Southern District of West Virginia

BECKLEY, W.Va. – Michael Bailey, 37, of Beckley, pleaded guilty today to distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 22, 2024, Bailey sold approximately 57 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in Beckley.

Bailey is scheduled to be sentenced on March 27, 2026, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5 million.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, which consists of officers from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office, and the Beckley Police Department.

United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Brian D. Parsons is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:25-cr-66.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Douglas Lee Brown, also known as “Wiggles,” 56, of Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced on November 17, 2025, to one year and six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 18, 2024, law enforcement officers arrested Brown on domestic battery and wanton endangerment warrants in Huntington and found he possessed a loaded Taurus model G2C 9mm pistol in his waistband. Officers determined the firearm was reported stolen.

Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Brown knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction for burglary in Franklin County, Ohio, Common Pleas Court on November 15, 2012.

Brown has a long criminal history and was on a term of supervision as a result of the burglary conviction at the time of the current offense.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Huntington Police Department, and the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force.

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

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

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-168.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Konnor Wolfe Lyons, 35, of Huntington, pleaded on November 17, 2025, to receipt or attempted receipt of child pornography.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 24, 2023, Lyons utilized a peer-to-peer file sharing computer network to download 464 digital media files containing child pornography. As part of his guilty plea, Lyons admitted that he knowingly downloaded the files via an internet connection and knew they depicted minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct including sadistic and masochistic abuse.

Lyons also admitted to additional criminal conduct. On September 2, 2024, Lyons utilized a peer-to-peer file-sharing computer network to download six digital media files containing child pornography. Lyons admitted that the files depicted minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and he downloaded them using an internet connection.

On November 4, 2025, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Lyons’ residence and seized his cell phone. A forensic extraction of the cell phone revealed 1,546 images of child pornography that Lyons had downloaded from the internet.

Lyons is scheduled to be sentenced on March 2, 2026, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Lyons must also register as a sex offender.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Parkersburg Police Department.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Lesley C. Shamblin is prosecuting the case.

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

This case is also the result of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-76.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Jesse Marks, 65, of Rush, Kentucky, was sentenced on Thursday, November 13, 2025, to five years of federal probation, including one year and six months on home detention, and ordered to pay $3,448,571.85 in restitution for conspiracy to commit mail fraud. Marks admitted that he conspired with Michael David Barker to overbill the Boone County Schools system while Barker was its maintenance director during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Marks was the sole owner and operator of Rush Enterprises when Barker contacted him in November 2019 about Rush Enterprises selling custodial and janitorial supplies to Boone County Schools. Marks agreed to supply Boone County Schools with hand soap, trash can liners, facemasks, face shields, and hand sanitizer among other items.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, schools received additional government funds to ensure that students and staff could attend in-person learning in a safe and clean environment. Marks admitted that he and Barker entered into the overbilling scheme around March 2020. From that time until on or about December 2023, Barker submitted fraudulent invoices to Boone County Schools on behalf of Rush Enterprises that significantly inflated the number of products it was delivering to Boone County Schools. The Boone County Board of Education relied on the fraudulent invoices to issue checks to Rush Enterprises using the United States Postal Service.

Marks estimated that approximately 80 percent of the total payments received by Rush enterprises from Boone County Schools, or $3,448,571.85, was for products never delivered. Marks admitted that he gave Barker at least half of the fraudulent profits from the overbilling scheme after deducting the cost of the products actually delivered to Boone County Schools. Marks deposited the mailed checks from Boone County Schools into the business bank account for Rush Enterprises, wrote himself checks on that account that he cashed at various banks, and personally delivered cash to Barker in manila envelopes.

Barker, 48, of Foster, was sentenced on November 10, 2025, to two years and nine months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $3,448,571.85 in restitution for conspiracy to commit mail fraud. Barker pleaded guilty on April 7, 2025, admitting that he conducted the scheme while employed as the Boone County Schools maintenance director.

“Justice prevailed due to the tremendous teamwork of our federal and state law enforcement agencies,” United States Attorney Moore Capito said. “These two defendants enriched themselves by stealing millions of dollars from a public school system in our southern coalfields during a national emergency. They stole hope from the children of Boone County and did so at the expense of taxpayers throughout West Virginia and our country. This is no longer a negotiable vice in West Virginia – it is a crime we will prosecute without mercy.”

Capito commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), the West Virginia State Police, and the West Virginia State Auditor’s Office (WVSAO) Public Integrity and Fraud Unit (PIFU), and the assistance provided by the West Virginia Department of Education.

United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Gabriel Price prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-6.

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – Daviontae Lately, also known as “Dave,” 32, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today to three years and four months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distribution of fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 7, 2023, Lately sold a quantity of fentanyl to a confidential informant at a Beckley residence where Lately was staying. As part of his guilty plea, Lately admitted to the transaction. Lately further admitted to selling a quantity of fentanyl to the same confidential informant on September 8, 2023.

On September 12, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the Beckley residence where Lately was staying and seized additional quantities of fentanyl, a quantity of cocaine base, also known as “crack,” and approximately $9,360, including $1,400 from the controlled buys involving the confidential informant. Lately admitted that he intended to distribute the seized fentanyl and crack, and that the seized cash represented proceeds of drug trafficking activity.

Lately has a criminal history that includes prior convictions for assaulting, resisting or obstructing a police officer, armed robbery, and a weapons offense.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, which consists of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office, and the Beckley Police Department.

Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-cr-174.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Moore Capito is now the chief law enforcement officer for the Southern District of West Virginia. President Donald J. Trump nominated Capito on June 30, 2025, and the United States Senate confirmed his nomination on October 7, 2025. Capito was sworn in by the Honorable Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk in a private ceremony on Friday, October 10, 2025.

“I am grateful to President Trump and the United States Senate for the opportunity to serve as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia,” Capito said. “President Trump is a consequential leader whose bold initiatives are reshaping the course of our nation. His unwavering commitment to restoring law and order, securing our communities, and reasserting America’s strength at home and abroad marks a pivotal moment in our history. Like so many West Virginians, I share President Trump’s commitment to law and order. Last week, I took an oath to lead this talented office. I have devoted my days since to ensuring that I understand our district’s pulse. I can now say with confidence, together with our dedicated law enforcement partners, we will protect our communities with strength and strive every day to make West Virginia the safest place to live, work, and raise a family.”

The United States Attorney’s Office oversees the prosecution of federal criminal offenses and the litigation of civil matters in which the United States has a legal interest in the 23 counties within the Southern District of West Virginia. As United States Attorney, Capito leads a staff of 37 attorneys and 40 non-attorney personnel located in offices in Charleston, Huntington, and Beckley. 

Capito has substantial experience in corporate and energy law, including all phases of complex corporate, commercial, and real estate transactions. Prior to taking office, Capito practiced law with the Babst Calland law firm. Capito represented publicly traded and privately held clients in corporate mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures as well as business structuring, governance, commercial contracts, and real estate transactions. Capito also advised and counseled companies in navigating the complex legal landscape of emerging technologies, including data center development.

Capito previously served in the West Virginia Legislature, where he was elected to four terms in the House of Delegates representing the 35th District in Kanawha County. As a legislator, Capito served as Chairman of the House Committee on the Judiciary among other committee assignments and leadership positions.

Capito earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at Duke University and his law degree from Washington and Lee University.

As a lifelong West Virginian, Capito and his wife Liberty are proud to raise their family in the Mountain State.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – After five days of trial, a federal jury convicted Tiwan Robert Bailey, also known as “Quick,” 49, and Carrie Roy, also known as “Carrie Ash,” 52, both of Charleston, on Monday, September 29, 2025, for their roles in a sex trafficking conspiracy that operated in the Charleston and Rand areas of Kanawha County.

Evidence at trial showed that between November 2023 and July 2024, Bailey trafficked four different female victims, including a 17-year-old girl, requiring each to engage in commercial sex acts and provide all they money they received to him. Bailey also obstructed the federal investigation of the sex trafficking conspiracy by seeking to interfere with any potential cooperation and testimony by the minor female victim. Bailey coerced his adult victims through threats and violence, including by sending them threatening voice messages through Facebook Messenger and physically beating and sexual assaulting them. Bailey supplied drugs to the victims who suffered from substance use disorders and withheld drugs from them as punishment.

Roy aided and abetted Bailey and conspired with him and others in the trafficking of the minor female. Roy also transported the three adult victims to and from meetings for commercial sex acts and collected money from these acts for Bailey.

Bailey became a fugitive after a warrant for his arrest was issued in the case on July 23, 2024. The United States Marshals Service (USMS) captured Bailey on January 17, 2025, in Lexington, Kentucky.

The jury found Bailey and Roy guilty of one count each of sex trafficking of a minor and conspiring to commit sex trafficking of a minor. The jury also found Bailey guilty of three counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and one count of obstruction of justice.

Bailey and Roy are scheduled to be sentenced on February 9, 2026. Bailey faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to life in prison. Roy faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison.

“Bailey was particularly brutal in his mistreatment of the victims of this case, subjecting them to violent threats and assaults. Sex trafficking is a depraved crime of exploitation, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia is committed to delivering justice for the victims of sex trafficking,” said Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston. “I commend the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Charleston Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office for their investigative work in this case, and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) and the West Virginia Fusion Center for the assistance they provided. I also commend Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Rada Herrald and Jennifer D. Gordon and our trial team for securing guilty verdicts on all counts against Bailey and Roy.”

United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the jury trial.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-118.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – James Robert McKinney, 40, of Charleston, pleaded guilty on Friday, September 26, 2025, to failure to register as a sex offender, as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), after traveling from West Virginia to New York and Florida.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 28, 2025, McKinney left West Virginia without notifying authorities as required. As part of his guilty plea, McKinney admitted that he traveled by bus from West Virginia to New York and by bus from New York to Tampa, Florida. McKinney further admitted that he planned to remain in Florida until late May 2025, and made no attempt to notify relevant authorities of his presence in Florida. On April 22, 2025, law enforcement officers encountered McKinney trespassing on the property of a St. Petersburg, Florida, church. McKinney lied to the officers about his identity. While arresting McKinney for trespassing, officers found his West Virginia identification card bearing his true identity.

McKinney knew he was required to comply with the provisions of SORNA because of his conviction on three counts of third-degree sexual assault in Doddridge County Circuit Court on September 4, 2012. At the time of his current offense, McKinney was on supervised release after pleading guilty to failing to update his sex offender registration as required by the SORNA in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on March 16, 2022. McKinley also has two prior convictions in West Virginia for failing to comply with West Virginia sex offender registration requirements.

McKinney is scheduled to be sentenced on January 5, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the United States Marshals Service (USMS).

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

SORNA is part of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 and provides a comprehensive set of minimum standards for sex offender registration and notification in the United States. SORNA seeks to strengthen the nationwide network of sex offender registration and notification programs, in part by requiring registered sex offenders to register and keep their registration current in each jurisdiction in which they reside, work, or go to school.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-130.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Theodore Miller, 35, of South Charleston, was sentenced today to seven years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $398,533.52 in restitution for two counts of wire fraud. Miller defrauded more than 180 individuals through two real estate investment schemes.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Miller conceived and perpetrated the fraudulent schemes between the spring of 2022 and September 2024.  Miller solicited investors on social media, where he portrayed himself as the “Wolf of West Virginia,” a wealthy, successful and knowledgeable real estate mogul with enough disposable income to travel the world at his leisure. As part of his guilty pleas, Miller admitted that in reality he had poor credit, thin month-to-month financial margins, was delinquent on property taxes and bills, and defaulted on loans.

One of Miller’s schemes solicited direct investments to develop properties on Bigley Avenue in Charleston. Miller falsely told these investors they would receive a percentage return once the development projects were completed plus a share of the resulting rental income. Miller’s other scheme offered a pooled real estate investment vehicle he called “Bear Lute.” Miller falsely told Bear Lute investors they could expect consistent returns of at least 6 percent, track their investments on a website, and withdraw their money within 60 days.

Miller obtained a total of $95,000 from the direct investment scheme and approximately $303,950 through Bear Lute. As part of his guilty pleas, Miller admitted that his victims included an individual who wired him $20,000 from California for one of the Bigley Avenue projects on July 5, 2022, and an individual who wired him $2,500 from Texas for Bear Lute on December 12, 2022.

Miller’s mother, Deanna Drumm, handled day-to-day tasks of Miller’s business operations, including the management of finances and transfer of funds, while Miller lived outside the United States from about June 2021 to about August 8, 2024. Both the direct investments and the Bear Lute investments were securities as defined by federal law and were required to be registered. No registration statement was in effect for either of these securities, and neither was exempt from the registration requirement. Drumm, 61, of Charleston, pleaded guilty on November 21, 2024, to aiding and abetting the sale and offer of unregistered securities and is scheduled to be sentenced on October 9, 2025.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the West Virginia Fusion Center, the West Virginia Securities Commission, and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks and former Assistant United States Attorney Holly Wilson prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 2:24-cr-145.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Aaron Lee Mitter, 39, of Parkersburg, was sentenced today to five years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for distribution of a quantity of methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 11, 2024, Mitter sold approximately 24.52 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in exchange for $280. As part of his guilty plea, Mitter admitted to the transaction. Mitter further admitted to selling an unregistered privately made firearm, commonly known as a “ghost gun,” and a magazine capable of holding 45 rounds of ammunition that day for $400.

On July 17, 2024, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a Parkersburg apartment where Mitter was staying at the time. Officers seized approximately 45.67 grams of methamphetamine in the apartment during the search. Mitter admitted that he intended to use some of the seized methamphetamine and distribute the rest.

Mitter has a criminal history that includes prior convictions for domestic battery, breaking and entering, burglary, and theft.

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

United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney JC MacCallum prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-182.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Aaron Dequawn Hardy, also known as “Detroit J” and “John,” 29, of Pontiac, Michigan, pleaded guilty today to attempted possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 10, 2023, law enforcement officers conducted a controlled delivery of a package to its mailing address in Huntington. Officers found the package had contained 2.2 kilograms of methamphetamine and removed the methamphetamine before the controlled delivery. Officers arrested Hardy when he showed up at the mailing address to retrieve the package.

Hardy is scheduled to be sentenced on January 20, 2026, and faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10 million.

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

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney L. Finney is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-49.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Mikayla Lanay Johnson, 27, of Huntington, was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, for distribution of fentanyl and cocaine base, also known as “crack.”

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 11, 2024, Johnson sold approximately 4 grams of crack and 4.5 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant. Johnson admitted to the transaction, to arranging it beforehand, and to conducting it at her Huntington residence.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cabell County Sheriff’s Office.

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

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-150.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Kristopher D. Osborne, 47, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 27, 2025, a law enforcement officer encountered Osborne riding a bicycle in the area of Third Street in Huntington. As part of his guilty plea, Osborne admitted that he tried to flee when the officer attempted to make contact with him and wrecked the bicycle. Osborne further admitted that he told officers who approached him after the wreck that he had a firearm and that he was a felon. Officers seized a loaded Hi-Point model C9 9mm pistol from Osborne’s waistband.

Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Osborne knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for grand larceny, attempted possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, breaking and entering, and conspiracy to commit a felony in Raleigh County Circuit Court on August 30, 2022.

Osborne is scheduled to be sentenced on January 20, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.

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

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Lesley C. Shamblin is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-43.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Jack Paskin, 35, of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, was sentenced on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, to nine months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for money laundering. Paskin participated in the laundering of approximately $337,000 in proceeds from the illegal sale of controlled substances.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from in or about mid-summer 2019 to on or about August 31, 2020, Paskin facilitated the shipment of wholesale quantities of marijuana to Mullens, West Virginia. Paskin admitted that the shipments were directed to addresses provided by Merrick Rice, who then obtained the marijuana packages following their delivery. Paskin further admitted that he knew Rice sold the marijuana to other individuals who then distributed it within the Southern District of West Virginia.

Proceeds from Rice’s sale of the marijuana were deposited into bank accounts that Paskin individually controlled or had signatory authority over. On February 24, 2021, Paskin withdrew $30,000 in cash from one of the bank accounts he knew held proceeds from Rice’s marijuana sales. Paskin admitted that he knew that the $30,000 and the other deposited funds represented proceeds from illegal drug sales in the Southern District of West Virginia.

Rice, 45, of Mullens, and Miranda Aliff, 33, of Rock Creek, both pleaded guilty on May 7, 2024, to structuring transactions with one or more domestic financial institutions. Rice and Aliff admitted to structuring bank deposits of the illicit drug proceeds totaling $228,000 to evade currency transaction reporting requirements. On October 21, 2024, Rice was sentenced to one year and three months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and Aliff was sentenced to five years of federal probation.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-cr-122.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – David Anthony Lacy, 52, of Charleston, was sentenced today to three years and 10 months in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release, for use of a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking offense. Lacy admitted to an offense related to a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine base, also known as “crack,” in Beckley and elsewhere within the Southern District of West Virginia.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 24, 2024, Lacy called Tilford Joe Bradley Jr. to request that Bradley provide approximately 3.5 grams of cocaine base, also known as “crack,” and asked to discuss buying fentanyl from Bradley to redistribute to make more money. As part of his guilty plea, Lacy admitted to making the phone call. Lacy further admitted that he received crack from Bradley throughout the month of April 2024 and redistributed it in and around the Southern District of West Virginia.

Lacy has a criminal history that includes prior convictions for drug possession, criminal conspiracy, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Lacy and Bradley are among 12 individuals indicted on charges alleging they participated in the DTO, which operated from in or about June 2023 to in or about May 2024. All 12 defendants pleaded guilty, with Lacy and another defendant pleading guilty to separate offenses in lieu of the offenses charged in the indictment. Bradley, 47, of Beckley, was sentenced on July 10, 2025, to 12 years and seven months in prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, which consists of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, and the Beckley Police Department.

Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy D. Boggess and Brian D. Parsons and former Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell prosecuted the case.

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

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:25-cr-1.

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – Leann Marie Keyes, 42, of Beckley, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between October 2024 and January 2025, Keyes conspired with another individual sell drugs in and around the Southern District of West Virginia. As part of her guilty plea, Keyes admitted that she and her co-conspirator sold a total of 12.34 grams of fentanyl on four occasions during the time period, each time to a confidential informant. Keyes further admitted she communicated with the confidential informant about each sale beforehand and that her co-conspirator conducted the hand-to-hand sales at the Beckley residence where she and her co-conspirator lived.

Keyes is scheduled to be sentenced on January 9, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million.

Keyes’ co-conspirator and husband, Justin Scott Keyes, 36, of Beckley, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and is scheduled to be sentenced on January 9, 2026.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, which consists of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office, and the Beckley Police Department.

United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Lesley C. Shamblin is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:25-cr-73.

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – Ryan Keith Bailey, 47, of Beaver, was sentenced today to one year and two months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,134,900 in restitution for theft of government money. Bailey obtained $2,166,517.40 in loans through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act for his business and instead converted nearly all the proceeds for his personal use.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 20, 2020, Bailey applied for a $166,517.40 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan available under the CARES Act on behalf of his business, RKB Inc. Guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA), PPP loans were a source of emergency financial assistance provided by the CARES Act to Americans suffering the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Bailey certified that he would use the PPP loan proceeds only for permissible expenses, specifically to maintain payroll and cover mortgage interest, lease, and utility costs. Bailey’s PPP loan application was approved and $166,517.40 was deposited into the RKB Inc. business checking account on May 1, 2020.

Between May 1 and May 19, 2020, Bailey transferred $160,000 of the PP loan proceeds to his personal bank accounts and a personal brokerage account, using those proceeds for his personal benefit. As part of his guilty plea, Bailey admitted that his certification was false and that only $6,517.00 of the PPP loan proceeds were spent for RKB Inc.’s legitimate business expenses.

Loan forgiveness was allowed under the PPP program when proceeds went solely to eligible purposes. On November 30, 2020, Bailey falsely certified that the PPP loan proceeds were used only on permissible expenses when he applied to have RKB Inc.’s loan forgiven. The SBA ultimately forgave $157,456.50 of the $166,517.40 PPP loan for RKB Inc.

Bailey also admitted to relevant criminal conduct as part of his guilty plea. Bailey obtained an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) for RKB Inc. from the SBA on January 6, 2021, and later successfully applied several times to increase its amount from $150,000 to the maximum allowable amount of $2,000,000. The CARES Act authorized the SBA to provide EIDL program loans of up to $2 million to eligible small businesses experiencing substantial financial disruption because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Bailey admitted that he transferred over $1,974,900 of the EIDL proceeds to his personal bank accounts, his personal brokerage account, and a cryptocurrency exchange platform for his own personal benefit.

Bailey paid $192,000 of the court-ordered restitution in advance of today’s sentencing. The United States has also frozen assets of Bailey totaling $1,348,249.81.

“This defendant stole more than $2.1 million in taxpayer funds for his own personal benefit. Today’s sentence shows that this office will use all available means to bring those who commit such crimes to justice and recover their fraudulent gains,” said Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston. “Prosecuting these schemes protects the contributions of hard-working Americans, preserves confidence in government relief programs, and ensures that aid from those programs reaches those who truly need it. I commend the excellent investigative work of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Office of Inspector General (NASA OIG), the United States Secret Service, the West Virginia State Police-Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI), the West Virginia State Auditor’s Office (WVSAO) Public Integrity and Fraud Unit (PIFU), and since-retired Litigation Financial Analyst Steve Rowley from this office.”

NASA OIG is an active member of the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) Fraud Task Force. The PRAC was established to promote transparency and facilitate coordinated oversight of the federal government’s COVID-19 pandemic response. The PRAC’s 20 member Inspectors General identify major risks that cross program and agency boundaries to detect fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the more than $5 trillion in COVID-19 spending, including spending via the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. This case was also supported by the PRAC’s Pandemic Analytics Center of Excellence, which applies the latest advances in analytic and forensic technologies to help OIGs and law enforcement pursue data-driven pandemic relief fraud investigations.

Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes prosecuted the case with assistance from Asset Forfeiture Assistant United States Attorney Justin Marlowe.

Bailey’s brother, Ross Jay Bailey, 50, of Cool Ridge, pleaded guilty on June 2, 2025, to theft of government money. Ross Jay Bailey obtained a $2 million loan through the CARES Act for his business and instead converted at least $1.4 million of the proceeds for his personal enrichment. Ross Jay Bailey is scheduled to be sentenced on December 12, 2025.

Mark William Bailey, 53, of Beckley and a cousin of Ross Jay Bailey and Ryan Keith Bailey, pleaded guilty on September 8, 2023, to theft of government monies, admitting he stole approximately $451,237.51 in SBA loans he obtained through the CARES Act. On October 25, 2024, Mark William Bailey was sentenced to five years of federal probation, including one year on home detention, and paid $451,237.51 in restitution and an additional $451,237.98 as a civil penalty to settle False Claims Act allegations.

Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 5:24-cr-106.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Jeremiah Telmon-Isaiah Hand, also known as “Joey,” 29, of Inkster, Michigan, pleaded guilty today to distribution of methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 17, 2024, Hand sold approximately 29 grams of methamphetamine in exchange for $180 to a confidential informant near Ritter Park in Huntington. As part of his guilty plea, Hand admitted to conducting the transaction, to arranging it beforehand, and that co-defendant Madison Grant Sergent was with him during the transaction.

Hand also admitted to additional criminal conduct as part of his guilty plea. On July 22, 2024, a law enforcement officer conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Hand in Huntington. Hand admitted that he was driving the vehicle, that he possessed $1,465 in proceeds from distributing methamphetamine, and that co-defendant Rakai Travall Hawkins was a passenger in the vehicle.

Hand is scheduled to be sentenced on December 15, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million.

Hawkins, also known as “G,” 31, of Detroit, Michigan, pleaded guilty on July 29, 2025, to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 3, 2025. The indictment against Sergent, 26, of Huntington, remains pending. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney L. Finney is prosecuting the case.

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

This case is also part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-51.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Derrick Deshawn Bailey, 44, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 29, 2025, Bailey sold approximately 120 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in Huntington.

Bailey is scheduled to be sentenced on January 12, 2026, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million.

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

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney L. Finney is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-124.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Darrelle Davon Boynton, also known as “D,” 40, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to distribution of methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 23, 2025, Boynton sold approximately 56 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in a Huntington parking lot. As part of his guilty plea, Boynton admitted to conducting the transaction and to arranging it beforehand.

Boynton also admitted to additional criminal conduct as part of his guilty plea. Boynton admitted that he sold approximately 57 grams of methamphetamine on April 29, 2025, and approximately 8.32 grams of heroin and fentanyl on May 8, 2025, each time to a confidential informant in Huntington.

Boynton is scheduled to be sentenced on January 12, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million.

At the time of this offense, Boynton was on supervised release after pleading guilty to distribution of heroin and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on August 24, 2020.

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

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor is prosecuting the case.

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

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-126.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Joshua Steven Hicks, 43, of Charleston, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 25, 2024, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Hicks in Hurricane. Hicks admitted that he possessed a Taurus model 709 Slim 9mm pistol that was seized during the traffic stop.

Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Hicks knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of counterfeit obligations of the United States, both in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on November 29, 2018.

Hicks is scheduled to be sentenced on January 20, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.

At the time of his current offense, Hicks was on supervised release for his November 29, 2018, convictions. On September 12, 2024, Hicks was sentenced to one year in prison for violating the terms of his supervised release.

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

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney D. Keith Randolph is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-54.

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – Justin Scott Keyes, 36, of Beckley, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between October 2024 and January 2025, Keyes conspired with another individual sell drugs in and around the Southern District of West Virginia. As part of his guilty plea, Keyes admitted that he and his co-conspirator sold a total of 12.34 grams of fentanyl on four occasions during the time period, each time to a confidential informant. Keyes further admitted that he conducted the hand-to-hand sales at the Beckley residence where he lived with his co-conspirator, and that his co-conspirator communicated with the confidential informant about each sale beforehand.

On January 29, 2025, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Keyes’ residence and seized a Ruger model EC9s 9mm pistol and a Taurus model G3c 9mm pistol. Keyes admitted that the seized firearms belonged to him and that he had traded drugs for them.

Keyes is scheduled to be sentenced on January 9, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, which consists of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office, and the Beckley Police Department.

United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Lesley C. Shamblin is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:25-cr-73.

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BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Bernabe Montalvo Salas, 24, a Mexican citizen living illegally in Charleston, pleaded guilty on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, to reentry of a removed alien and was sentenced to time served. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has an immigration detainer on Salas and he will be transferred to ICE administrative custody for removal proceedings.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 28, 2025, law enforcement officers encountered Salas in the South Charleston area. ICE agents confirmed that Salas was a citizen of Mexico in the United States illegally and that he had previously been deported from the United States. Salas had no identification documents permitting him legal status in the United States.

Salas was removed from the United States to Mexico on or about March 4, 2019, after being found at or near Roma, Texas, on March 1, 2019. Salas never obtained the express consent of the Secretary of U.S. Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States for either of the prior removals, nor did he seek to reenter the United States through other legal means.

ICE agents encountered two brothers of Salas living illegally in Charleston. Maximino Montalvo Salas, 20, was deported after pleading guilty on July 24, 2025, to the felony offense of knowingly possessing a fraudulent Permanent Resident Card (“Green Card”). Federico Montalvo Salas, 22, pleaded guilty on July 1, 2025, to reentry of a removed alien and is scheduled to be sentenced on October 23, 2025. ICE has an immigration detainer on Federico Montalvo Salas so he will be transferred to ICE administrative custody for removal proceedings at the conclusion of any sentence.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO), and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing and imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage prosecuted the case, as part of a special unit within the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia focused on the immigration enforcement objectives of Operation Take Back America.

Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-81.

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – Ryan H. Guerrant, 34, of Beckley, was sentenced today to three years and 10 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 26, 2023, Guerrant possessed a Bersa model BP9CC 9mm at a Beckley residence.

Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Guerrant knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for first-degree robbery, conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery and escape in Raleigh County Circuit Court on January 15, 2010, for possession of a firearm by a prohibited carrier in Raleigh County Circuit Court on June 13, 2013, and for being a felon in possession of a firearm in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on October 25, 2017.

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

Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Brian D. Parsons prosecuted the case.

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

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-cr-93.

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – Anthony Broadnax, 61, of Beckley, was sentenced today to one year and six months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for failure to register as a sex offender, as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), after moving from Virginia to West Virginia.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from in or about May 2021 through on or about July 26, 2021, Broadnax resided in Beckley, West Virginia, after relocating from Virginia. Broadnax failed to register in West Virginia or update his registration in Virginia as required by SORNA after his relocation. Broadnax is required to register as a sex offender and comply with SORNA because of his convictions for aggravated sexual battery on August 25, 1990, and rape on February 7, 1991, both in Prince William County, Virginia.

Broadnax has a criminal history that also includes a prior conviction for failure to register as a sex offender.

SORNA is part of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 and provides a comprehensive set of minimum standards for sex offender registration and notification in the United States. SORNA seeks to strengthen the nationwide network of sex offender registration and notification programs, in part by requiring registered sex offenders to register and keep their registration current in each jurisdiction in which they reside, work, or go to school.

“It is vitally important that sex offenders are tracked and communities are kept aware through the enforcement of these registration and notification requirements,” said Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston. “Prosecuting SORNA violators is a top priority of this office and would not be possible without the outstanding investigative work of the United States Marshals Service (USMS) and its coordination with other law enforcement agencies in these cases.”

Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:21-cr-226.

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BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Richard Charles Cart, 42, of Poca, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 28, 2025, Cart sold a Ruger model LCP .380-caliber pistol at a pawn shop in Charleston. Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Cart knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for grand larceny in Kanawha Circuit Court on May 23, 2022, and for possession of methamphetamine in Jackson County, Georgia, Superior Court on August 8, 2019.

Cart is scheduled to be sentenced on January 13, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

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

Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney JC MacCallum is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-108.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Wayne Robert Rummel, 40, of Crown City, Ohio, pleaded guilty today to falsifying recorded information relating to the property or financial affairs of a debtor in bankruptcy.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 5, 2023, Rummel filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. While the bankruptcy case was still pending, Rummel sought to obtain financing to purchase a 2022 Nissan Altima for $24,758.50. Rommel knew he needed the permission of the Bankruptcy Court or the United States Trustee, who oversees the administration of bankruptcy cases in the Southern District of West Virginia, to obtain a post-bankruptcy petition loan.

On February 26, 2025, Rummel emailed the lender a fake order from the Bankruptcy Court, which purported to provide approval for him to finance the vehicle purchase through the lender. As part of his guilty plea, Rommel admitted that he knew the Bankruptcy Court order was fake because he created it, and that neither the Court nor the United States Trustee had given him permission to obtain a loan with his bankruptcy case still pending.

Rummel is scheduled to be sentenced on January 5, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.

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

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-138.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – John Ladelle Puryear, 49, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, and cocaine base, also known as “crack.”

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 16, 2025, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Puryear’s apartment in Huntington and seized approximately 299 grams of cocaine, 10 grams of fentanyl and 8 grams of crack, a Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm pistol, a Colt MK IV Series 80 .45-caliber pistol, a Ruger LCF .380-caliber pistol, digital scales and approximately $6,487. As part of his guilty plea, Puryear, admitted that he possessed the seized controlled substances. Puryear further admitted that he possessed the seized firearms to protect the controlled substance and the proceeds from distributing them.

Puryear is scheduled to be sentenced on January 12, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million.

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

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-125.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Dyson Lamont Woody Jr., also known as “DC Sosa,” 33, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to distribution of a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 17, 2021, Woody sold approximately 27.28 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in exchange for $430. As part of his guilty plea, Woody admitted that he conducted that transaction, that he arranged it beforehand, and that it occurred in a Huntington motel room.

Woody is scheduled to be sentenced on January 5, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Cabell County Sheriff's Office, and the Huntington Police Department.

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

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-81.

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BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Miguel Angel Aleman-Piceno, 23, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced today to three years of federal probation for conspiracy to commit the felony crime of attempting to introduce contraband into a federal prison.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 1, 2024, Aleman-Piceno traveled on foot with co-defendant Francisco Alejandro Gonzalez to the fence surrounding Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) McDowell. Aleman-Piceno and Gonzalez possessed a backpack and a duffle bag containing a drone and two camouflaged packages containing four cell phones, chargers, phone cards, marijuana, and tobacco. As part of his guilty plea, Aleman-Piceno admitted that they intended to fly the packages onto the grounds of FCI McDowell using the drone and were stopped by law enforcement as they prepared to launch the drone.

Aleman-Piceno further admitted to traveling to McDowell County, West Virginia, from Chicago with Gonzalez and co-defendant Arturo Joel Gallegos, believing that he would be paid $3,000 to deliver the packages into the prison by drone. Aleman-Piceno also admitted that he and his two co-defendants stayed an area motel where law enforcement seized marijuana, tobacco and materials used to make the camouflaged packages.

Gonzalez, 24, of Chicago, pleaded guilty on July 7, 2025, to conspiracy to commit the felony crime of attempting to introduce contraband into a federal prison and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 3, 2025. Gallegos, 26, of Chicago, pleaded guilty August 26, 2025, to conspiracy to introduce or attempt to introduce contraband into a federal prison and is scheduled to be sentenced on December 8, 2025.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), and the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office.

Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Brian D. Parsons prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-126.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Today, Quanda Kiev Wilborne, also known as “Quan” and “Queso,” 29, of Charleston, and Taylor Faith Walke, 23, of St. Albans, each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Wilborne and Walke participated in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for distributing quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine in the Charleston area between June 2024 and May 2025.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Wilborne obtained methamphetamine from co-conspirator Amanda Marie Mace and fentanyl from multiple sources and distributed both controlled substances in and around Charleston during the time period. As part of his plea agreement, Wilborne admitted that he obtained and re-distributed approximately 24 pounds of methamphetamine from Mace, also known as “A,” 42, of South Charleston.

Wilborne also admitted that on March 4, 2025, he sold a quarter pound of methamphetamine to co-conspirator Walke in exchange for $700 and that Walke had contacted him by phone beforehand seeking to purchase the methamphetamine for a third party. Law enforcement officers stopped Walke later that day and seized the methamphetamine.

Wilborne further admitted that he possessed a firearm in connection with the possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and/or fentanyl on February 29, 2024, December 9, 2024, and January 15, 2025.

Wilborne and Walke are scheduled to be sentenced on December 18, 2025, and each faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10 million.

Wilborne, Walke, and Mace are among 12 individuals indicted as the result of a federal investigation, on charges alleging they participated in the DTO.  The indictment against Mace and the remaining defendants is pending. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Two additional defendants pleaded guilty in separate cases that resulted from the investigation. Steven Jamar Alexander, also known as “Dook,” 39, of Nitro, pleaded guilty on July 28, 2025, to distribution of a quantity of fentanyl and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 10, 2025. Rafael Cee-Erwin Solomon, also known as “Rip,” 44, of Detroit, Michigan, pleaded guilty on June 30, 2025, to three counts of distribution of fentanyl and is scheduled to be sentenced on October 9, 2025.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), which is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department and the South Charleston Police Department.

United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-78.

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – Today, Rajesh N. Patel, 51, of Ronceverte, pleaded guilty to knowingly transporting an illegal alien and his wife Avanibahen Patel, 44, pleaded guilty to unlawful employment of aliens.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from November 2020 through at least September 2024, Aakash Prakash Makwana, 30, a citizen of India unlawfully residing in Ronceverte, was employed at a Fairlea business owned and operated by the Patels. Makwana assisted with the daily running of the business during the time period. As part of their guilty pleas, the Patels each admitted that they agreed to hire Makwana knowing that he was living in the United States illegally after his immigration visa expired.

Rajesh N. Patel further admitted that he drove Makwana to and from work and other locations because Makwana did not own a vehicle. Rajesh N. Patel also admitted that he did not collect or pay over to the United States government any payroll taxes from Makwana’s gross pay, and paid Makwana’s rent and supplied him with groceries during most of the time Makwana was employed at the business.

Makwana pleaded guilty on May 14, 2025, to aggravated identity theft, admitting that he committed the offense as part of a scheme to marry a United States citizen to evade U.S. immigration laws. In or around August 2021, Makwana conspired with others to marry a U.S. citizen so he could apply for Lawful Permanent Residence status, also known as obtaining a Green Card. The marriage fraud scheme was not successful. Makwana is scheduled to be sentenced on September 26, 2025.

As part of his guilty plea, Rajesh N. Patel admitted that he knew of the marriage fraud conspiracy and aided and abetted it by making cash payments to Makwana’s co-conspirators. Kalee Ann Huff, 28, of Fairbury, Illinois, admitted to marrying Makwana as part of the conspiracy and was sentenced on June 12, 2025, to five years of federal probation for marriage fraud and perjury. Huff’s brother-in-law, Joseph Sanchez, admitted to helping to arrange the fake marriage and to pressuring Huff to take part. Sanchez, 33, of Fairbury, Illinois, was sentenced to five years of federal probation on May 28, 2025, for participating in an immigration marriage fraud conspiracy.

Rajesh N. Patel is scheduled to be sentenced on January 9, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Avanibahen Patel is scheduled to be sentenced on January 5, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of six months in prison, up to one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $3,000.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over the hearings. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage is prosecuting the cases.

These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 5:25-cr-136 (Rajesh N. Patel) and 5:25-cr-137 (Avanibahen Patel).

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Tiffany Dawn Shaffer, 36, of Charleston, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 17, 2025, a law enforcement officer conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Shaffer near St. Albans. Shaffer admitted that she possessed 2 pounds of methamphetamine in the back of the vehicle during the traffic stop.

At the time of this offense, Shaffer was serving a term of supervised release after pleading guilty to distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on June 28, 2021. Shaffer has a criminal history that also includes prior convictions for conspiracy to operate a clandestine drug laboratory and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Shaffer is scheduled to be sentenced on December 15, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the St. Albans Police Department and the assistance provided by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), which is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department and the South Charleston Police Department.

United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney JC MacCallum is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-144.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Eric Jaeshon Ray, also known as “Brody,” 31, and Franklin Fitzgerald Elly, also known as “Costco,” 36, both of Detroit, Michigan, each pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from in or about May 2025 to in or about July 2025, Ray and Elly conspired together and with other individuals to distribute fentanyl in the St. Albans area of Kanawha County. On four separate occasions between May and June of 2025, Elly assisted Ray in distributing a quantity of fentanyl to a confidential informant in St. Albans as part of the conspiracy.

Ray and Elly are scheduled to be sentenced on December 15, 2025, and each faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), which is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department and the South Charleston Police Department.

United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearings. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-128.

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – Jeremy Dale Shuck, 47, of Coal City, pleaded guilty today to distribution of five grams or more of methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 16, 2024, Shuck sold approximately 13.92 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant for $200 in a service station parking lot in Beaver. Shuck admitted to the transaction as part of his guilty plea.

Shuck is scheduled to be sentenced on January 23, 2026, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5 million.

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

United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Brian D. Parsons and former Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell have prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:25-cr-41.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Semiha Nilgun Gencsoy, 71, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was sentenced today to five years of federal probation and ordered to pay $328,478.38 in restitution for possession of stolen money. Gencsoy admitted that over 15 years, she fraudulently received West Virginia public employee pension benefits totaling $328,478.38 that did not belong to her.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Gencsoy’s father was a professor of mechanical engineering at West Virginia University. When he retired in June 1985, he qualified for and began receiving West Virginia public employee pension benefits. Gencsoy’s father died in June 2007, and her mother began receiving survivor benefits from the West Virginia Consolidated Public Retirement Board (WVCPRB) as his widow. The monthly payments were directly deposited into a join bank account that Gencsoy shared with her mother.

Gencsoy’s mother died in April 2008, and Gencsoy was appointed to administer her estate. As part of her guilty plea, Gencsoy admitted that she knew her father’s benefits expired upon the death of her mother. Gencsoy further admitted that she knew she had a duty both to notify the WVCPRB of her mother’s death and to close their joint banking account, and that she did neither. Gencsoy also never disclosed the pension payments to the probate court.

From approximately May 2008 through June 2023, the joint bank account received more than 180 monthly survivor’s benefit pension payments totaling $328,478.38 through direct deposit. Gencsoy admitted that she routinely transferred the survivor benefit pension payments to a bank account she solely controlled after each direct deposit and used the money to pay for her personal expenses.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the West Virginia Consolidated Public Retirement Board (WVCPRB) and the West Virginia State Police – Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI).

United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-75.

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – Roger Lee Cousins, 50, of Beckley, pleaded guilty today to distribution of cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 8, 2024, Cousins sold approximately 14.66 grams of cocaine to a confidential informant in Beckley. As part of his guilty plea, Cousins admitted to the transaction, to also selling approximately 27.2 grams of fentanyl during the transaction, and to receiving a total of $3,140 for both controlled substances.

Cousins also admitted to additional criminal conduct. Cousins sold cocaine and fentanyl on October 21, 2024, cocaine on October 29, 2024, and fentanyl on December 6, 2024, each time to a confidential informant.

Cousins is scheduled to be sentenced on January 2, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, which consists of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office, and the Beckley Police Department.

United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Brian D. Parsons and Timothy D. Boggess and former Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell have prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:25-cr-42.

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BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Hector Luis Gomez DeJesus, 32, of Sanford, North Carolina, and Raymond Luis Saez Aviles, 37, of Poinciana, Florida, were each sentenced today to three years of probation, including two months on home detention, for aiding and abetting the introduction of contraband into a federal prison. Arturo Joel Gallegos, 26, of Chicago, Illinois, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to introduce or attempt to introduce contraband into a federal prison.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 9, 2024, correctional officers at Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) McDowell detected a drone flying over the prison facility. The flight path of the drone took it from the fence securing the prison facility to a cell in one of the housing units. Officers searched the cell and found a broken exterior window, numerous cell phones, tobacco, and marijuana within the cell. Officers traced the flight path back to the drone’s launch site, where they found and apprehended DeJesus, Aviles, and co-defendant Gamalier Rivera. Officers seized the drone, the drone’s remote controller, and contraband consistent with what was found in the cell.

Rivera, 34, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on March 27, 2025. to aiding and abetting the introduction of contraband into a federal prison. Rivera, DeJesus and Aviles each admitted that they participated in the introduction of the contraband into FCI McDowell by using the drone to transport marijuana, tobacco, and cell phones into the prison facility. All three further admitted that they expected to be paid for their participation in the contraband introduction. Rivera was sentenced on July 7, 2025, to three years of federal probation, including two months on home detention.

On February 1, 2024, Gallegos traveled to Welch, West Virginia, with two other Chicago men, co-defendants Miguel Angel Aleman-Piceno and Francisco Alejandro Gonzalez. Later that day, law enforcement officers caught Aleman-Piceno and Gonzalez with a drone and camouflaged packages containing tobacco, four cell phones, chargers, phone cards and marijuana next to the prison fence. Also that day, officers encountered Gallegos at a Welch motel where they seized packaging materials, tobacco, and marijuana.

As part of his guilty plea, Gallegos admitted that he conspired with Aleman-Piceno and Gonzalez to fly the contraband onto the grounds of FCI McDowell, and that he expected to be paid for his participation in the conspiracy.

Gallegos is scheduled to be sentenced on December 8, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,00 fine.

Aleman-Piceno, 23, pleaded guilty on June 2, 2025, and Gonzalez, 24, pleaded guilty on July 7, 2025, each to conspiracy to commit the felony crime of attempting to introduce contraband into a federal prison. Aleman-Piceno is scheduled to be sentenced on September 8, 2025, and Gonzalez is scheduled to be sentenced on November 3, 2025.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), and the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office.

Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearings and imposed the sentences. Assistant United States Attorney Brian D. Parsons prosecuted the cases.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-127 (DeJesus and Aviles) and 1:24-cr-126 (Gallegos).

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Today, Anthony Jackson, also known as “Snake,” 59, of Huntington, pleaded guilty to distribution of a quantity of fentanyl and Brian Lee Moore, also known as “Pooter,” 37, of Huntington, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the distribution of a quantity of fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 8, 2025, Jackson and Moore took part in the sale of approximately 3.28 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant located at a 10th Avenue apartment in Huntington. As part of their guilty pleas, Moore admitted that he provided the fentanyl to Jackson and Jackson admitted that he distributed it to the confidential informant.

As part of their guilty pleas, Jackson and Moore each admitted to additional criminal conduct. Jackson admitted that between January 11, 2024, and July 3, 2024, he distributed a total of 78.16 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant on eight different occasions. Moore admitted to providing a total of 67.09 grams of fentanyl for six of those transactions.

On August 6, 2024, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the 10th Avenue apartment and seized approximately 338.34 grams of a substance containing fentanyl, the fentanyl analogue fluorofentanyl, heroin, and xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer also known as “tranq.” Officers also seized approximately $1,130, a Taurus Model G2C 9mm pistol and a Springfield Model MDM pistol during the search. Jackson and Moore each admitted they were in the apartment during the search. Jackson admitted that he was at the apartment to receive fentanyl to distribute. Moore admitted that he was at the apartment to provide fentanyl for distribution and further admitted that he possessed the seized firearms and cash.

On August 9, 2025, officers executed a search warrant for a safe deposit box at a bank in Huntington and seized approximately $50,000. Moore admitted that he possessed the seized cash and that it was proceeds from drug distributions.

Jackson and Moore are scheduled to be sentenced on December 15, 2025, and each faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cabell County Sheriff’s Office.

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

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-156.

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BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Will Adrian Samuels, 48, of Jefferson, Texas, pleaded guilty today to destruction of government property.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 19, 2023, Samuels repeatedly threw objects at two glass exterior doors located at the front of the Elizabeth Kee Federal Building in Bluefield, causing more than $1,000 in damage.

Samuels is scheduled to be sentenced on December 8, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the United States Marshals Service (USMS) and the assistance provided by the Mercer County Sheriff's Office and the Wytheville, Virginia, Police Department.

Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney D. Keith Randolph is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-195.

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BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Demetrius McKinney, 45, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) McDowell, was sentenced today to one year and one month in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a weapon by an inmate at a federal prison. Today’s prison sentence will run consecutive to the term McKinney is currently serving.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 24, 2024, McKinney was involved in an altercation while an inmate at FCI McDowell. After the altercation, an FCI McDowell staff member conducted a search of McKinney and found a handcrafted weapon commonly known as a “shank” in his right front pants pocket. The shank was a piece of metal about six and a half inches long, with one end sharpened to a point and a cloth handle on the other end.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Brian D. Parsons and Timothy D. Boggess prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-31.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two Charleston men were sentenced to prison today for their roles in a Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) that distributed methamphetamine in the Charleston area. One of the defendants was also sentenced for violating supervised release.

Kirt Ray King, 48, of Charleston, was sentenced to six years and six months in prison, to be followed by eight years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine and for committing a crime while on supervised release. John Wayne Harkless, 47, of Charleston, was sentenced to eight years and one month in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine

According to court documents and statements made in court, from in or about January 2024 to in or about May 2024, King and Harkless conspired with others to participate in the DTO. Harkless sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant on nine separate occasions during the time period. Investigators were able to confirm that Harkless was obtaining his methamphetamine from King.

Investigators determined that King was responsible for approximately 11 pounds of methamphetamine and was supplying the controlled substance to several individuals including co-defendants in the DTO. At the time of this offense, King was serving a term of supervised release as a result of his December 3, 2004, convictions for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, distribution of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and money laundering. King was sentenced today to one year and six months in prison for committing a crime while on supervised release, to be served concurrently with the prison sentence of six years and six months.

Harkless has a criminal history that includes more than 23 convictions in four states. The investigation of the DTO determined that Harkless was responsible for almost 3 pounds of methamphetamine that he personally distributed.

King and Harkless are among four individuals indicted by a federal grand jury in the DTO conspiracy, and all four pleaded guilty. Anthony Michael Mowery, 49, of Parkersburg, was sentenced on April 21, 2025 to nine years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine and violating supervised release. Michael Dale Cain, 49, of Parkersburg, was sentenced on January 29, 2025, to eight years and one month in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

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

United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentences. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe prosecuted the case.

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

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-95.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marcus Allen Johnson, also known as “Mook,” 40, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to distribution of a quantity of fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Johnson sold approximately 53.76 grams of a mixture containing fentanyl to a confidential informant on January 14, 2025. The transaction occurred in the informant’s vehicle that was parked on 10th Avenue in Huntington. As part of his guilty plea, Johnson admitted to conducting the transaction and to arranging it beforehand.

Johnson is scheduled to be sentenced on December 8, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cabell County Sheriff's Office.

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

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

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-96.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Michael David Enoch, 33, of Parkersburg, was sentenced today to five years and 10 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 15, 2024, law enforcement officers encountered Enoch on a Parkersburg street and informed Enoch of an active warrant for his arrest. When Enoch reached for his waistband, officers stopped  Enoch and recovered a Taurus model PT111 G2 9mm semiautomatic pistol that had been concealed in his waistband.

Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Enoch knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for wanton endangerment involving a firearm, escape, and receiving or transferring a stolen vehicle in Wood County Circuit Court on February 25, 2019.

Enoch has a criminal history that also includes multiple convictions for battery, domestic battery, fleeing from an officer, battery on a government representative, and violation of a protective order. 

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

United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-26.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Jasmine Spencer, 32, of Charleston, was sentenced today to six months of home detention, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $15,625 in restitution for aiding and abetting bank fraud. Spencer admitted that she received $15,625 in proceeds from a criminally derived Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) loan, guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).

According to court documents and statements made in court, co-defendant Kisha Sutton conspired with Spencer and others to obtain fraudulent PPP loans. Sutton submitted a PPP loan application on Spencer’s behalf of May 27, 2021, listing Spencer as a sole proprietor hair stylist who received $75,000 in gross income in 2020. The application was filed with an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 1040, Schedule C Profit or Loss from Business, stating that Spencer had earned $75,000 in 2020. As part of her guilty plea, Spencer admitted that she never earned $75,000 as a hair stylist in one year. Sutton further admitted that the IRS Form 1040 submitted with her application was fraudulent and created solely to obtain the PPP loan.

A PPP lender in California approved Spencer’s loan application. The $15,625 in proceeds from the fraudulent loan was deposited in Spencer’s personal bank accounts on June 28, 2021. Between June 30 and July 9, 2021, Spencer transferred $3,000 of the fraudulent loan proceeds to Sutton using a digital wallet application. Spencer admitted that she spent the remainder of the fraudulent loan proceeds on personal expenses.

The CARES Act made forgivable PPP loans available to qualifying sole proprietors, independent contractors and self-employed individuals adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, to replace their normal income and for certain other expenses. Applicants were required to certify that they were in operation on February 15, 2020, and provide documentation showing their prior gross income from either 2019 or 2020.

Spencer and Sutton are among several individuals indicted by a federal grand jury on charges alleging they and others conspired, as well as aided and abetted one another, to obtain fraudulent PPP loans totaling $140,625. On July 15, 2025, Sutton was found guilty of aiding and abetting bank fraud and aiding and abetting laundering of monetary instruments by a federal jury following a two-day trial. Sutton, 44, of Jersey City, New Jersey, is scheduled to be sentenced on November 13, 2025. Powell and the three remaining co-defendants pleaded guilty.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the West Virginia State Police – Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), and the West Virginia State Auditor’s Office (WVSAO) Public Integrity and Fraud Unit (PIFU).

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan T. Storage and Jennifer D. Gordon and former Assistant United States Attorney Holly Wilson prosecuted the case.

Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-192.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Henry Rogers, 66, of Barboursville, was sentenced today to four years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 17, 2023, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Rogers on U.S. Route 19 in the Birch River area of Nicholas County. As part of his guilty plea, Rogers admitted that he possessed a controlled substance containing methamphetamine seized by officers during the traffic stop. Rogers further admitted that officers executed a search warrant of his vehicle following that seizure and found an additional quantity of methamphetamine and a .380-caliber pistol in the trunk. A total of 205.2 grams of methamphetamine was seized from the vehicle.

Rogers has a criminal history that includes a prior felony conviction for conspiring to manufacture methamphetamine.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the West Virginia State Police.

United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney D. Keith Randolph prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-80.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Ronald Robinson, 55, of Parkersburg, was sentenced today to eight years and six months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for distribution of a quantity of methamphetamine and violating supervised release.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 15, 2024, Robinson sold a quantity of a substance containing methamphetamine to an individual in Parkersburg. As part of his plea agreement, Robinson admitted to the transaction and further admitted to selling a substance containing methamphetamine on two other occasions in October 2024, each time in Parkersburg.

On October 16, 2024, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a motel room where Robinson was staying and seized approximately 40.307 grams of a substance containing methamphetamine and approximately 7.368 grams of a substance containing a mixture of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Officers also seized $501 including recorded currency from the controlled buys.

At the time of this offense, Robinson was serving terms of supervised release as a result of his convictions on July 12, 2004, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base, in the form known as crack, and on March 28, 2017, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, both in United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Today’s sentence includes four years in prison for committing a crime while on supervised release.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Parkersburg Violent Crime and Narcotics Task Force, the Police Department, and the Wood County Sheriff’s Office.

Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer D. Gordon and Francesca C. Rollo prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-11.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Adrian Demetrius Ludaway, also known as “A1,” 35, of Wayne, Michigan, pleaded guilty today to distribution of fentanyl and a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 27, 2025, Ludaway sold approximately 28.5 grams of methamphetamine and 6.79 gram of fentanyl to a confidential informant in Huntington. As part of his guilty plea, Ludaway admitted to conducting the transaction and to arranging it beforehand.

Ludaway is scheduled to be sentenced on December 1, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.

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

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor is prosecuting the case.

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

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-103.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – After two days of trial, a federal jury convicted Antonio Shelby Jr., 32, of Detroit, Michigan, today of possession with intent to distribute quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Evidence at trial showed that on January 10, 2024, a law enforcement officer conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Shelby in the Institute area of Kanawha County. The officer smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, asked Shelby to exit the vehicle, and told him that the vehicle would be searched. Shelby fled in the vehicle, driving at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour on West Virginia Route 25 and Interstate 64 while trying to elude law enforcement.

The pursuit ended when Shelby crashed his vehicle while attempting to exit I-64 at South Charleston. Shelby was found climbing out of the vehicle and detained by officers. When officers lifted Shelby from the ground, they found a Keltec model P3 AT .380-caliber pistol, loaded and with a round in the chamber, on the ground underneath him. Officers also found a bag in the vehicle containing quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and marijuana, digital scales, and $2,495. A quantity of the seized methamphetamine was found packaged in 17 small individual baggies.

Shelby has a criminal history that includes prior felony convictions for fleeing from a police officer and reckless driving causing serious impairment of a body function.

Shelby is scheduled to be sentenced on January 8, 2026, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to life in prison.

“Shelby endangered the community by trafficking drugs while armed with a gun and also endangered both the public and law enforcement officers when he recklessly fled the traffic stop,” said Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston. “I commend the law enforcement officers who safely apprehended the defendant and those who investigated this case, and I also commend Assistant United States Attorneys JC MacCallum and Jeremy B. Wolfe and our trial team for securing guilty verdicts on both counts in the indictment.”

The following law enforcement agencies were involved in apprehending Shelby, investigating the case, and securing the convictions at trial: the Nitro Police Department, the Dunbar Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the jury trial.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-197.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Timothy D. Luckett, also known as “Fetty” and “Jack Boi,” 32, of Detroit, Michigan, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 21, 2025, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a Rotary Road residence in Huntington where they encountered Luckett. On a kitchen counter in the residence, officers found approximately 454 grams of methamphetamine on one digital scale, approximately 2.5 grams of fentanyl on a second digital scale, and approximately 50 grams of fentanyl in a backpack. Under a dresser, officers found a loaded Ruger .45-caliber pistol, a loaded Sig Sauer Mosquito .22-caliber pistol, a Feather Industries .22-caliber rifle, and ammunition. Officers also found $7,278 in the residence and $380 on Luckett’s person during the search. As part of his guilty plea, Luckett admitted that he used the residence to store and conduct distributions of controlled substances, and that the seized cash was proceeds from his distribution of methamphetamine.

Luckett also admitted to additional criminal conduct. On November 8, 2023, Luckett sold approximately 7.6 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant in Huntington in exchange for $800.

Luckett is scheduled to be sentenced on December 8, 2025, and faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release, and a $10 million fine.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Cabell County Sheriff's Office.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney L. Finney is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-105.

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