington in 2015 pled guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Kieyonda Annette-Marie Toler, 28, entered her guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute oxymorphone in federal court in Huntington.  United States Attorney Stuart commended the work of the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force.

“Detroit drug dealers have wreaked havoc in our communities, particularly in Huntington,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.   We are working with our law enforcement partners to aggressively prosecute every case.  At some point, even Detroit drug thugs should be able to figure out that they are not welcome here.”

On December 3, 2015, members of the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force were conducting surveillance at the Greyhound Bus Station located in Huntington.  Officers observed Toler exit a bus that had arrived from Detroit, Michigan and approached Toler to speak with her.  Officers subsequently seized marijuana and an oxymorphone tablet Toler had in possession and Toler was placed under arrest.  After Toler was transported to the Western Regional Jail, a correctional officer seized an additional 58 oxymorphone tablets Toler had concealed in her pants.  Toler admitted that she intended to provide some of the tablets to another individual for distribution. 

Toler faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on July 19, 2018.

Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is responsible for the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.

 

Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart 

 
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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Columbus man who was caught selling heroin in Huntington in 2016, was sentenced today to 21 months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Traemone Khalil Miller, 22, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin and fentanyl in federal court in Huntington.  United States Attorney Stuart praised the excellent investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 

“This is just the latest example of an out-of-state drug thug bringing deadly drugs and violence to Huntington,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “Enough is enough.  I’ve recently announced “Project Huntington,” which is bringing all the federal, state and local law enforcement resources we can muster to lock up every drug dealer we can find.” 

On July 27, 2016, a confidential informant arranged to purchase heroin from Miller at the Marcum Terrace apartment complex in Huntington. The informant, accompanied by an undercover agent, traveled to that area where the informant met with Miller and others in an apartment. Miller then distributed what he represented to be heroin to the informant. A forensic chemist later analyzed the substance and confirmed it to be heroin mixed with fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid which is anywhere from 25 to 50 times more potent that heroin. 

As part of his plea, Miller also admitted that he arranged an additional drug deal with the informant involving heroin mixed with fentanyl on August 3, 2016, and further helped facilitate the informant’s purchase of a firearm on August 25, 2016.

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

This case was prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District. This case was also brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.

 

Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart 

 
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BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – A third man pled guilty today in federal court for his roles in a scheme to commit insurance fraud by arson, announced United States Attorney Michael B. Stuart.  James Keith Browning, age 54, of Hanover, Wyoming County, pled guilty to a charge of arson to commit wire fraud before Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber.   United States Attorney Mike Stuart commended the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, the West Virginia State Police and the West Virginia Office of the Insurance Commissioner for their joint participation in the investigation. 

“Insurance fraud and arson are serious crimes,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.   “Arson risks property and lives and insurance fraud defrauds all of us.  We will prosecute those crimes every chance we get.”

In the spring of 2013, Browning, Dudley Bledsoe and James “Punkin” Lester devised a scheme to purchase a house, place it in Browning’s name, obtain insurance on it and burn it to collect the proceeds. The property was located at 9068 Interstate Highway in Ikes Fork, West Virginia.  Sometime during the week of August 12-16, 2013, Lester, Bledsoe and Browning manufactured an alibi they could use for when the house was burned. Sometime after the creation of the plan for the alibi, Bledsoe and Browning went to the house in Bledsoe’s vehicle to prepare the house to be burned.  The house burned on August 16, 2013, while Browning and Lester were at the West Virginia State Fair.  Browning then filed a fraudulent claim with the insurance company for the loss of the house and for items purportedly contained in the house. Ultimately, Browning received $100,000 from the insurance company for the false claim. Browning then divided the proceeds with Bledsoe and Lester.  Browning faces 10 years imprisonment when he is sentenced on July 25, 2018.

Bledsoe, age 63, of Hanover, West Virginia, pled guilty on March 14 to related charges and is awaiting sentencing. Ricky Gleason, 54, of Peach Creek, West Virginia, also pled guilty on March 14 to related charges involving a similar scheme connected to a house in Huntington, West Virginia. The sentencing hearings for Bledsoe and Gleason is scheduled for May 30, 2018.

Windel Lester, James Edward Lester, also known as “Punkin,” Georgetta Kenney, and Greg A. Lester are currently facing charges in a 40 count indictment for their respective roles in the scheme.  Their trial is set for May 8, 2018, in Bluefield.

Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart 

 
 
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BLUEFIELD, W.Va. -- Two men pled guilty today for their roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Derrick Lamar Staples, 41, of Charleston, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute or possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, more than 280 grams of cocaine base, and more than one kilogram of heroin.  Shaun L. Givens, 40, of Beckley, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine.  Staples and Givens are two of 23 defendants indicted in June 2017 after a comprehensive investigation of drug trafficking in Southern West Virginia.   U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the cooperative investigative efforts of several agencies, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Beckley Police Department, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, the West Virginia State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the United States Postal Inspection Service also provided assistance throughout the investigation. 

“This investigation dismantled an entire drug trafficking organization responsible for peddling a smorgasbord of dangerous drugs,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “Staples and Givens will soon be joining their fellow drug thugs in federal prison,” continued Stuart. “I want to commend my team and our principal partners including the FBI and Raleigh County Task Force as well as other critical partners who assisted throughout this effort.  Their efforts saved lives and our streets are safer today as a result of their efforts.”

Derrick Staples, admitted that between August 2016 and June 28, 2017, he took part in a drug trafficking conspiracy in Raleigh County with multiple participants involving the distribution of cocaine and heroin.  Staples admitted to working with James Rodney Staples, Dominic Copney and others to distribute the controlled substances.  Staples admitted that other members of the drug trafficking organization would come to his residence in Charleston to pick up materials used to “cut” or prepare heroin for distribution.  He also admitted that on June 28, 2017, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at his residence in Kanawha County.  During the search, agents found 706.99 grams of a mixture containing heroin and fentanyl, 34.4 grams of cocaine, a kilo press used to prepare drugs for distribution and two firearms.  Staples admitted it was his intent to distribute the controlled substances found during the search.  Law enforcement officers also seized over $70,000 in cash, jewelry, a car, and real estate that Staples admitted were drug proceeds or purchased with drug proceeds.  As part of the plea agreement Staples has agreed to the forfeiture of these items.   

Shaun Givens admitted that between August 2016 and June 28, 2017, he too participated in a drug trafficking organization that distributed cocaine and heroin in and around Raleigh County.  Givens admitted that during this time period, he received in excess of 500 grams of cocaine from other members of the drug trafficking organization that he distributed in the Southern District of West Virginia.  Givens also admitted that on June 28, 2017, police officers executed a search warrant at his residence in Beckley.  During the execution of the search warrant, officers found over seven grams of a mixture containing heroin and fentanyl, a small amount of cocaine base, seven firearms, and $1,127 in cash that defendant admitted were the proceeds of his illegal drug trafficking.    

Staples faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on July 24, 2018.  Givens faces at least five years and up to 40 years in federal prison when they are sentenced on July 25, 2018.

Several individuals implicated as a result of this investigation have entered guilty pleas to drug charges and are awaiting sentencing. Two defendants, Cheyenne Fragale and Macon Fragale, brothers from Boomer in Fayette County, have been sentenced by United States District Judge Irene Berger. Cheyenne Fragale received a sentence of 12 years in federal prison while Macon Fragale will serve 16 years and 8 months.  Velarian Carter, of Beckley, faces a mandatory minimum of not less than 20 years and up to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 17, 2018. Dominic Copney, of Beckley, faces a mandatory minimum of five and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 17, 2018. Detria Carter, of Beckley, faces a mandatory minimum sentence of not less than five and up to 40 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on April 24, 2018. Donald Scalise, of Montgomery, faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 25, 2018. Tiffany Ramsey, of Boomer, faces at least five years and up to 40 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on May 2, 2018. Shawn Akiem Anderson, of Mt. Hope, faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 29, 2018.   Rory White, of Montgomery, faces at least five years and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on June 6, 2018. 

Karl Funderburk, of Teays Valley, who previously pled guilty to a gun charge, faces at least 5 years and up to life in federal prison for using and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime when he is sentenced on May 29, 2018.

Shaun Jones has entered a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin.  Jonathan Moore has entered a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine. Each faces at least five years and up to 40 years in federal prison when they are sentenced on May 29, 2018. 

Corey Larkin previously entered a plea to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine and more than 100 grams of heroin.  He also faces at least five years and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on June 5, 2018. 

Esau Burnette, of Beckley, has entered a plea to conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute more than 28 grams of cocaine base and a quantity of cocaine.  He faces at least five years and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 30, 2018.  James Rodney Staples, of Woodbridge, Virginia, faces at least 10 years in federal prison and up to life when he is sentenced on May 30, 2018 after entering a plea to conspiracy to distribute or possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, more than 280 grams of cocaine base, and more than one kilogram of heroin.

George E. Brockman, II, of Montgomery, entered a plea to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin, a quantity of cocaine, and a quantity of oxycodone.  Charles Hill, aka “Unc,” of Beckley, entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 28 grams of cocaine base, and a quantity of cocaine.  They both face at least five years and up to 40 years in federal prison when they are sentenced on June 5, 2018.

Jonathan O. Brockman of Kimberly, Fayette County, previously entered a plea to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin, a quantity of fentanyl, a quantity of oxycodone, and a quantity of marijuana for remuneration.  David Shaun Coleman of Fayette County entered his plea to conspiracy to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin and a quantity of oxycodone.  Rashaun Carter, aka “Show,” of Raleigh County, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 28 grams of cocaine base, more than 100 grams of heroin, and a quantity of cocaine, and a quantity of fentanyl.  Each of these defendants face at least five years and up to 40 years in federal prison when they are sentenced on July 24, 2018.

Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of these prosecutions. The Staples and Givens plea hearings were held before Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber.

These cases are being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.

 

Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart 

 
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