Southern District of West Virginia

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Lewis County man pleaded guilty today for his fake hotel invoice and expense report scheme to defraud the State of West Virginia, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Steven Hull, 54, of Jane Lew, entered his guilty plea to mail fraud.  U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the West Virginia Legislature Commission on Special Investigations.

“This scheme was literally highway robbery. Stealing from West Virginia taxpayers is a crime you won’t get away with,” said U.S. Attorney Stuart. “We take our obligation to protect taxpayer dollars extremely seriously, and I can assure you that my office is committed to uncovering public corruption and aggressively prosecuting this kind of theft.”

Hull admitted that from January 2011 through January 2017, he submitted false invoices attached to inflated expense reports for reimbursement by the State of West Virginia. Hull worked as an engineering technician at the West Virginia Division of Highways, and often traveled as part of his job, staying overnight throughout West Virginia. After each trip, the State of West Virginia would reimburse him. Hull admitted that during the course of his scheme, he provided expense reports for reimbursement that falsely represented the number of days he stayed at hotels, and further falsely represented that he paid for rooms for all those days.

Hull also admitted that from June 2014 until the end of his scheme, he entirely fabricated his hotel room expense reports. The reports would often state that he stayed at a Holiday Inn for a week at a time, when he was actually renting a room on a monthly basis from a less expensive hotel. Hull further admitted that he pocketed the difference in price between his monthly rental and his reimbursements. To disguise the scheme, Hull would produce detailed entries to legitimize the appearance of the fake invoices, including line items for taxes and a hotel rewards code number. From February 2011 through January 2017, Hull received $70,653.14 from submitting false hotel invoices. He paid approximately $18,144 for his monthly rental from June 2014 to December 2016.  

Hull faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 15, 2018. As part of the plea agreement, he has also agreed to pay at least $52,509.14 in restitution.

Assistant United States Attorney Meredith George Thomas is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Five defendants implicated in a federal heroin conspiracy pled guilty today, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Ralph White, Jennifer Benson, Rachel Kuhn, all 36 and of Parkersburg, and Dennis Carter, 28, of Detroit, entered their guilty pleas to conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. Additionally, Heather Wells, 25, of Parkersburg, entered her guilty plea to distribution of heroin.

U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the collaborative investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Parkersburg Drug Task Force, the West Virginia State Police, the Wood County Sheriff’s Department, and the Police Departments of the cities of Parkersburg, Vienna, and Williamstown.

“This is exactly the kind of investigation and prosecution that’s going to help us take back our streets from the opioid crisis,” said U.S. Attorney Stuart. “Nearly a dozen drug criminals are facing hard time behind bars, and all as a result of the efforts of several law enforcement agencies working together. Job well done.”

White, Benson, Kuhn, and Carter admitted to their involvement with several other individuals in distributing heroin at various locations throughout the Parkersburg area. In addition, White, Kuhn, and Wells admitted selling heroin to a confidential informant working with the Parkersburg Drug Task Force and the FBI on numerous occasions between November 2016 and March 2017. Benson and Carter admitted distributing between one and three kilograms of heroin, while White and Kuhn admitted to distributing between 100 and 400 grams of heroin.

White, Benson, Kuhn, and Carter all face at least five and up to 40 years in federal prison when they are sentenced on May 7, 2018. Wells faces up to 20 years imprisonment when she is sentenced on the same date.

The five defendant who pled guilty today join Debra Martin, Joseph Reeder-Shaw, Bernard Spann, Jonathan Brown, and Sir Pritis Williams, all codefendants involved in the same conspiracy, who previously pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. These defendants face at least five and up to 40 years in federal prison when they are sentenced in April 2018. Additionally, Kennedy Michele Walker previously pled guilty to distributing heroin supplied by this organization, and she faces up to 20 years imprisonment when she is sentenced in April 2018.

Assistant United States Attorney John Frail is in charge of these prosecutions. The plea hearings were held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.

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

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart 

BECKLEY, W.Va. – Two Beckley felons were sentenced to federal prison today on gun charges, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Ryan Henry Guerrant, 27, previously entered his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm, and was sentenced to three years and 10 months in federal prison. In a separate prosecution, Clennel Pierre Cobb, 46, also previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, and was sentenced to six years in federal prison to run consecutively to the sentence for his 2017 Raleigh County drug felony. U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Beckley Police Department on these cases.

“Prison time awaits those who break our gun laws. My office is serious about keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Stuart. “We will continue working with law enforcement to target felons who think they are above the law.”

On August 10, 2017, an officer with the Beckley Police Department conducted a traffic stop in Beckley. Guerrant, a passenger in the back seat, informed the officer that he had an Omega, Model 100, .22 caliber revolver at his feet. Guerrant later admitted to law enforcement that he possessed the gun, and that he knew he was not supposed to possess the gun because he was a convicted felon. Guerrant was prohibited from possessing any firearm because of felony convictions in Raleigh County Circuit Court for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person in 2013 and escape and attempted robbery in 2010. 

In a separate prosecution, Cobb admitted that on August 12, 2016, he possessed a Hi-Point, Model C9, 9mm pistol. Cobb was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of multiple felony convictions, including drug convictions in 2006 and 2017 in Raleigh County Circuit Court.

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentences.

These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking with existing local programs targeting gun crime.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Kanawha County woman pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Patricia Anne Carnes, 51, of Elkview, entered her guilty plea to obtaining hydrocodone and oxycodone by fraud. U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad and the Charleston Police Department for the investigation.

Carnes admitted that she fraudulently ordered prescription pads from a printing company in order to obtain counterfeit prescriptions with the name and DEA registration number of a Charleston area doctor. Between October 2016 and early April 2017, she wrote and filled approximately 11 forged prescriptions of oxycodone and hydrocodone for herself. She further admitted that she used this fraudulent scheme to obtain over 650 pain pills.   

Carnes faces up to four years in federal prison when she is sentenced on May 9, 2018.

Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks is responsible for the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber.

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

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Hurricane man pleaded guilty today to a federal gun crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Brandon Pistore, 34, entered his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the St. Albans Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

On April 19, 2017, an officer with the St. Albans Police Department stopped a vehicle Pistore was driving and discovered a gun. The officer seized the firearm, a Davis Industries, Model P380 pistol. Pistore later admitted that it was his gun. He was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2006 federal drug conviction for conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine.  

“Being a felon with a gun in my district is not a good idea,” said U.S. Attorney Stuart. “If we catch you – and we will – we will prosecute you six days a week and twice on Sunday.”

Pistore faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 9, 2018.

Assistant United States Attorney Meredith George Thomas is in charge of the prosecution. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the plea hearing.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking with existing local programs targeting gun crime.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two men pleaded guilty today to federal gun charges, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Donnie Ray Evans, 33, of Williamson, entered his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm. In a separate prosecution, Brandon Cantrell, 32, of Charleston, also pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Mingo County Sheriff’s Department, the West Virginia State Police, the Kentucky State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the Evans case. He also commended the Charleston Police Department and the ATF for the investigation of Cantrell.

“These felons chose to ignore the law, and they are facing substantial prison sentences for their crimes. Make no mistake, keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous criminals is a top priority of my office,” said U.S. Attorney Stuart. “I strongly support the Second Amendment, but those who break our gun laws will pay a heavy price. We will keep working with our law enforcement partners to get the message out – if you possess guns illegally, you will end up behind bars.”

On February 17, 2016, a deputy with the Mingo County Sheriff’s Department was following up on a suspicious person complaint near Kermit in Mingo County. The deputy found Evans in a stolen 2004 Chevy Tracker and arrested him. Evans admitted that at the time of his arrest, he possessed a Springfield XDS, .45 caliber pistol that had been stolen from the same place as the Chevy Tracker. Evans was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2009 conviction in Cabell County Circuit Court for assault during the commission of a felony.

In a separate prosecution, Cantrell admitted that on April 20, 2017, he possessed a Hi-Point, model C-9, 9mm pistol at a residence on Charleston’s West Side. Cantrell was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2008 felony conviction in Kanawha County Circuit Court for breaking and entering.

Evans and Cantrell each face up to 10 years in federal prison. Evans is scheduled to be sentenced on May 10, 2018. Cantrell is scheduled to be sentenced on May 9, 2018.

Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of the Evans prosecution. Assistant United States Attorney Matt Davis is responsible for the Cantrell prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., presided over the plea hearings.

These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking with existing local programs targeting gun crime.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart 

Investigators utilized drug dog and undercover officer to seize heroin and catch defendant red-handed

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man who received a shipment of heroin in the mail in December 2016 was sentenced today to two and a half years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. David Lee Zirkle, 37, previously pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute heroin. U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the United States Postal Inspection Service and the West Virginia State Police Violent Crime and Drug Task Force.

On December 9, 2016, officers were notified that a package suspected of containing controlled substances was scheduled for delivery to a residence on Collis Avenue in Huntington. A West Virginia State Police K-9 officer gave a positive indication that the package contained drugs. Law enforcement obtained a search warrant and discovered approximately 30 grams of heroin. Investigators then removed the heroin, replaced it with another substance, and conducted a delivery of the package utilizing an undercover postal inspector. Zirkle accepted delivery and took possession of the package at the Collis Avenue residence. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at that residence, and upon entry, officers located Zirkle with contents of the package in his hand. Officers also seized digital scales and cash from the residence. 

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

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

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man caught with oxycodone in September 2017 pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Curtis Holcomb, 39, entered his guilty plea to possession with the intent to distribute oxycodone. U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the West Virginia State Police Violent Crime and Drug Task Force.

“Any Detroit drug dealer who comes to Huntington to push pain pills is in for a rude awakening,” said U.S. Attorney Stuart. “We will keep working with our law enforcement partners to make sure these out-of-state criminals get the message – they’re not welcome and we’re taking back our streets.”

On September 15, 2017, agents with the DEA and the West Virginia State Police Violent Crime and Drug Task Force used a confidential informant to arrange a purchase of 500 oxycodone pills from Holcomb. On his way to meet the informant, a trooper with the West Virginia State Police conducted a traffic stop on Holcomb’s vehicle on Artisan Avenue in Huntington. Troopers searched Holcomb and recovered 454 thirty mg oxycodone pills in his sock. As part of the plea agreement, Holcomb admitted to all the drug trafficking activity charged in the indictment. 

Holcomb faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 7, 2018.

Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph F. Adams and Stephanie S. Taylor are handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

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

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - A Kanawha County man was sentenced today to five years and 10 months in federal prison for a child pornography crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Jeffrey Scott Beard, 37, of Clendenin, previously pleaded guilty to receiving child pornography. Beard was also ordered to serve the remainder of his life on federal supervised release after completion of his prison term, and will additionally be required to register as a sex offender.

Beard admitted that he received images on his computer of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The Federal Bureau of Investigation discovered that Beard was using a peer-to-peer file sharing program to download, receive, and distribute child pornography images and videos. FBI Special Agents executed a federal search warrant at Beard’s Clendenin residence in March 2017, and seized computers and other digital media storage devices containing child pornography. 

“This case should send a strong message that online child sexual exploitation investigations and prosecutions are a priority for this office,” stated U.S. Attorney Stuart. “Beard’s sentence reflects the seriousness of these crimes and the need to deter others inclined to engage in similar activity. I greatly appreciate the excellent and hard work of the FBI, the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Parkersburg Police Department.”  

Assistant United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison for drug and gun crimes, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. A jury previously found Charles York Walker, Jr., 39, guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Walker also pleaded guilty to two counts of distributing heroin and one count of distributing fentanyl. U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, assisted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the West Virginia Regional Jail Authority.

During the trial, witnesses testified that Walker was arrested in Charleston by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team on July 14, 2017. A search warrant was later executed at Walker’s apartment on Washington Street, West, and officers seized Walker’s cell phone and two handguns. Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Walker’s cell phone and discovered photos linking Walker to one of the handguns. A witness testified that he saw Walker pistol whip an individual with a .38 revolver, which was the same type of gun as one of the firearms seized from Walker’s apartment. Walker was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 1997 federal drug conviction, a 1998 state conviction for wanton endangerment, and a 2010 federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

In addition to the firearms charged in the superseding indictment, Walker was also charged with three counts of distributing drugs. On the first day of trial, Walker pled guilty to the three drug counts, admitting that he sold drugs in Charleston on three separate occasions. He admitted to selling heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement on April 14, 2016, on the railroad tracks close to Beuhring Avenue. He also admitted that he sold fentanyl to a confidential informant on June 23, 2016, in a drug deal that began at the KFC on Washington Street, West. Walker additionally admitted that on July 12, 2016, he sold heroin to a confidential informant at the apartment on Washington Street, West.

“Walker is justifiably headed to prison for a long time,” stated U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart. “If you sell illegal drugs or if you violate gun laws, I will do all I can to send you to prison for as long as we possibly can.”

Assistant United States Attorneys Steven I. Loew and Clint Carte are in charge of the prosecution and tried the case before a federal jury. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence and presided over the trial.

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

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A North Carolina man pleaded guilty today to a federal sex crime involving a minor, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Timothy Sean Coogle, 46, of Lexington, entered his guilty plea to attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force, the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the FBI in North Carolina.

“There are severe consequences for those who prey on our children, and these penalties should serve as a warning for anyone who even attempts this criminal activity,” said U.S. Attorney Stuart. “The officers working on these cases deserve our thanks. Their work protects our most vulnerable from sexual predators.”

Coogle admitted that from August 12, 2017, through September 22, 2017, he used his cell phone and the Internet to attempt to persuade, induce, and entice a minor residing in the Southern District of West Virginia to engage in sexual activity. Specifically, Coogle admitted that he sent messages to a 13-year-old minor female, commenting on a photo of her. The minor’s mother discovered messages from Coogle and contacted law enforcement. Soon after, Coogle began engaging in sexually explicit conversation with a person he believed to be the minor, but was actually an undercover officer. He additionally requested that the person he believed to be the minor send him sexually explicit photos and video footage, and he also sent a sexually explicit video. Coogle admitted that he engaged in all of this communication in order to persuade the person he believed to be the minor to engage in sexual activity when she visited North Carolina. 

Coogle faces at least 10 years and up to life in federal prison. After his release from prison, Coogle will be required to serve a term of federal supervised release of at least five years and up to life, and he will also be required to register as a sex offender. Sentencing is scheduled for May 2, 2018.

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

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

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Three Wood County defendants pleaded guilty today for their roles in a heroin conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Jonathan “Mohawk” Brown, 36, and Sir Pritis Williams, 28, both of Parkersburg, entered their guilty pleas to conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. Kennedy Michele Walker, 23, of Vienna, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the distribution of heroin. U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the collaborative investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Parkersburg Drug Task Force, the West Virginia State Police, the Wood County Sheriff’s Department, and the Police Departments of the cities of Parkersburg, Vienna, and Williamstown.

Brown and Williams admitted their respective involvement with several other individuals in distributing heroin at various locations throughout the Parkersburg area. In addition, Brown and Williams admitted to selling heroin to a confidential informant working with the Parkersburg Drug Task Force and the FBI on numerous occasions between November 2016 and May 2017. Both men further admitted to distributing between 100 and 400 grams of heroin during the course of the conspiracy. Brown and Williams face at least five and up to 40 years in federal prison when they are sentenced on April 26, 2018.

Walker admitted that on March 20, 2017, she provided heroin to another individual, who then sold it to a confidential informant working with the Parkersburg Drug Task Force. The drug deal took place in the area of 17th and Briant Streets in Parkersburg. Walker faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on April 26, 2018.

Three codefendants involved in the same conspiracy, Joseph Reeder-Shaw, Bernard Spann, and Debra Martin, have previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, and face at least five and up to 40 years in federal prison. Reeder-Shaw and Spann are scheduled to be sentenced on April 19, 2018. Martin is scheduled to be sentenced on April 5, 2018.

Assistant United States Attorney John Frail is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearings were held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.

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

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Kentucky man pleaded guilty today to a sex trafficking crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. David Wayne Young, 47, of Ashland, faces at least 15 years and up to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 1, 2018. He also faces at least five years and up to life on federal supervised release once he is released from prison, and he will be required to register as a sex offender.

U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the FBI Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force, the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Ashland Police Department, and the Boyd County Sheriff’s Department.

“Let me be clear – we have zero tolerance for sex trafficking of children. We will continue working with our law enforcement partners and use every tool at our disposal to come after those who put our children in danger,” said U.S. Attorney Stuart. “I want to thank all the officers who work tirelessly day in and day out to protect the children of our community and to keep sexual predators off the street.”

Young admitted that in March 2017, he communicated with his codefendant, Misty Dawn Baisden, and asked Baisden to provide him with a minor under the age of 14 for the purpose of engaging in commercial sexual activity. Young additionally admitted that the communication involved discussion of exchanging money, items, or other things of value for sexually explicit photographs of the minor. He further admitted that subsequent communications with Baisden included discussions that involved Young offering to provide Baisden with a minor for sexual activity in exchange for her providing him with a minor for sexual activity.

Baisden previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minor, and faces up to life in prison when she is sentenced on February 13, 2018.

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

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

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart 

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man pleaded guilty yesterday to a federal drug trafficking crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Cortez Quayveon Brown, 27, entered his guilty plea to distribution of heroin.

A confidential informant working with law enforcement called Brown on March 3, 2016, to arrange a drug deal for heroin. Brown later met the informant at his 7th Street apartment in Huntington, where he distributed approximately 5.5 grams of heroin in exchange for $1,500. Brown also provided the informant with additional heroin weighing approximately 10.4 grams.

Special agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration seized nearly 8 grams of heroin and $5,500 in cash during the execution of a federal search warrant at Brown’s apartment on March 10, 2016. Special agents also discovered a loaded .380 semi-automatic handgun and a loaded .22 caliber semi-automatic handgun in the kitchen stove. Brown admitted to arranging additional controlled buys of heroin in which he used others to make the actual deliveries. The heroin recovered from all the controlled buys and the search was sent to the DEA Mid-Atlantic Laboratory, which confirmed that the substance was heroin with a total weight of 94.71 grams.

U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the Drug Enforcement Administration for their investigative efforts.

Brown faces up 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 7, 2018.

Assistant United States Attorney R. Gregory McVey is responsible for the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

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

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man caught with methamphetamine and guns in February 2017, pleaded guilty yesterday to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Derrick Houston, 39, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their investigative efforts.

On February 28, 2017, officers with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team executed a search warrant at Houston’s residence on Beech Avenue in Charleston. During the search, officers located approximately 237 grams of methamphetamine hidden in the couch. Officers also located two firearms during the search. As part of the plea agreement, Houston admitted that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine seized by law enforcement. 

Houston faces at least 10 years and up to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 26, 2018.

Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.

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

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Kanawha County felon who possessed guns and drugs was sentenced today to five years and three months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Eddie Wayne Chapman, Jr., 32, of Malden, previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation.

Chapman admitted that on September 21, 2016, he possessed a Ruger P89, 9mm semi-automatic pistol and a Maverick by Mossberg, Model 88, 12 gauge shotgun that had a modified barrel less than 18 inches in length. Chapman was prohibited from possessing any firearms under federal law because of a 2011 felony drug conviction in Kanawha County Circuit Court. Chapman further admitted to possessing with the intent to distribute over 20 grams of methamphetamine. Law enforcement found the methamphetamine in Chapman’s backpack, concealed in a canister containing a hidden compartment.

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

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

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A federal jury sitting in Huntington returned a guilty verdict today in the trial of a Detroit man for his role in a Huntington heroin conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Charles Duncan Pippins, 49, of Detroit, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin following a jury trial that began on Tuesday. Last week, Pippins pled guilty to the other indicted charges – one count of distributing heroin and one count of possessing heroin with intent to distribute.

“I want to commend the outstanding work of the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department and our prosecutors, AUSAs Joe Adams and Matt Davis, who tried this case,” said U.S. Attorney Stuart. “We are dedicated to working night and day to make sure we stop this drug scourge.”

Witnesses for the United States testified that from the summer of 2013 to September 2016, Pippins conspired with others to distribute over 100 grams of heroin in the Huntington area. The evidence showed that during the course of the conspiracy, Pippins recruited multiple co-conspirators who transported heroin on his behalf from his residence in Detroit to Huntington. Witnesses testified that Pippins used the same individuals to distribute heroin, and to rent hotel rooms in their names, which he used for selling heroin. The evidence further showed that Pippins would front heroin to individuals to sell, and that they would bring the cash proceeds back to him at hotels in Huntington or at his residence in Detroit.

Pippins pleaded guilty last week to the other indicted charges, admitting that on September 12, 2016, deputies with the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department used a confidential informant to make a controlled purchase of heroin from Pippins. The informant traveled to the Days Inn Hotel located on U.S. Route 60 in Huntington, where Pippins distributed heroin to the informant. Deputies executed a search warrant on his room, and as agents entered, Pippins flushed heroin down the toilet. During the search of the room, deputies seized approximately six grams of heroin that Pippins admitted he intended to sell. An analyst with the West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory confirmed that the heroin was mixed with fentanyl, a powerful opiate painkiller.

Pippins faces at least five and up to 40 years in federal prison for the heroin conspiracy. He also faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each of the other two drug charges. The sentencing is scheduled for April 30, 2018.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the trial.

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

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Boone County man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Roger Dane Adkins, 45, of Morrisvale entered his guilty plea to obtaining hydromorphone and fentanyl by subterfuge. U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad and the Charleston Police Department for the investigation.

In 2016 and early 2017, Adkins was employed as a parcel delivery driver whose route included several Kanawha County pharmacies operating within hospitals or other medical service providers. In March 2017, a hospital pharmacist reported that controlled substances had been removed from a number of parcels that had been shipped for disposal. Investigators from DEA and the Charleston Police Department contacted other pharmacies in Charleston to see whether anyone else had experienced a similar loss. They identified several other pharmacies on the same route that had also reported the loss of controlled substances from parcels shipped to the same location for disposal. 

On March 22, 2017, investigators coordinated with one of the pharmacies and the disposal location to set up the shipment of a dummy parcel containing a tracking device. Once Adkins took the parcel into his delivery vehicle, investigators approached and found him in the process of opening it. He waived his Miranda rights and admitted that he had been opening similar packages for several months in order to steal drugs. He further admitted that after removing some of the drugs, he would reseal and send the packages along the intended route in order to avoid detection.   

Adkins faces up to four years in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 25, 2018.

Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks is responsible for the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.

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

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced a deal today between the United States Attorney’s Office and Rite Aid Corporation to resolve a criminal investigation in the Southern District of West Virginia regarding Rite Aid’s improper sale of the methamphetamine precursor pseudoephedrine (PSE) between January 2009 and October 2012. Signed by U.S. Attorney Stuart today, the settlement includes Rite Aid’s full acceptance of responsibility for its improper sale of the methamphetamine precursor PSE, it acknowledges Rite Aid’s remedial efforts and ensures future steps to help prevent abuse of pseudoephedrine, and it mandates that Rite Aid pay $4 million dollars, which is approximately 80% of its gross sales of pseudoephedrine in West Virginia during the relevant time period, to provide resources for crime victim compensation and treatment of drug addiction.

“This settlement sends a strong message to businesses that we will not tolerate putting sales over safety. Most significantly, every dollar paid out by Rite Aid is going to stay right here in West Virginia, and not go into the black hole of Washington,” stated U.S. Attorney Stuart. “This funding will provide increased resources for two critical areas – compensating crime victims and drug treatment. Rest assured that my office will keep fighting to ensure that anyone responsible for the drug scourge in our state is held responsible, from the suppliers to the pharmacies to the street dealers poisoning our communities.”

“Regulation of drugs such as pseudoephedrine is critical to improving West Virginia’s substance abuse epidemic,” said Bill J. Crouch, Cabinet Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. “This funding will support DHHR’s ongoing efforts to strengthen substance abuse treatment programs and ultimately improve the health and well-being of impacted residents across the state.”

DEA’s Assistant Special Agent in Charge David W. Gourley stated, “Even though the opioid crisis has been in the forefront, we will not neglect any investigations of other dangerous drugs which are readily available in the state of West Virginia. Methamphetamine use is on the rise. This is a reminder to pharmacies out there not to turn a blind eye to their responsibilities under the Controlled Substances Act.”

“We are grateful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for including the West Virginia Crime Victims Compensation Fund as a recipient of this settlement,” stated Aaron Allred, Legislative Manager, West Virginia Legislature. “These funds will allow us to assist even more West Virginians as they try to rebuild their lives after being innocent victims of crime. These funds will be used to pay medical bills, provide medical devices, pay for burial and funeral services, lost wages, counseling and other economic losses sustained by victims of crime in our state.”

The $4 million dollar payment will stay entirely in West Virginia. Per the settlement, Rite Aid must pay $2.6 million to the West Virginia Crime Victims Compensation Fund. That figure is more than double the total federal grants the Fund receives in an entire year, and is just shy of the total amount of money the Fund paid to crime victims in all of 2016 and 2017 combined. The settlement further requires Rite Aid to pay $1.4 million to the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. As a condition of his agreement to this settlement, U.S. Attorney Stuart required the agreement of DHHR to use this funding for substance abuse treatment to help fight addiction.

U.S. Attorney Stuart praised the investigative efforts that led to this settlement:  “I want to strongly commend the DEA, assisted by the FBI, and the tremendous work of our team and the leadership of AUSAs Steve Loew and Greg McVey, who handled this complex case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Job well done.”

During the investigation, Rite Aid has taken remedial actions to comply with federal law and to help ensure that PSE is sold only to people who have a legitimate need for it. The agreement requires Rite Aid to continue those remedial steps and to take additional action. For example, in November 2013, Rite Aid removed single ingredient PSE products (the PSE product preferred by manufacturers of methamphetamine) from its stores, and now only sells tamper-resistant, single-ingredient PSE products in West Virginia. Importantly, Rite Aid will now train its employees on how to identify people who may be purchasing PSE to manufacture methamphetamine, and it will further train and instruct its employees to deny such sales. Furthermore, Rite Aid will continue requiring stores in West Virginia to store PSE products out of the view of customers to make it easier and safer for store employees to deny suspicious sales, and Rite Aid will require pharmacists to counsel all customers seeking to purchase PSE.

A fact sheet highlighting the terms of the settlement is attached to this press release.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

BECKLEY, W.Va. – Two felons were sentenced to federal prison today for gun crimes, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Jerry Wayne Phillips, Jr., 40, of Beckley, was sentenced to three years and 10 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. In a separate prosecution, Cleveland McDowell Meador, IV, 44, of St. Albans, was sentenced to two years in prison after being convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm following a one-day jury trial.

U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the Beckley Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for the investigation of Phillips, and the St. Albans Police Department and the ATF for the investigation of Meador.

Phillips admitted that on June 23, 2016, he possessed six stolen firearms, including a Marlin, Model 30AW, .30/.30 caliber rifle; a Norinco, Model Type 56 SKS, 7.62x39mm rifle; a Mossberg, Model 500, 12 gauge shotgun; a Keystone Sporting Arms, Model Cricket, .22 caliber rifle; a Winchester, Model 190, .22 caliber rifle; and a Rossi (Taurus), Model S411220BS, .410/.22 caliber rifle. Phillips was prohibited from possessing any firearms under federal law because of a 1998 felony drug conviction in Raleigh County Circuit Court and a 2004 misdemeanor conviction for domestic violence.

In a separate prosecution, witnesses for the United States testified that on May 10, 2017, Meador gave permission to officers with the St. Albans Police Department to search his home on Bard Avenue in St. Albans. During the search, an officer discovered a Hi-Point, Model C9, 9mm pistol in an air register vent in the ceiling of Meador’s home. After Meador’s arrest, law enforcement read him his Miranda rights and in a recorded interview, Meador admitted that he put the gun in the air register vent, that he was a convicted felon, and that he knew that he was not supposed to have a gun. Meador was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2016 felony conviction in Kanawha County Circuit Court for third offense driving while license revoked for driving under the influence.

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence in the Phillips case. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the Meador trial and imposed the sentence.

These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking with existing local programs targeting gun crime.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

BECKLEY, W.Va. – Two Lewisburg defendants were sentenced to federal prison today for drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Joshua Adam Smith, 35, was sentenced to eight years in prison after previously pleading guilty to distribution of oxymorphone. Jessica Nicole Honaker, 26, was sentenced to two years in prison after previously pleading guilty to aiding and abetting the distribution of oxymorphone. U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the Greenbrier Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force for the investigation.

Smith admitted on November 6, 2016, he distributed oxymorphone to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. Honaker admitted that on November 17, 2016, she distributed oxymorphone to a confidential informant to complete a drug deal that Smith had arranged. Both of the drug deals took place at a residence on Battle Hill Drive in Lewisburg. As part of their plea agreements, Smith and Honaker took responsibility for all of the drug trafficking activity charged in the indictment. Smith and Honaker also admitted that, along with their codefendant Tremaine Dean Pool, Jr., they had distributed, or possessed with the intent to distribute, a total of about 300 oxymorphone pills. Pool has pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute oxymorphone and faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 18, 2018.

Assistant United States Attorney John File handled these prosecutions. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentences.

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

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Fayette County woman pleaded guilty today for her role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Tiffany D. Ramsey, 27, of Boomer, entered her guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, a quantity of heroin, and a quantity of oxycodone. Ramsey is one of 23 defendants indicted in June 2017 after a comprehensive investigation of drug trafficking in Southern West Virginia.

U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the cooperative investigative efforts of several agencies. The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Beckley Police Department, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, the West Virginia State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the United States Postal Inspection Service provided assistance throughout the investigation. 

Ramsey admitted that between May 2017 and June 28, 2017, she took part in a drug trafficking conspiracy with multiple participants. During this time period, Ramsey admitted to working with Cheyenne Fragale and others to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, and oxycodone in and around Fayette County. Ramsey admitted that she and Cheyenne Fragale sold the controlled substances from their house near Boomer. Ramsey also admitted that on June 28, 2017, law enforcement officers executed search warrants at various locations related to this drug trafficking conspiracy. During the searches, officers seized over 300 grams of crystal methamphetamine, as well as heroin, fentanyl, and over $29,000 in cash. The methamphetamine was later analyzed and confirmed to be 94% pure.    

Ramsey faces at least five and up to 40 years federal prison when she is sentenced on May 2, 2018.

Other individuals implicated as a result of this drug investigation have entered guilty pleas and are awaiting sentencing. Cheyenne Fragale and Macon Fragale, two brothers from Boomer in Fayette County, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, a quantity of oxycodone, and a quantity of heroin. They both face a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison when they are sentenced on March 14, 2018. Donald Scalise, of Montgomery, previously entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute a quantity of oxycodone. Scalise faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 25, 2018. Dominic Copney, of Beckley, previously entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine and more than 100 grams of heroin. He faces a mandatory minimum of five and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 17, 2018. Detria Carter, of Beckley, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine. She faces a mandatory minimum sentence of not less than five and up to 40 years in federal prision when she is sentenced on April 24, 2018. Velarian Carter, the brother of Detria Carter, previously entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, more than 280 grams of crack, and more than 100 grams of heroin. He faces a mandatory minimum of not less than 20 years and up to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 17, 2018.

Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of these prosecutions. The Ramsey plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.

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

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Wood County man who stole mail in November 2016 was sentenced yesterday to six months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Richard Thomas Morris, Jr., 38, of Washington, previously pleaded guilty to possession of stolen mail. He was also ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and $50 in restitution. U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the efforts of the United States Postal Inspection Service and the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, for the investigation.

Morris was a relief driver for a United States Postal Service contractor whose job it was to collect outgoing mail from post offices along a rural route between Ravenswood and Parkersburg. On November 17, 2016, Morris was stopped at the Belleville Post Office by law enforcement officials with the United States Postal Inspection Service. Morris consented to a search of the truck he was driving, and the search turned up a piece of mail addressed to a home in St. Mary’s. The mail had been opened and contained a greeting card. Morris had stolen the greeting card, as well as $50.00 in cash that had been put inside the card by the sender.

Assistant United States Attorneys Eumi L. Choi and R. Gregory McVey handled the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia announced today that Lisa G. Johnston has been named First Assistant United States Attorney.

“Lisa Johnston was not given this opportunity – she earned it,” said United States Attorney Stuart. “She is tough on crime and she knows how to lead a team, which is why she will be advising me every step of the way as we crack down on drug trafficking, corruption, and predators, and ensure that public safety is our driving goal.”

Johnston’s experience includes, but is not limited to:

• 30 years working as an Assistant United States Attorney in West Virginia U.S. Attorney’s Offices in both the Northern and Southern Districts. She began working in the Southern District in 2006 and is extremely familiar with the office, its personnel, and its operations; 

• Serves as the Project Safe Childhood Coordinator for the Southern District of West Virginia and provides guidance to other attorneys in the office who handle child pornography cases. She is considered to be very knowledgeable in this area and is often contacted by state prosecutors seeking her advice in these types of cases;

• Established, developed and led the Crimes Against Children Task Force in the Northern District of West Virginia, which was comprised of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, as well as victim advocate groups; and

• Was detailed to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, where she provided guidance to agents and inspectors.

“I am excited by this step – one of many I am taking to address the needs of law enforcement in this district,” said U.S. Attorney Stuart. “I have a sense of urgency in my new role as I fight to protect and defend the people of West Virginia. Lisa Johnston shares my vision and sense of urgency to take bold action to deliver results for the people of our district. I have great confidence in Lisa in helping spearhead my team.”

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews   

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of West Virginia is filled with heavy hearts at the passing of our friend and colleague, Huntington Police Chief Joe Ciccarelli.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Huntington Police Chief Joe Ciccarelli. He spent his distinguished public service career tirelessly working to keep our communities safe,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Chief Ciccarelli was a hero and a champion of law enforcement. He exemplified the leadership and commitment to justice that all of us should strive to achieve. His passing is a loss to everyone who was privileged enough to have known and worked with him, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”  

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Two defendants appeared in federal court in Huntington yesterday for drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Lurduea Appling, 37, of Detroit, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of oxycodone, and was sentenced to two years and 10 months in federal prison. In a separate prosecution, Joseph Mitchell, 44, of Huntington, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin.

U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the West Virginia State Police Violent Crime and Drug Task Force in the Appling case. He also commended the Marshall University Office of Public Safety and the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force for the investigation of Mitchell.

On March 20, 2017, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the West Virginia State Police Violent Crime and Drug Task Force used a confidential informant to make a controlled buy of oxycodone from Appling. The drug deal took place at 1342 15th Street in Huntington. Appling provided the informant with the oxycodone in exchange for $3,750 in cash. As part of the plea agreement, Appling admitted to all the drug trafficking activity charged in the indictment. 

In a separate prosecution, on August 2, 2017, an officer with the Marshall University Office of Public Safety conducted a traffic stop of Mitchell on the 500 block of 20th Street in Huntington. Upon searching the vehicle, the officer discovered approximately 11.5 grams of suspected heroin and a digital scale. Mitchell admitted that he intended to sell the heroin. As part of the plea agreement, Mitchell also admitted to all the other drug trafficking activity charged in the indictment. Mitchell faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 23, 2018.

Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor is in charge of these prosecutions. The hearings were held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

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

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two Parkersburg men pleaded guilty today to a federal heroin conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Joseph Reeder-Shaw, 32, and Bernard Spann, 34, entered their guilty pleas to conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the collaborative investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Parkersburg Drug Task Force, the West Virginia State Police, the Wood County Sheriff’s Department, and the Police Departments of the cities of Parkersburg, Vienna, and Williamstown.

Reeder-Shaw and Spann admitted to their respective involvement with several other individuals in distributing heroin at various locations throughout the Parkersburg area. In addition, Reeder-Shaw admitted to arranging sales of heroin to a confidential informant working with the Parkersburg Drug Task Force and the FBI on numerous occasions between November 2016 and November 2017. Reeder-Shaw further admitted involvement in the distribution of between one and three kilograms of heroin, while Spann, who did not join Reeder-Shaw and others until October 2017, admitted to distributing between 100 and 400 grams of heroin.

Both Reeder-Shaw and Spann face at least five and up to 40 years in federal prison when they are sentenced on April 19, 2018.

Debra Martin, a codefendant involved in the same conspiracy, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and also faces at least five and up to 40 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on April 5, 2018.

Assistant United States Attorney John Frail is in charge of these prosecutions. The plea hearings were held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.

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

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Three defendants pleaded guilty today in federal court in Charleston, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Roger Lee Lemons, 23, of Charlotte, entered his guilty plea to distribution of hydromorphone. In a separate prosecution, Laron Safford, 41, of Bluefield, pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. In another separate prosecution, Tomas Mateo, 41, entered his guilty plea to possession of a weapon by a federal inmate.

U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force for the investigations of Lemons and Safford. He also commended the Federal Bureau of Prisons for the investigation of Mateo.

Lemons admitted that on October 31, 2014, he sold hydromorphone pills to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place in Princeton. Lemons further admitted that he sold hydromorphone pills on three other occasions. Lemons faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 1, 2018.

In a separate prosecution, Safford admitted that on September 14, 2017, he possessed two pistols at his residence in Bluefield. Safford was prohibited from possessing any firearms under federal law because of a 1998 felony drug conviction in McDowell County and a 2004 felony drug conviction in Iredell County, North Carolina. Safford also admitted that he sold cocaine to a confidential informant working with law enforcement on four occasions in September 2017. Safford faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 1, 2018.

In another separate prosecution, Mateo, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution at McDowell, admitted that on June 26, 2017, he possessed a handcrafted weapon commonly known as a “shank” in his shoe. The weapon was a piece of plastic, approximately six inches in length and sharpened to a point at one end, with a handle made of thread and tape. Mateo faces up to five years in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 1, 2018.

Assistant United States Attorney John File is responsible for these prosecutions. The plea hearings were held before Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber.

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

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Michigan man pleaded guilty yesterday to a federal gun charge, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Quadralon Mayberry-Figures, 20, of Wyoming, Michigan, entered his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hurricane Police Department for the investigation.

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

Mayberry-Figures faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 23, 2018.

Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor is responsible for the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking with existing local programs targeting gun crime.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A former nursing home employee who embezzled over $80,000 was sentenced today to a year and a month in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Veneford Blankenship, 35, of Bluefield, previously pleaded guilty to mail fraud. She was also ordered to pay $81,486.15 in restitution. U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the cooperative investigative efforts of the FBI and the United States Postal Inspection Service.

Blankenship worked at a nursing home in Princeton as the Business Office Supervisor where she oversaw the financial operations. Her duties included sending patient invoices, recording deposits in the nursing home’s accounting program, and depositing checks into the nursing home’s operations account. The nursing home also had another bank account, which allowed residents to collect funds that were occasionally spent on dinner, outings, and small events for residents. While the nursing home’s parent company received bank statements for its operations account, the parent company did not receive any statements for the other bank account.

Blankenship admitted that in June 2015, she began secretly diverting residents’ payment checks. Instead of depositing these checks into the operations account, she deposited the checks into the other bank account. She then wrote checks to herself from the other account, forging the signatures of the two individuals with signature authority. She hid her crime by writing false memos on the checks and indicating that the withdrawals were for legitimate nursing home purposes, when in reality she took the money for herself. She also falsely updated the nursing home’s accounting program to indicate that the residents paid invoices and that the nursing home received funds that she had stolen.

Assistant United States Attorney Meredith George Thomas is in charge of the prosecution. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Tennessee felon pleaded guilty today to a federal gun charge, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Marvin Dunigan, 46, of Johnson City, entered his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the investigation of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Beckley Police Department.

Dunigan admitted that on August 16, 2016, he possessed a Cobra Model C32, .32 caliber firearm in Beckley. Dunigan was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2010 conviction in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Dunigan faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 2, 2018.

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the plea hearing.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking with existing local programs targeting gun crime.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

BECKLEY, W.Va. – Two inmates who possessed weapons at the Federal Correctional Institution at Beckley pleaded guilty today, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Daqone Lance, 23, pleaded guilty to possession of a weapon by an inmate. In a separate prosecution, Michael Camp, 29, entered his guilty plea to the same federal weapons charge. U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the Federal Bureau of Prisons for their investigative work on these cases.

Lance admitted that on June 3, 2017, a Bureau of Prisons staff member located an object in the waist band of his pants. The object was a handcrafted weapon consisting of a sock tied to a combination lock.

In a separate prosecution, Camp admitted that on July 17, 2017, a Bureau of Prisons staff member discovered an object in Camp’s boot. The object was a handcrafted weapon commonly referred to as a “shank.” The shank was a toothbrush about six inches long and sharpened to a point on one end. 

Lance and Camp each face up to five years in federal prison when they are sentenced on April 25, 2018.

Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling these prosecutions. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the plea hearings.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Fayette County man pleaded guilty today for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Donald L. Scalise, 60, of Montgomery, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute oxycodone. Scalise is one of 23 defendants indicted in June 2017 after a comprehensive investigation of drug trafficking in Southern West Virginia.

U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the cooperative investigative efforts of several agencies. The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Beckley Police Department, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, the West Virginia State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the United States Postal Inspection Service provided assistance throughout the investigation. 

Scalise admitted that between May 2017 and June 28, 2017, he took part in a drug trafficking conspiracy with multiple participants. During this time period, Scalise admitted to working with Cheyenne Fragale and others to obtain oxycodone pills to distribute in and around Fayette County. Scalise admitted that he purchased between 30 and 100 pills at a time, though some of the pills were for personal use. He further admitted to distributing or possessing with intent to distribute approximately 850 oxycodone 30 mg tablets. As part of the plea agreement, Scalise agreed to forfeit $4,193, the illegal proceeds of his drug trafficking activity, and seven firearms. Law enforcement seized the cash and firearms from his residence after his arrest on June 28, 2017. Scalise admitted that the drug trafficking organization was responsible for distributing not only oxycodone, but also methamphetamine and heroin in and around Fayette County.   

Scalise faces up to 20 years federal prison when he is sentenced on April 25, 2018.

Other individuals implicated as a result of this drug investigation have entered guilty pleas and are awaiting sentencing. Cheyenne Fragale and Macon Fragale, two brothers from Boomer in Fayette County, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, a quantity of oxycodone, and a quantity of heroin. They both face a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison when they are sentenced on March 14, 2018. Dominic Copney, of Beckley, previously entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine and more than 100 grams of heroin. He faces a mandatory minimum of five and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 17, 2018. Detria Carter, of Beckley, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine. She faces a mandatory minimum sentence of not less than five and up to 40 years in federal prision when she is sentenced on April 24, 2018. Velarian Carter, the brother of Detria Carter, previously entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, more than 280 grams of crack, and more than 100 grams of heroin. He faces a mandatory minimum of not less than 20 years and up to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 17, 2018.

Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of these prosecutions. The Scalise plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.

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

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart will visit Lily’s Place tomorrow for a tour of the facility and to meet with officials administering the specialized care provided by this organization. Lily’s Place provides treatment for newborns suffering from Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). NAS is a group of problems that occurs in a newborn after being exposed to illegal drugs and/or the misuse of prescription drugs while in the mother’s womb. Lily’s Place offers observational, therapeutic, and pharmacological care to infants with prenatal drug exposure.

While the U.S. Attorney’s Office is focused on confronting the drug epidemic through aggressive prosecution of drug dealers and suppliers, it is understood that prosecution is only part of the comprehensive approach. Treatment for addicts is an important aspect of fighting the drug epidemic, and treatment for newborns, the most vulnerable in our communities, is essential to combat the scourge of drug abuse.

“Lily’s Place is on the front lines of the epidemic. My heart bleeds for every innocent newborn suffering from the scourge of drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Stuart. “No one sees the devastation of drug abuse first-hand like the professionals who staff that facility. Their work caring for newborns is critical, and I look forward to meeting with the treatment team.”

WHO:            

• United States Attorney Mike Stuart
• Lily’s Place Executive Director Rebecca Crowder
• Officials and staff from Lilly’s Place

WHAT:         

• Meeting with Lilly’s Place officials and tour of facility

WHEN:         

• Wednesday, January 17, 2018, at 3:00 p.m. 

WHERE:     

• Lily’s Place
• 1320 7th Avenue
• Huntington, WV  25701

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two defendants pleaded guilty today to federal drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Debra Martin, 34, of Parkersburg, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 100 grams of more of heroin. In a separate prosecution, Schauwne Martin, 36, of Dunbar, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the collaborative investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Parkersburg Drug Task Force, the West Virginia State Police, the Wood County Sheriff’s Department, and the Police Departments of the cities of Parkersburg, Vienna, and Williamstown for the Debra Martin case. U.S. Attorney Stuart also commended the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force for the investigation of Schauwne Martin.

Debra Martin admitted that from December 2016 until her arrest in November 2017, she was involved with several individuals in distributing heroin at various locations throughout the Parkersburg area. In addition, Debra Martin admitted to selling heroin to a confidential informant working with the Parkersburg Drug Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation on numerous occasions. Debra Martin and her co-conspirators were involved in the distribution of a total of between one and three kilograms of heroin. Debra Martin faces at least five and up to 40 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on April 5, 2018.

In a separate prosecution, Schauwne Martin admitted that on February 28, 2017, law enforcement found a loaded .380 caliber, semiautomatic handgun, approximately 94 grams of pure methamphetamine, and digital scales in his kitchen in Dunbar. Martin, who has previously been convicted for conspiracy to distribute cocaine in Kanawha County, also admitted that he possessed another handgun, and that he had sold methamphetamine to informants on seven other occasions. Martin faces at least 10 years and up to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 5, 2018.

Assistant United States Attorney John Frail is in charge of the Debra Martin prosecution. Assistant United States Attorney Eric Bacaj is responsible for the prosecution of Schauwne Martin. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin is presiding over these cases.

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

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Two Detroit men pleaded guilty today to federal drug charges, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. JaJuan Thrasher, 30, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin. In a separate prosecution, Charles Duncan Pippins, 30, pleaded guilty to distributing heroin and possession with intent to distribute heroin. U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart commended the investigation of the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force for the Thrasher case, and also commended the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department for the investigation of Pippins.

On September 14, 2015, members of the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at 2317 Lincoln Avenue in Huntington. When investigators executed the warrant, they located Thrasher and two additional individuals inside the residence. Investigators subsequently seized approximately 18 grams of heroin that was packaged for distribution from Thrasher’s pocket. Thrasher admitted that he had been distributing heroin in the Huntington area. As part of his plea, Thrasher also admitted that he and others used the Lincoln Avenue apartment to distribute heroin between the summer of 2015 and September 14, 2015. Thrasher faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 16, 2018. 

In a separate prosecution, on September 12, 2016, deputies with the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department used a confidential informant to make a controlled purchase of heroin from Pippins. The informant traveled to the Days Inn Hotel located on U.S. Route 60 in Huntington, where Pippins distributed heroin to the informant. Deputies executed a search warrant on his room, and as agents entered, Pippins flushed heroin down the toilet. During the search of the room, deputies seized approximately 6 grams of heroin that Pippins admitted he intended to sell. An analyst with the West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory confirmed that the heroin was mixed with fentanyl, a powerful opiate painkiller. Pippins faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 30, 2018. 

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

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

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Dunbar felon who possessed a firearm in February 2017 was sentenced today to three years and four months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Amanda Renee Taylor, 40, previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the investigation of the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.

On February 7, 2017, Taylor possessed two firearms, a Lorcin .380 caliber pistol and a High Standard .22 caliber revolver, when she was arrested for stealing mail. Taylor admitted that she stole the mail and possessed methamphetamine and counterfeit United States currency found when she was arrested. Taylor was prohibited from possessing any firearms under federal law because of a 2009 felony drug conviction in Kanawha County Circuit Court.

Assistant United States Attorney Meredith George Thomas is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking with existing local programs targeting gun crime.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

BECKLEY, W.Va. - A Michigan man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Tremaine Dean Pool, Jr., 22, of Romulus, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute oxymorphone.

Pool admitted that on December 2, 2016, law enforcement found a loaded 9mm handgun and a bag containing 68 forty milligram oxymorphone pills in his proximity in a residence in Lewisburg. Pool also admitted that he possessed the gun and that he possessed the pain pills with intent to distribute. Pool further admitted that he conspired and worked with codefendants Joshua Adam Smith and Nicole Lee Honaker to distribute pain pills in Greenbrier County during November and December 2016, and that approximately 300 forty milligram oxymorphone pills were distributed or possessed with the intent to distribute during this drug trafficking activity.

Pool faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 18, 2018. Smith and Honaker each face up to 20 years in federal prison for drug crimes associated with this investigation when they are sentenced on January 24, 2018.

U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart commended the Greenbrier Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force for the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John File is responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger is presiding over these cases.

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

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - A Kanawha County man was sentenced today to six years and three months in federal prison for a child pornography crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Stephen Lee Rhodes, 40, of Clendenin, previously pleaded guilty to receiving child pornography. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence. Rhodes was also ordered to serve 20 years on federal supervised release after completion of his prison term. Additionally, Rhodes will be required to register as a sex offender.

Rhodes admitted that on June 4, 2015, he received a video on his computer of a prepubescent minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Rhodes also admitted to possessing a large collection of child pornography images and videos contained on computers at his Clendenin residence. The investigation uncovered that Rhodes was using a peer-to-peer file sharing program to download, receive, and distribute child pornography images and videos. Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation seized computers and other digital media storage devices containing child pornography from his residence before arresting Rhodes in March 2017. 

U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Parkersburg Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their work on this investigation.

“This office remains dedicated to prosecuting child predators who search the Internet targeting innocent children,” stated U.S. Attorney Stuart. “We will continue working tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to seek out and bring to justice those who mercilessly exploit children.”    

Assistant United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston is in charge of the prosecution.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

BECKLEY, W.Va. – Two inmates who possessed weapons at the Federal Correctional Institution at Beckley pleaded guilty today, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Brandon Owens, 22, pleaded guilty to possession of a weapon by an inmate. In a separate prosecution, George Harper, 32, entered his guilty plea to the same federal weapons charge.

Owens admitted that on June 3, 2017, a Bureau of Prisons staff member located an object in the waist band of his pants. The object was a handcrafted weapon commonly referred to as a “shank.” The weapon was over four inches long, made of metal, sharpened to a point on one end, and outfitted with a piece of bed sheet on the other end to function as a handle.

In a separate prosecution, Harper admitted that on July 16, 2017, a Bureau of Prisons staff member saw him put something into his coffee cup. The staff member discovered that the object in the cup was a shank. The weapon was made of metal, over four inches long, and sharpened to a point on one end.

Owens and Harper each face up to five years in federal prison when they are sentenced on April 19, 2018.

U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the Federal Bureau of Prisons for their investigative work on these cases. Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the prosecutions. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the plea hearings.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Wood County man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Timothy Waldron, 31, of Mineral Wells, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.

On November 20, 2016, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Waldron’s residence on Wills Street in Mineral Wells. Officers seized two rifles, nearly 1,300 grams of methamphetamine, digital scales, sandwich baggies, and approximately $17,000 in cash from a safe found in the residence. The safe also contained Waldron’s birth certificate and Social Security card. Waldron then gave a statement to law enforcement, admitting that he had obtained over 10 pounds of methamphetamine for distribution during the two months prior to the search.

Waldron faces at least 10 years and up to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 10, 2018.

The Parkersburg Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John Frail is responsible for the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.

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

   Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The United States Attorney’s Offices for the Northern and Southern Districts are teaming up with law enforcement, service providers, and non-profit organizations to shed light on human trafficking as part of Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

In 2016, approximately 8,000 cases of human trafficking were reported to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline, but only 21 of those cases were from West Virginia. Law enforcement officers believe that figure significantly underrepresents the scope of the problem in our state.

“Human trafficking is a human tragedy for which too many cases go unreported. We need the public to know the red flags of human trafficking so we can put a stop to it,” said U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart, Southern District of West Virginia.

“With the climate in West Virginia ripe for human trafficking, more has to be done to educate the public about the issue and to combat it. Victims deserve more from all of us,” said U.S. Attorney Bill Powell, Northern District of West Virginia.

As part of Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the U.S. Attorneys for West Virginia want community members to understand the causes of human trafficking, and report suspected human trafficking.

West Virginia has a Human Trafficking Task Force, chaired by the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Northern and Southern Districts of West Virginia. The Task Force is comprised of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers, service providers, victim advocates, educators, and representatives of the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office, among others. The Task Force recently unveiled its new website, https://stophumantraffickingwv.org. The website includes information on reporting human trafficking, and the Task Force will add more content and resources to the website as the year progresses. 

Human trafficking is a federal crime involving the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit someone for labor, services, or commercial sex. In addition, the facilitation or solicitation of children for commercial sex—even without force, fraud, or coercion—is a trafficking crime. West Virginia is particularly vulnerable to trafficking because of its poverty, drug problems, and proximity to states with a high incidence of trafficking crime. Trafficking can occur anywhere, with anyone, and Task Force members are especially concerned about a growing trend of trafficking within families in the state.

Residents should remain vigilant, watching for signs of trafficking. Some red flags for human trafficking include:

• Lacking freedom to make basic decisions during work or free time
• Sexually explicit online profile
• Involvement in prostitution
• Indebtedness to employer
• Lacking personal possessions
• Lacking control of identification documents
• Possessing multiple cell phones
• Lying about age or identity
• Avoiding answering questions about self
• Resisting offers for help
• Expressing unusual fear of law enforcement

Foster children and runaways are exceptionally vulnerable for trafficking. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, one in six runaways are believed to be victims of sex trafficking, and 86% of those trafficked children were in foster care or social services.

For more information, go to https://stophumantraffickingwv.org.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man who walked away from a halfway house without permission was sentenced today to six months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Jalin McArn, 23, previously pleaded guilty to escape.

McArn was on supervised release because of a previous conviction for distribution of heroin. He was incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institution at Milan in Michigan until August 2017, where he was serving a 10-month sentence for violation of his supervised release. He was then transferred to Dismas Charities, a halfway house in St. Albans, to finish his prison term. McArn admitted that he walked away from Dismas in the early morning hours of September 25, 2017. McArn further admitted that he did not have permission or authority to be absent. On September 26, 2017, an arrest warrant was issued for McArn and he turned himself in to authorities on October 10, 2017.

The United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is in charge of the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Michael B. Stuart took the oath of office today to become the United States Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia. President Donald Trump announced Stuart’s nomination on September 8, 2017, and the United States Senate confirmed him on December 20, 2017. Stuart was sworn in by Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston in a private ceremony. There will be a public event at a future date.

“I look forward to partnering with federal, state, and local authorities to ensure that those who bring their poisons to our state or prey upon our citizens are brought to justice,” stated U.S. Attorney Stuart. “I am humbled and honored to serve as United States Attorney, and my office is committed to strengthening the safety of our communities.”

The son and grandson of coal miners, Stuart was born in Philippi before his family moved to Morgantown. He graduated from Morgantown High School, went on to study at West Virginia University, and then earned his J.D. from Boston University.

Prior to taking office as U.S. Attorney, Stuart practiced law as a member in the Charleston office of Steptoe & Johnson. There, he was co-chair of the firm’s corporate services and tax practice group. He focused on corporate law, energy and commercial transactions, securities, and government relations. He counseled a wide variety of clients on mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, business development, mergers, dissolutions, financing, and management. Stuart also previously worked at Spilman Thomas & Battle in Charleston, and K&L Gates in Boston. Before practicing law, he worked as an accountant at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Pittsburgh.

Stuart is a proud husband and father to his wife, Katrina, and daughters, Isabella and Audrey.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – A former funeral director who defrauded an insurance company was sentenced today to a year and a month in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Joel L. McGuire, 61, of Alderson, previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud. He was also ordered to pay $50,200.18 in restitution.

McGuire was the funeral director at Broyles-McGuire Funeral Home in Union in Monroe County. While serving as funeral director, McGuire also sold insurance policies that would pay for clients’ funerals upon their death. On August 31, 2012, McGuire submitted a claim, stating that a client had passed away on August 29, 2012, and that he had provided funeral services at a cost of $3,313.71. McGuire knew that the client was still alive and that he had not provided any funeral services. The insurance company paid McGuire $3,312.71 for the claim. McGuire also admitted that, as a result of his submission of numerous other false claims for clients that had not died, he received more than $50,000.

The West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner Fraud Unit conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Eric Bacaj is in charge of the prosecution. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man pleaded guilty today to a federal gun charge, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Vincent Beatty, 39, entered his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Beatty admitted that on August 7, 2017, he sold a Smith & Wesson, model 22A-1, .22 caliber pistol to a confidential informant working with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. Beatty is prohibited from possessing any firearms under federal law because of a 2007 felony conviction in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Union County, for aggravated assault.

The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys John Frail and Matt Davis are responsible for the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the plea hearing.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking with existing local programs targeting gun crime.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Hurricane woman pleaded guilty today for embezzling over $75,000 from the Teays Valley Volunteer Fire Department, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Kathy Sue Gwinn, 52, entered her guilty plea to theft from a program receiving federal funds. 

Gwinn formerly served as the Treasurer of the Teays Valley Volunteer Fire Department. As Treasurer, she generated payroll checks for firefighters and signed the payroll checks on a fire department bank account. Gwinn admitted that she volunteered for the fire department, and had no authority to write herself checks, nor was she entitled to wages, salary, or compensation for her role as Treasurer. She further admitted that beginning in October 2014, and continuing through March 2017, she printed and wrote herself unauthorized checks from the fire department’s payroll account, noting on the memo line of the checks that the checks were for payroll, overtime, or tax preparation. She admitted that she moved money from one fire department bank account into the bank account primarily used for payroll, and when she transferred those funds, she inflated the amount of the transfer to include enough to cover the unauthorized checks she planned to write to herself. Over the course of her scheme, she embezzled $75,356.70. As part of her plea agreement, Gwinn has agreed to pay this amount in restitution.

During the period Gwinn embezzled funds, the Teays Valley Volunteer Fire Department received grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security. These grants allowed the fire department to pay firefighters and to purchase and maintain equipment.

Gwinn faces up to 10 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on April 9, 2018.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the West Virginia Commission on Special Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith George Thomas is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two Boone County residents pleaded guilty today to federal gun charges, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Justin Keith Branham, 34, of Alum Creek, entered his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Alisha Marie Esque, 27, of Julian, entered her guilty plea to aiding and abetting the theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee. 

Branham and Esque are two of four defendants indicted in August 2017 and charged with stealing guns from a Boone County firearms dealer. Branham admitted that in November 2016, he possessed a rifle that he had stolen from the firearms dealer. Branham is prohibited from possessing any firearms under federal law because of a 2013 felony conviction in Kanawha County Circuit Court for burglary by breaking and entering. Esque admitted that in November 2016, she served as a lookout for Branham while he broke into the store to steal guns. 

Branham and Esque each face up to 10 years in federal prison when they are sentenced on March 21, 2018.

The Boone County Sheriff’s Office, the West Virginia State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney James Matthew Davis is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.

This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A former postal worker who stole oxycodone and hydrocodone pills mailed by the Department of Veterans Affairs to veterans was sentenced today to five years of probation, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Brittany Harrison, 31, of Cross Lanes, previously pleaded guilty to theft of mail by a postal employee. She was also ordered to pay $124.34 in restitution, the value of the stolen pills. 

Harrison was a federal postal support employee who worked in the Charleston Main Post Office as a mail processing clerk. Through working at that post office, Harrison learned to identify packages mailed by the Department of Veterans Affairs that contained oxycodone and hydrocodone pills. After identifying these packages, Harrison opened them and stole the pain pills inside. On April 8, 2016, she opened a package from the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Huntington that was to be delivered to a Charleston veteran and stole oxycodone pills from the package. Harrison further admitted to stealing pills contained in at least six other packages, including 168 oxycodone pills on April 12, 2016, and another 168 oxycodone pills on April 13, 2016. On April 13, 2016, Harrison gave a statement to federal officers in which she admitted stealing the pain pills. Harrison is no longer an employee with the United States Postal Service.

The United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, and the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation, assisted by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence.

This case was prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District. 

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Columbus man who was caught selling heroin in Huntington in 2016 pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Traemone Khalil Miller, 22, entered his guilty plea to distribution of heroin and fentanyl.

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

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

Miller faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 2, 2018.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

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

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews