Southern District of West Virginia

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two defendants pleaded guilty yesterday to child pornography crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Steven Lee Rhodes, 39, of Clendenin, pleaded guilty to receiving child pornography. In a separate prosecution, Kenneth Frederick Stier, 29, of Spencer, entered his guilty plea to distributing child pornography.

Rhodes admitted that on June 4, 2015, he received a video of a prepubescent minor engaged in sex acts. The video was received on Rhodes’ computer, which was located at his residence in Clendenin. The investigation revealed that Rhodes was using a peer-to-peer file sharing program to download, receive, and distribute child pornography images and videos. Rhodes admitted that he possessed over 600 images and videos of minors engaged in sex acts.

In a separate prosecution, Stier admitted that on December 13, 2016, he distributed two videos of prepubescent minors engaged in sex acts. An undercover law enforcement operation revealed that Stier distributed the videos using a messenger application on his cell phone. Stier also admitted to distributing child pornography videos on another occasion, and to possessing over 600 images and videos depicting child pornography.

Rhodes and Stier both face at least five and up to 20 years in federal prison when they are sentenced, as well as a term of federal supervised release of at least five years and up to life. Rhodes is scheduled to be sentenced on November 14, 2017. Stier is scheduled for sentencing on November 13, 2017. Upon release from federal prison, both Rhodes and Stier will be required to register as sex offenders.

“The penalties for endangering children with sexual predatory behavior are significant, and those who abuse the most vulnerable will pay a heavy price,” said United States Attorney Carol Casto. “We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to aggressively prosecute those who exploit the children of our communities.”

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 conducted the investigations. The Roane County Sheriff’s Office also investigated the Stier case. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston is in charge of these prosecutions.

The plea hearing for Rhodes was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. The plea hearing for Stier was held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.

These cases were 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.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg woman caught with heroin and methamphetamine in January 2017 pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Megan Kerns, 29, entered her guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamine.

On January 12, 2017, agents with the Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force arrested Kerns in Parkersburg, and in a search incident to arrest, discovered in her possession approximately 30 grams of heroin, 50 grams of methamphetamine, and a Taurus .380 caliber pistol. She also had in her possession a box of sandwich bags, a set of digital scales, and two cell phones. As part of the plea agreement, Kerns further admitted to all the drug trafficking activity charged in the indictment, including that she distributed heroin and methamphetamine in Parkersburg during the months of March 2016 and January 2017.

Kerns faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on November 13, 2017.

The Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force conducted the investigation. 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 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.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg man pleaded guilty today to a federal carjacking charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Marshall Leroy Saunders, 29, entered his guilty plea to a single-count indictment charging him with carjacking a taxi in Wood County.

Saunders was a suspect in an unrelated crime when police observed him entering a taxi in Vienna on October 6, 2016. Saunders admitted that when police attempted to pull the taxi over, he pointed a loaded pistol at the driver and ordered him out of the vehicle. Saunders then took control of the taxi and fled to Parkersburg, driving at speeds of up to 110 miles per hour, running a red light, and driving the taxi southbound in the northbound lane of Grand Central Avenue. Saunders abandoned the taxi in Parkersburg, then hid in a wooded area until he was apprehended by police.

Saunders faces up to 15 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 15, 2017.

The Vienna Police Department, the Parkersburg Police Department, 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 Thomas E. Johnston.

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 existing local programs targeting gun crime.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Mason County couple pleaded guilty today to federal drug charges, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Eugene “Gene” Asbury, 69, and Natasha “Tess” Clonch, 32, both of Gallipolis Ferry, entered guilty pleas to conspiracy to distribute synthetic cannabinoids.

Asbury and Clonch admitted that from at least 2013 through February 2015, they sold $1.6 million worth of synthetic cannabinoids, also known as “Spice” and “Potpourri” from “The Scent Shop,” a store they operated on Huntington Road in Mason County. The synthetic cannabinoids contained controlled substances and controlled substance analogues, and were packaged under a variety of trade names, including Scooby Snax, Heaven’s Grass, Get Real, Black Diamond, Mr. Nice Guy, and Mad Hatter. The couple further admitted that they laundered the proceeds of the sales by using cash or money orders to purchase additional synthetic cannabinoids, as well as vehicles and real property. They also admitted to laundering the proceeds by co-mingling the money through the bank accounts of Natasha Clonch, dba “The Scent Shop” and Asbury Inc., under which Asbury operated several businesses, including the Route 35 Adult Video and Bookstore in Putnam County.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, Asbury and Clonch agreed to the forfeiture of $1.6 million in assets obtained by the sale of synthetic cannabinoids, including more than $189,000, a 2015 GMC Yukon, a 1952 Oldsmobile, a fully-restored 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air, and real property located in Glenwood, West Virginia.

Asbury and Clonch each face up to 20 years in federal prison when they are sentenced on November 27, 2017.

The investigation was conducted by the West Virginia State Police and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Logan County man who possessed a sawed-off shotgun in October 2016 pleaded guilty today to a federal gun charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Brian Kevin Sigmon, II, 34, of Henlawson, entered his guilty plea to possession of an unregistered firearm.

On October 22, 2016, Sigmon possessed a shotgun that had been sawed-off, with a barrel length of less than 18 inches and an overall length of less than 26 inches. The sawed-off shotgun Sigmon possessed was not registered on the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record as required by federal law.

Sigmon faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 29, 2017.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Eric Bacaj is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.

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 existing local programs targeting gun crime.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Williamson man was sentenced today to eight years and four months in federal prison for a heroin charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jerome Anthony Smith, 42, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin.

Smith admitted that from May to August 2014, during the course of several controlled purchases, he distributed both heroin and crack to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deals took place in the Williamson area. As part of the plea agreement, Smith admitted to all of the charged drug trafficking conduct, as well as additional drug deals.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Route 119 Drug Task Force and the Mingo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.

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

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Wayne County man who assisted others in distributing oxycodone in the Fort Gay area in 2015 and 2016 pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Dennis Ransbottom, Jr., 32, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute oxycodone.

Between November 2015 and November 2016, Ransbottom participated in the conspiracy with others, including an oxycodone source from Detroit. During the conspiracy, the source frequently transported oxycodone pills from Michigan to Fort Gay to distribute, and would notify Ransbottom upon arrival in West Virginia. Ransbottom agreed to introduce individuals to the source, or otherwise arrange for customers to meet the source to buy pills. On November 29, 2016, Ransbottom was arrested along with another individual while they were meeting outside of the Pit Stop gas station in Fort Gay. Investigators located and seized a total of 382 thirty mg oxycodone tablets during the arrest.

Ransbottom faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 20, 2017.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

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

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man and Huntington woman who participated with others distributing heroin in the Huntington area between 2014 and 2016 were sentenced to federal prison today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Derrick C. Morris, 27, was sentenced to six years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. Dorothy D. Pannell, 23, was sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin. 

Between November 2014 and June 8, 2016, Morris conspired with others, including Mark Bush, to distribute heroin that was transported to Huntington from the Detroit area. During the conspiracy, Morris received heroin that he would distribute in Huntington. Morris subsequently provided proceeds from the distributions back to individuals in Detroit. Morris also enlisted the aid of multiple individuals to conduct wire transfers of cash from Huntington to the Detroit area. At today’s hearing, the Court found that Morris was responsible for the distribution of over a kilogram of heroin in the Huntington area.

Pannell previously admitted she participated in the conspiracy during April and May of 2016. During this period, Pannell allowed Bush to store heroin in her residence located at 729 Oxford Drive in Huntington. Pannell further allowed Bush to retrieve heroin from her residence on various occasions to make distributions in Huntington. On May 23, 2016, agents with the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at Pannell’s residence. During the search, agents seized approximately 85 grams of heroin and three firearms.

Bush was sentenced to 17 and a half years in federal prison for his involvement in the conspiracy. 

The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecutions. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentences.

These prosecutions 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.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston dentist who falsely billed West Virginia Medicaid and West Virginia Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) for more than $700,000 pleaded guilty today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Antoine Skaff, 58, entered his guilty plea to health care fraud. Skaff also entered into a civil settlement today with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), DHHR’s Bureau for Medical Services, and the West Virginia Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, in which he agreed to pay treble damages of $2.2 million, or three times the loss suffered by West Virginia Medicaid.

Skaff, a dentist, admitted that he fraudulently billed West Virginia Medicaid and Medicaid MCOs for dental procedures that he did not actually perform on Medicaid recipients. Skaff’s scheme to defraud Medicaid and its MCOs lasted more than five years and involved upcoding and double billing.

First, Skaff admitted that he falsely inflated his billings, a practice commonly known as upcoding, often by falsely claiming reimbursement for procedures involving impacted teeth. Typically, only wisdom teeth are impacted. However, Skaff admitted that he upcoded billings for tooth extractions by falsely informing Medicaid and its MCOs that he performed more complex procedures, such as extractions of impacted teeth, when he had actually performed simple extractions. Because Skaff upcoded these extractions, Medicaid and its MCOs paid Skaff $172 per extraction of each tooth, rather than $80 per tooth for a simple extraction. Skaff additionally admitted that he falsely upcoded at least 7,490 tooth extractions, billing more than $1.3 million for those procedures. He further admitted that if those extractions were medically necessary, and if had actually performed the procedures he claimed, then he should have been paid only $599,200.

Next, Skaff admitted that he submitted false bills and received payment twice for removing the same teeth from the same patients. Skaff first billed and received payments from Medicaid for the extraction of patients’ specific teeth. He then falsely billed and received payment again from Medicaid MCOs for extraction of the same teeth. Skaff admitted that he received $56,930 from his false double billings.

Skaff faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 13, 2017. As part of his plea agreement, Skaff agreed to pay $738,067 in restitution.

Skaff also entered into a civil settlement agreement today in which he agreed to pay $2.2 million as a result of his fraud. Skaff further agreed to be excluded from Medicare and Medicaid programs for 13 years, which means he will not be able to bill Medicare and Medicaid during this time period.

“This case demonstrates the good that comes when federal and state agencies work together to identify, investigate and prosecute health care fraud,” stated United States Attorney Carol Casto. “Through the civil, criminal and administrative processes brought to bear, the Medicaid program will be made whole, Dr. Skaff will be punished, and we will protect federal health care dollars in the future by securing his exclusion from these programs.”

“Collaboration between agencies is the key to continued reduction and prevention of health care fraud and abuse in the state,” said Bill J. Crouch, West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Cabinet Secretary. “DHHR and its specially-trained, nationally-recognized Medicaid Fraud Control Unit work daily with our federal and state partners to resolve these issues for the benefit of our citizens and the Medicaid program.”

The West Virginia Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, the FBI, the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Affirmative Civil Enforcement investigator from the U.S. Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith George Thomas is in charge of the criminal prosecution. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Mankins is responsible for the civil settlement. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two defendants pleaded guilty today to federal gun charges, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Carlos Lamont Gray, 26, of Detroit, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. In a separate prosecution, Edward William Blake, Jr., 52, of Belle in Kanawha County, entered his guilty plea to possessing a firearm after being convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

Gray admitted that on February 20, 2017, he and another individual traded a Ruger .223 caliber rifle for a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber handgun at Bridgeport Equipment in Charleston. Gray also admitted that on March 9, 2017, he was pulled over on Nancy Street in Charleston and officers found the loaded Smith & Wesson handgun on his person. Gray was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of felony convictions in 2012 in Wayne County, Michigan, for receiving or concealing a stolen vehicle and fleeing a police officer.

In a separate prosecution, Blake admitted that on April 18, 2016, officers responded to a domestic violence call at his residence in Belle. The encounter resulted in Blake’s arrest and in his wife being taken to the hospital. When officers returned later that evening with his wife, she informed them that Blake had a gun in the home that he had hidden prior to their arrival earlier in the day. The wife took the officers into the master bedroom and opened a drawer in a small nightstand beside the bed where officers located a Bryco Arms 9mm pistol. Blake was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of two prior misdemeanor domestic battery convictions in Nicholas County Magistrate Court.

Gray and Blake each face up to 10 years in federal prison when they are sentenced on November 6, 2017.

The investigation of Gray was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is in charge of Gray’s prosecution. The plea hearing for Gray was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation of Blake. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is in charge of Blake’s prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over Blake’s plea hearing.

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 existing local programs targeting gun crime.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston drug dealer was sentenced today to three years and five months in federal prison for a methamphetamine crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Shannon L. Mitchell, 36, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine.

Mitchell admitted that on July 18, 2016, he sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place near Mitchell’s home on Maryland Avenue in Charleston. As part of the plea agreement, Mitchell also admitted to evidence of all the criminal conduct charged in the indictment.

The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John Frail is responsible for 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 illegal drugs, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Boone County pain pill dealer was sentenced today to six years in federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Howard D. Williamson, Jr., 55, of Madison, previously pleaded guilty to both counts of a two-count indictment charging him with distribution of oxycodone.

Williamson admitted that on July 23, 2015, and again on October 25, 2015, he sold oxycodone pills to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. Williamson further admitted that the drug deals took place at his Lincoln Avenue residence in Madison.

The investigation was conducted by the West Virginia State Police and the U.S. Route 119 Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney John Frail is responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Three methamphetamine dealers from South Charleston pleaded guilty today to federal drug charges, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Carl “Yogi” Clark, 40, Jamie Harmon, 38, and Holly Doub, 34, each entered guilty pleas to distribution of methamphetamine.

Clark and Harmon admitted that in January 2017, along with other individuals, they brought approximately four kilograms of crystal methamphetamine from Atlanta to Charleston. On January 12, 2017, officers with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team executed a search warrant at a hotel room and found over 130 grams of methamphetamine, scales, baggies, and a gun. The methamphetamine was part of the approximately four kilograms Clark, Harmon, and others brought back from Atlanta, and it was lab-tested and confirmed to be over 90% pure. Harmon and Clark also admitted to distributing additional methamphetamine to confidential informants during controlled buys in March 2017. Doub admitted that she helped Clark during one of those buys on March 13, 2017, by handing the confidential informant a gram of methamphetamine. Previously, Christopher Carte entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine for his role in the same drug trafficking organization. As part of their plea agreements, the defendants also admitted to the other drug trafficking activity charged in the indictment.

Carte, Harmon, Clark, and Doub each face up to 20 years in federal prison when they are sentenced on November 8, 2017.

The investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is responsible for the prosecutions. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin is presiding over these cases.

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

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man involved with others in distributing heroin in 2016 was sentenced today to a year and three months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Philip Reed Starkey, 48, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin.

From the summer of 2016 to September 2016, Starkey participated with Tonya Lynn Thompson and others in a conspiracy to distribute heroin in the Huntington area. During this time period, Starkey and Thompson received heroin on consignment. Starkey and Thompson would then distribute the heroin and return the proceeds from the distributions back to the heroin source.  

On September 5, 2016, a deputy with the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department seized $6,407 in cash from Starkey and Thompson during a traffic stop on U.S. Route 60 in Huntington after agents received information they would be delivering the money that day. Starkey and Thompson admitted that the money constituted proceeds from heroin distributions, and that they were delivering the money back to the heroin source. Starkey previously admitted that he and Thompson were responsible for distributing up to 400 grams of heroin during the conspiracy. As part of the plea agreement, Starkey admitted that he was responsible for all the drug trafficking conduct charged in the superseding indictment. Thompson previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin and faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on October 30, 2017.

The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force and the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.

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

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man caught with heroin in January 2015 pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Daniel Justin Watts, 32, entered his guilty plea to a single-count indictment charging him with possession with intent to distribute heroin.

On January 7, 2015, agents with the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force arrested Watts in a parking lot at 1034 14th Street West in Huntington after observing Watts distributing heroin in the area. Watts was transported to the Huntington Police Department and, during a search, was found to be in possession of heroin he had concealed in his groin area. The heroin was packaged for distribution, and Watts admitted that he intended to sell the heroin. As part of the plea agreement, Watts further admitted that he distributed heroin in West Huntington during the months of December 2014 and January 2015.

Watts faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 20, 2017.

The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

This 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.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man was sentenced today to 17 and a half years in federal prison for his role in a heroin conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Mark Steven Bush, Jr., 30, of Detroit, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. 

Between November 2014 and June 8, 2016, Bush led a conspiracy with other individuals who either sold heroin for him, rented and purchased cars in their name for him, stored heroin and guns for him, or transferred proceeds of drug trafficking for him. During the conspiracy, those selling drugs for Bush would receive heroin on consignment or “front.” Bush would later receive proceeds from the sales. Bush enlisted the aid of others who permitted Bush to title cars in their names in exchange for payments of heroin. These individuals also provided transportation for Bush and those selling heroin on Bush’s behalf. Bush utilized another individual who made trips to Detroit to deliver money and transport heroin and oxymorphone pills back to Huntington on Bush’s behalf or on the behalf of individuals working with Bush. Bush also stored and distributed heroin at various residences in the Huntington area. In a search at 729 Oxford Drive on May 23, 2016, approximately 85 grams of heroin and four firearms were seized, all of which Bush admitted he possessed. As part of the plea agreement, Bush also admitted to the other drug trafficking activity charged in the indictment.

At today’s hearing, the Court found that Bush was responsible for the distribution of up to 10 kilograms of heroin in the Huntington area. The Court further found that Bush possessed firearms during the conspiracy, and that he served as a leader and organizer of at least five other participants.

The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution. The sentence was imposed by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

This 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.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston heroin dealer was sentenced today to five years and three months in federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Albert Bowman, Jr., 40, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin.

Bowman admitted that on July 5, 2016, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The controlled purchase took place inside Bowman’s residence on Russell Street in Charleston. Officers also executed a search warrant at the residence and located cash, additional drugs, and firearms. Bowman additionally admitted that he had distributed over 130 grams of heroin in the months leading up to the search warrant. As part of the plea agreement, Bowman also admitted to evidence of the other drug trafficking conduct charged in the indictment.

The investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Virginia man, Jamaa I. Johnson, 36, of Wytheville, was sentenced today to over 19 years in federal prison after being convicted by a federal jury, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Johnson was convicted after a nearly three week jury trial in January 2015 for his role in a conspiracy to commit armed home invasions of drug dealers. Johnson and his co-defendant, Darrell Gillespie, were both found guilty of conspiracies to commit armed robbery and to use firearms in crimes of violence, as well as obstruction of justice charges.

The conspiracy involved armed robberies dating back to the fall of 2011 in Pittsburgh. Johnson’s co-defendant, Darrell E. Gillespie, who is still awaiting sentencing, joined by others involved in the conspiracy, traveled to Pittsburgh to rob a drug dealer. After the robbery, the men came back to Charleston to split up marijuana stolen in the robbery. Over the next four months, Johnson, Gillespie, or their co-conspirators, participated in six more robberies in West Virginia and Virginia. All involved firearms, and during a January 18, 2012, robbery in Charleston, the victim was shot in the leg and stabbed. 

Johnson was also found guilty of witness tampering for attempting to use his ex-girlfriend to craft a false alibi. His ex-girlfriend testified at trial that Johnson sent her a letter requesting her to “please get this prepared” and “I need you to really remember that trip you took to see me.” He was referring to a fake trip to Richmond, but it was confirmed that trip never happened, and that she drove him instead to Charleston on January 18, 2012, the day of the robbery, so he could destroy evidence.

Gillespie faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years and up to life in federal prison when he is sentenced. 

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the South Charleston Police Department, and the Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Monica D. Coleman and Meredith George Thomas are in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence and presided over the trial.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Proctorville, Ohio, couple was sentenced to federal prison today on drug charges, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Charley G. Myers, 37, and Tracie M. Reed, 39, both previously pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine. Myers was sentenced to 10 years and a month in federal prison. Reed was sentenced to nine years in federal prison.

Between February and September of 2016, Myers and Reed travelled on several occasions to Texas and returned to the Tri-State area with at least a kilogram of methamphetamine on each trip. The pair would then sell the methamphetamine to customers in Putnam and Kanawha counties in West Virginia, as well as to customers in the Proctorville area. Laboratory results indicated that the methamphetamine seized from the couple was close to 100% pure. As part of their plea agreements, both Myers and Reed admitted responsibility for the other drug trafficking conduct charged in the indictment.

The investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney R. Gregory McVey is responsible for these prosecutions. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentences.

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

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Honduran national pleaded guilty today to an immigration crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Delvin Rodriguez-Gonzalez, 37, entered his guilty plea to illegally reentering the United States.   

Rodriguez-Gonzalez had been arrested for a driving while intoxicated charge in Cabell County, and was identified on May 7, 2017, by agents with the Department of Homeland Security. Rodriguez-Gonzalez admitted that he had been convicted of second degree burglary in El Paso County District Court in Colorado Springs on January 22, 2009, and was removed from the United States on March 19, 2009. On January 18, 2013, Mr. Rodriguez-Gonzalez was found in Florence, Colorado, and was again removed from the United States. Rodriguez-Gonzalez  was subsequently found in the Western Regional Jail in Barboursville. Rodriguez-Gonzalez further admitted to having illegally reentered the United States for a third time. 

Rodriguez-Gonzalez faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 13, 2017. He is also subject to removal proceedings at the conclusion of any term of incarceration.

The investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Cross Lanes man pleaded guilty today a federal gun charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Tristen Paxton, 21, entered his guilty plea to possessing firearms after being convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

Paxton admitted that on March 27, 2017, during a traffic stop conducted by the Sheriff’s Tactical Operations Patrol (STOP) Team of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, he possessed two firearms in the vehicle. Law enforcement recovered a loaded Taurus Judge .45 caliber/410 gauge handgun from the passenger seat and a Poly Technologies AK-47 rifle with a loaded high capacity magazine in the trunk. As part of his plea agreement, Paxton also admitted that he was responsible for selling two other firearms and methamphetamine.

Paxton faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 2, 2017.

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department’s STOP Team and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman 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 Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A man and a woman from Paramount, California, and a woman from South Charleston were sentenced to federal prison today for their roles in a large-scale drug trafficking organization, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Gregory Crum, 42, and Diana Salazar Gamboa, 44, both previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Crum was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison. Gamboa was sentenced to eight years and one month in federal prison. Additionally, Beth Hammonds, 53, previously pleaded guilty to using the mail to facilitate a drug crime and was sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison.

As part of a comprehensive investigation, agents from the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, and Homeland Security Investigations intercepted several packages that contained crystal methamphetamine, commonly referred to as “ice.” Since January 2014, several pounds of crystal methamphetamine were transported from California and Nevada into the Southern District of West Virginia via the United States mail or through individuals driving packages of drugs into the area.

Crum and Gamboa admitted that they arranged for methamphetamine to be sent into the Southern District and accepted payment for the drugs. Hammonds admitted that she received methamphetamine and further distributed it to individuals around South Charleston. Hammonds also admitted that she mailed proceeds from the drug distributions to Joseph Cooper, another individual involved in the conspiracy.

Multiple defendants have been sentenced to federal prison as a result of this large-scale methamphetamine trafficking investigation. Cooper was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Benjamin Childers was sentenced to 10 years and a month in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. David Huffman was sentenced to eight years and four months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Mark Cobb and Shayne Shamblen were both sentenced to seven years in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Mark Bays was sentenced to five years in prison for maintaining a residence for the purpose of distributing methamphetamine. Harold Parsons was sentenced to four years in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Light was sentenced to four years in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Jon Bowman was sentenced to a year and a half in prison for using the mail to facilitate a drug crime.

Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is responsible for these prosecutions. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentences and presided over these cases.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced today to two years and nine months in federal prison for a gun charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Re’Shaun Lamonte Wilborne, 31, previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Wilborne admitted that on October 13, 2016, he possessed a Taurus, Model PT92AF, 9x19mm semiautomatic pistol and several boxes of ammunition. An officer with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team discovered the handgun in Wilborne’s backpack in a Motel 6 on MacCorkle Avenue in Charleston. Three days later, on October 16, 2016, a Charleston Police Department officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Central Avenue in Charleston in reference to two individuals behind a bar fighting, one of whom was later identified as Wilborne. When Wilborne saw the officer, he began to flee. The officer caught up to Wilborne around the 400 block of Elm Street and in a search of Wilborne incident to arrest, law enforcement recovered a Glock, Model 29, 10mm semiautomatic pistol. After a check of the gun’s serial number, law enforcement confirmed that the firearm was stolen. Wilborne was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a conviction for second degree sexual assault in 2004 in Fayette County Circuit Court. As part of the plea agreement, Wilborne admitted to all of the criminal conduct charged in the indictment.

The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, the Charleston Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Clint Carte is responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston 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 existing local programs targeting gun crime.

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BECKLEY, W.Va. - A Wyoming County man was sentenced today to three years and four months in federal prison and 15 years of federal supervised release for a child pornography crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Eddie Dwaine Justice, Jr., 30, of Hanover, previously pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography. After finishing his prison sentence, Justice will also be required to register as a sex offender.

Justice admitted that in July 2016, he possessed over 600 images and videos of minors engaged in sexual acts. Many of the images and videos depict prepubescent minors. The images and videos were located on his personal computer found in his residence. The investigation also revealed that Justice was using a peer-to-peer file sharing program to download, receive, and distribute child pornography.

“Those who choose to exploit children should be aware of the serious consequences associated with these crimes,” stated United States Attorney Carol Casto. “Protecting the children of our communities is a top priority of this office, and we will keep working with our law enforcement partners to hold these predators accountable.”

The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Eric Bacaj is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.

This case was brought as part of an ongoing initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia.

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BECKLEY, W.Va. - A Greenbrier County man was sentenced today to a year and 10 months in federal prison for an oxymorphone crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Justin Wade Bradley, 24, of Alderson, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of oxymorphone.

Bradley admitted that on October 21, 2016, he sold oxymorphone to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place in Ronceverte. As part of the plea agreement, Bradley further admitted that he distributed approximately 75 oxymorphone pills between the summer of 2016 and November of 2016, which accounted for the other drug trafficking conduct charged in the indictment.

The Greenbrier Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John L. File is responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. - A Charleston man pleaded guilty today to a federal gun charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Markus Davis, 39, entered his guilty plea to a single-count indictment charging him with illegally possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony.

Davis was pulled over on Virginia Street in Charleston on February 22, 2017. During the traffic stop, officers with the Charleston Police Department found a stolen, loaded Taurus handgun in his pants. Davis was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of previous felony convictions. Additionally, this is the second federal gun conviction for Davis. He was convicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm in 2011 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. He was also convicted of first degree robbery in 2004 in Kanawha County Circuit Court.

Davis faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 1, 2017.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.

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 existing local programs targeting gun crime.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit woman who was caught in Huntington with heroin in December 2016 was sentenced today to four years and three months in federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Ebony Inez-Latee Johnson, 43, previously pleaded guilty to a single-count indictment charging her with possession with intent to distribute heroin.

On December 4, 2016, an officer with the Huntington Police Department conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle Johnson was driving at the intersection of 9th Avenue and 10th Street in Huntington. During the stop, the officer located a bag containing approximately 23 grams of heroin that was concealed in Johnson’s jacket pocket. The heroin was packaged in 43 individually wrapped bags, and Johnson admitted at her plea hearing that the heroin was intended for distribution.

Johnson further admitted at the hearing that, on April 14, 2016, a trooper with the Michigan State Police conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Johnson in Taylor, Michigan. The trooper seized approximately 124 grams of heroin and 135 thirty mg oxycodone tablets from the vehicle.

The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation, with assistance from the Michigan State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution. Chief 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 illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man who was among a group arrested for distributing heroin in Huntington in 2015 was sentenced today to six years and four months in federal prison for a drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Damond Idress Robinson-King, 23, previously pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

On October 5, 2015, members of the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted a search at 1826 Old 16th Street Road in Huntington after an investigation revealed multiple individuals from Detroit were using the residence to store and distribute heroin. During the search, agents located Robinson-King and two other individuals inside the residence. Agents also seized approximately 306 grams of heroin and $51,479 in United States currency. Robinson-King admitted that he and the other individuals intended to sell the heroin. As part of the plea agreement, Robinson-King further admitted to all of the other conduct charged in the indictment.

The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.

This 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 illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Wood County man pleaded guilty yesterday to a federal methamphetamine crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Joseph Daniel Mills, 39, of Walker, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Mills admitted that on May 12, 2017, members of the Parkersburg Narcotics and Violent Crimes Task Force, along with FBI agents, executed a search warrant at his residence in Walker. Among other items, law enforcement seized approximately 10 ounces of methamphetamine, 21 firearms, body armor, and scales. Mills further admitted that he stored and distributed methamphetamine in his residence and possessed the firearms, in part, to protect his drugs and drug proceeds. 

Mills faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on October 30, 2017.

The Parkersburg Narcotics and Violent Crimes Task Force and the FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Thomas E. Johnston.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Princeton heroin dealer pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Terrance Raheem Simmons, 41, entered his guilty plea to distribution of heroin.

Simmons admitted that on April 20, 2017, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place in Princeton.

Simmons faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on October 31, 2017.

The case was investigated by the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney John L. File is responsible for the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Senior United States District David A. Faber.

This 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 illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Michigan man pleaded guilty on Wednesday to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Willie McCall, 34, entered his guilty plea to distribution of methamphetamine.

McCall admitted that on February 7, 2017, he sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place outside a local business near Nitro. Later that same date, when McCall was arrested, law enforcement found $100 of recorded buy money in his possession that was used in the controlled purchase.

McCall faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on October 26, 2017.

The case against McCall was investigated by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A California man was sentenced yesterday to seven years in federal prison for a methamphetamine crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Edgar Zendejas Bedoy, 35, of El Centro, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine.

Bedoy admitted that beginning in December 2011 and continuing into 2012, he conspired with Gary Liberty to send packages of methamphetamine and marijuana from California to an individual in Sissonville for distribution. The individual was actually a confidential informant cooperating with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. Through discussions with the informant, Gary Liberty agreed to arrange methamphetamine and marijuana deals for Bedoy with the informant. Liberty negotiated the price of the drugs for Bedoy with the informant, and the two then agreed to ship the packages containing methamphetamine and marijuana from California to the informant in West Virginia. Bedoy admitted to shipping 472 grams of methamphetamine and nearly 12 kilograms of marijuana to West Virginia for distribution. Liberty was previously sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for methamphetamine trafficking.

The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, part of the Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – An Ohio man pleaded guilty yesterday to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Joshua L. Henderson, 27, of Dayton, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

Henderson admitted that in early February 2017, he traveled from Dayton to Parkersburg several times a week to sell drugs. Using a confidential informant, the Parkersburg Police Department made multiple controlled purchases from Henderson of both heroin and fentanyl. On February 15, 2017, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for a residence where Henderson had been staying in Parkersburg. During the execution of the search warrant, Henderson attempted to flee by jumping from a second story window. Law enforcement caught Henderson and recovered over 13 grams of fentanyl and $1,800 in cash, as well as a Taurus 9mm pistol that had fallen from Henderson’s waistband during the jump. Additionally, law enforcement discovered more fentanyl, digital scales, small plastic baggies, and methamphetamine in or around Henderson’s bedroom.

Henderson was charged in a six-count indictment that accused him of federal drug charges and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. As part of the plea agreement, Henderson admitted that he possessed the gun and that he sold all the drugs charged in the remaining counts of the indictment, which the Court may consider at sentencing.

Henderson faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on October 23, 2017.

The Parkersburg Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Eumi L. Choi is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced today to four years in federal prison for a gun crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Shon Wayne Cobbs, 45, previously pleaded guilty to a single-count indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Cobbs admitted that on February 3, 2013, he discharged a .40 caliber pistol inside his kitchen three times during an argument with a woman who was standing in the kitchen doorway. The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department arrested Cobbs at the residence without further incident. While executing a search warrant, deputies located a Beretta .40 caliber pistol, three spent shell casings, and bullet fragments from the kitchen. A spent bullet was also recovered from the adjacent living room. Furthermore, deputies seized an additional 16 firearms from several locations throughout the residence.

Cobbs was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because he was convicted in 2008 of the felony offense of unlawful wounding in Kanawha County Circuit Court after a jury found him guilty of assaulting a woman and breaking her arm by twisting it behind her back.

In August 2013, Cobbs pleaded guilty to wanton endangerment in Kanawha County Circuit Court as a result of the same conduct giving rise to the federal prosecution. He was sentenced to home confinement.

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks handled the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin 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 existing local programs targeting gun crime.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man was sentenced today to two years in federal prison for a heroin crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Kenyoda Holmes, 26, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin.

Holmes admitted that on April 20, 2016, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place at the Southmoor Apartments in South Charleston. Holmes pleaded guilty to count two of a four-count indictment that alleged distribution of heroin with each count. As part of the plea agreement, in addition to the drug deal on April 20, 2016, Holmes admitted to other drug distributions in the community beyond the count to which he pled guilty. The Court also held Holmes responsible for possessing a firearm related to his drug trafficking activity.

The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Cross Lanes man was sentenced today to four years and nine months in federal prison for a gun charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Fred Wallace Hammon, Jr., 36, previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Hammon admitted that on September 1, 2016, he possessed a Remington, Model 742 Woodsmaster, .30-06 caliber rifle. Hammon was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of felony convictions in Kanawha County Circuit Court in 2000 for two counts of aggravated robbery and in 2011 for wanton endangerment, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possessing a firearm on the grounds of an educational facility.

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Charleston Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Clint Carte is responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin 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 existing local programs targeting gun crime.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced today to six years and three months in prison for a gun charge and assaulting a federal officer, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Taurean Amadeus Johnson, 30, previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and assaulting a federal officer after a court appearance.

Johnson admitted that on January 16, 2017, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence and on a vehicle parked in front of his residence. Officers found a Lorcin L380 semiautomatic pistol in the vehicle. Johnson admitted that the gun belonged to him. Johnson also admitted in a statement to law enforcement that he acquired at least two other handguns, which were also recovered. Johnson was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of convictions in Cabell County Circuit Court in 2009 for first degree robbery, transporting a controlled substance into the state, and delivery of crack.

Johnson further admitted to assaulting a federal officer. On January 17, 2017, Johnson appeared before the United States Magistrate Judge in Charleston for an initial appearance. When the hearing ended, Johnson became combative leaving the courtroom. Johnson admitted that while being placed in a holding cell, he began choking a deputy of the United States Marshals Service by pulling on his neck tie. The Marshals Service regained control of Johnson through physical restraint.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin 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 existing local programs targeting gun crime.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A St. Albans man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jeremiah Joe Johnson, 40, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Johnson admitted that on April 30, 2017, he traveled to Charleston from Atlanta with approximately 1.3 kilograms of methamphetamine. Agents with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team were monitoring Johnson’s travels using a GPS tracker and surveillance. Johnson also admitted that he stopped at the Bigley Avenue Go-Mart in Charleston, where an officer saw a passenger with Johnson attempt to hide a meth pipe from view. A drug dog on the scene gave a positive indication of the presence of narcotics, and a subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered the methamphetamine in a bag in the back seat. Johnson additionally admitted that he had obtained the drugs from a source in Georgia, and that he intended to distribute the drugs. Johnson further admitted to several other encounters with law enforcement while he was in possession of dealer amounts of methamphetamine.

Johnson faces at least five and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on October 5, 2017.

The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, the West Virginia State Police, and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney R. Gregory McVey is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was 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 illegal drugs, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two inmates at the Federal Correctional Institution at McDowell pleaded guilty today to possessing weapons in prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Antonio Freeman, 30, entered his guilty plea to possession of a weapon by an inmate. In a separate prosecution, Robert Aguon, 42, also pleaded guilty to possession of a weapon by an inmate.

Freeman admitted that on August 25, 2016, he ran away from staff members of the prison and threw an object on the roof of a building. A staff member retrieved the object and found that it was a piece of wood over five inches long that was sharpened to a point. There was tape on the other end of the object to serve as a handle and a cord attached as a lanyard. The object was a handcrafted weapon commonly known as a “shank.”

In a separate prosecution, Aguon admitted that on February 24, 2017, during a search, a staff member of the prison discovered an object inside the seam of Aguon’s pants. The object was a “shank,” and was made from a piece of metal, approximately six inches in length, sharpened to a point on one end with duct tape around the opposite end to form a handle.

Both Freeman and Aguon face up to five years in federal prison. The inmates are scheduled to be sentenced on October 24, 2017.

These cases were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the prosecutions. The plea hearings were held before Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A White Sulphur Springs heroin dealer pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Gerald Tyrone King, 37, entered his guilty plea to distribution of heroin.

King admitted that on May 27, 2016, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place in White Sulphur Springs.

King faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on October 18, 2017.

The Greenbrier Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man faces up to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty today to failing to register as a sex offender, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Hershel Vanhoose, 43, also faces a term of federal supervised release of at least five years and up to life following his sentence.

Vanhoose admitted that from early 2016 until his arrest on February 12, 2017, he failed to register as a sex offender as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. On February 12, 2017, Vanhoose was arrest by the Charleston Police Department on an outstanding warrant for failure to update his registration in Ohio. Vanhoose was required to register as a sex offender because of a 2003 Ohio conviction for gross sexual imposition involving a minor.

Vanhoose is scheduled to be sentenced on October 18, 2017.

The Charleston Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.

This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington woman who was caught selling heroin in January of this year pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Judy Kay Smith, 58, entered her guilty plea to distribution of heroin.

On January 5, 2017, deputies with the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department utilized a confidential informant to make a controlled purchase of heroin from Smith. Smith agreed to meet the informant in a parking lot at 4341 U.S. Route 60 in Huntington to complete the transaction. After the informant and Smith arrived at that location, the informant entered Smith’s vehicle where she sold the informant approximately 10 grams of heroin in exchange for $1,200 cash. Smith also admitted that she distributed 20 grams of heroin to the informant on January 9, 2017.

On January 23, 2017, Smith agreed to distribute 20 grams of heroin to an undercover agent with the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force. Prior to the transaction, a trooper with the West Virginia State Police conducted a traffic stop of Smith’s vehicle. Smith was arrested and found with approximately 22 grams of heroin. Law enforcement also executed a search warrant at Smith’s residence and seized additional heroin and two firearms. As part of her plea agreement, Smith agreed to forfeit a vehicle that was used to facilitate the distribution of heroin.

Smith faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on August 10, 2017.

The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force, the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department, and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

This case is being 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.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man who was part of a group selling heroin in Huntington in 2015 was sentenced today to five years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Corey Lebron Blevins, 24, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin.

Between July and October of 2015, Blevins and others distributed heroin that was transported from Michigan to the Huntington area. On July 9, 2015, the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at 126 Olive Street in Huntington. Agents located Blevins and another individual in the residence. Agents also seized over $6,000 in cash and an AR-style pistol that Blevins admitted he possessed. On October 5, 2015, the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted another search at 1826 Old 16th Street Road in Huntington. Agents again located Blevins inside the residence, as well as two other individuals. During the search, agents seized over 300 grams of heroin and over $51,000 in cash. Blevins admitted that he and the other individuals intended to sell the heroin.

The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution. Chief 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 illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man involved with others in distributing heroin in the Huntington area in 2014 and 2015 pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Bradley William McCutchen, 36, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

On March 28, 2015, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force executed a search warrant at The Sandwich Joint, a restaurant located at 417 12th Street in Huntington. Agents had previously purchased heroin at the restaurant on several occasions. During the search, agents located and seized over 275 grams of heroin from a safe located on the second floor of the restaurant. Agents also seized various items of drug paraphernalia during the search, including packaging material, a digital scale, and multiple bottles of inositol powder, which is commonly used as a cutting agent in the preparation of heroin for distribution. McCutchen admitted that he used the restaurant to store heroin that he supplied to other individuals and distributed himself. McCutchen further admitted that between August 2014 and March 2015, he supplied the owner of the restaurant with heroin that he transported to Huntington from Detroit.

McCutchen faces at least 5 and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on October 10, 2017.

The Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Chief 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.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man pleaded guilty today to Social Security fraud, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Thomas Bennett, 58, entered his guilty plea to theft of public money.

Bennett admitted that he participated in a scheme in which his family members, in 1986, fraudulently applied for Social Security benefits. The fraudulent application was in the name of a family member who died in 1967 and members of Bennett’s family were not entitled to receive any benefits. Bennett subsequently learned about the fraud and in 2000, he joined his family in participating in the scheme. When the other family members died in 2012 and 2013, Bennett took over the Social Security scheme and continued to cash Social Security benefits checks that he knew he was not entitled to receive. Bennett assisted his other family members in cashing Social Security benefits checks dating back to the year 2000 totaling $36,927. As part of his plea agreement, Bennett has agreed to pay $36,927 in restitution.

Bennett faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on October 11, 2017.

The investigation was conducted by the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General and the Social Security Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston is presiding over the case.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Sissonville man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Richard Lee Gandy, Jr., 40, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Gandy admitted that on September 12, 2015, officers responded to his residence and upon arrival, they found Gandy in his garage with approximately 50 grams of methamphetamine in plain view. Officers received consent to search the garage and found marijuana as well as items commonly used to distribute illegal drugs. Members of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department returned the following day and received consent to search the garage more thoroughly. Officers additionally obtained a search warrant for the surrounding outbuildings and property. During the execution of the search warrant and the consensual searches, law enforcement found a total of approximately 200 grams of methamphetamine, 11 marijuana plants, nearly 12 pounds of marijuana, digital scales, a room containing materials commonly used to grow marijuana indoors, precursor materials used to manufacture methamphetamine, and over $18,000 cash. Officers also recovered ATV’s, equipment, and tools that had previously been reported stolen from several different states. Gandy admitted that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine in and around Kanawha County.

Gandy faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on October 12, 2017.

The case against Gandy was investigated by the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Logan County man pleaded guilty today to possessing stolen mail, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Keith Lee Caudill, 25, of Mallory, faces up to five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on October 5, 2017. Caudill has also has agreed to pay restitution as part of his plea agreement.

Caudill was a Highway Contract Route Driver with the United States Postal Service who distributed and collected mail along a rural postal route between Logan and Holden. Caudill admitted that on November 7, 2016, he was found in possession of 31 pieces of stolen mail that he had illegally opened and otherwise removed from the mail. The opened mail was recovered from a cooler in the front of his vehicle. Caudill admitted to agents of the United States Postal Inspection Service that he had stolen approximately 100 pieces of mail from along his route. He typically stole greeting cards, believing the cards were more likely to contain cash or gift cards. Caudill would keep the cash, attempt to redeem the gift cards, and destroy the greeting cards.

The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston is presided over the case.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Kanawha County man was sentenced today to six months in federal prison for possessing stolen mail, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jason Lee Spradling, 34, of Pinch, was also ordered to pay $4,489.32 in restitution.

Spradling admitted that he possessed a large quantity of stolen mail, and that he knew the mail in his possession had been stolen. Spradling admitted that in December 2015, he stole a box of checks from a mailbox and attempting to cash one of the checks. Spradling also admitted that in July 2015, he was found in possession of hundreds of pieces of mail stolen from the Elkview area. Law enforcement found the stolen mail in a car Spradling was driving. Spradling further admitted that he had no legal right to possess the mail, nor to cash any checks contained within the stolen mail.

The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Carol Casto announced today that a federal grand jury sitting in Charleston returned two indictments charging a total of 23 individuals for their roles in a Southern West Virginia drug conspiracy. The indictments resulted from a long-term investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the West Virginia State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

One indictment charged 18 individuals with one count each of conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of crack and conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, and one kilogram or more of heroin.

The defendants charged with that crime are Velarian Carter, also known as “L” or “Larry,” 38, of Beckley; Detria Carter, also known as “Tria,” 32, of Beckley; Rashaun Carter, also known as “Show,” 39, of Christiansburg, Virginia; Charles Hill, also known as “UNC,” 53, of Beckley; James Rodney Staples, also known as “Rod” or “Puerto Rico,” 38, of Woodbridge, Virginia; Karl Funderburk, also known as “Scoot,” 31, of Hurricane; Letina Carter, 55, of Beckley; Esau Burnette, also known as “Saw,” 38, of Beckley; Derrick Staples, 40, of Charleston; Dominic Copney, 23, of Beckley; Corey Larkin, 37, of Beckley; George Brockman, 37, of Kimberly in Fayette County; Shaun Jones, 39, of Beckley; Shaun Givens, 39, of Beckley; Jonathan Brockman, 33, of Kimberly; Jonathan Vincent Moore, 33, of Beckley; Shawn Akiem Anderson, 43, of Beckley; and Shaun Coleman, 45, of Raleigh County.

In the same indictment, some of the defendants identified above were charged with additional crimes. Detria Carter was also charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Detria Carter was additionally charged with one count of carrying firearms during a drug trafficking crime. Funderburk was also charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute crack and one count of using a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Larkin was also charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. Moore was also charged with one count of distribution of cocaine.

A separate indictment charged five individuals with one count each of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and heroin.

The defendants charged with that crime are Cheyenne Fragale, 29, of Boomer in Fayette County; Macon Fragale, 33, of Fayette County; Rory White, also known as “Dub,” 33, of Montgomery; Tiffany Ramsey, 26, of Boomer; and Donald Scalise, 60, of Fayette County.

These prosecutions 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 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.

NOTE: The indictments in these cases are only accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court proceeding.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A South Charleston man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Ray Eads, 35, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

On May 18, 2017, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Eads’ residence on Smith Creek Road in South Charleston. During the search, officers found over 1,200 grams of methamphetamine, digital scales, drug ledgers, and almost $12,000 cash. Officers also located several firearms and a bulletproof vest in Eads’ bedroom. Eads gave a statement admitting to possessing the drugs and guns discovered in his residence.

Eads faces at least five and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on September 20, 2017.

The investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin is presiding over the case.

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

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