Southern District of West Virginia

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Boone County woman who was part of a heroin trafficking ring was sentenced today to four years and three months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Joyce Ann Zornes, 33, of Seth, previously pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the distribution of heroin.

In 2013, Daymeon Damar Johnson, 31, of Detroit, came to Boone County where he met Zornes. Shortly after meeting, Johnson and Zornes began selling oxycodone pills from a residence on Harper Lane in Seth. In early 2015, Johnson and Zornes began selling heroin supplied by sources in Detroit. Zornes sold heroin to local users and also made trips to Detroit in order to bring the heroin back to Boone County. In July 2015, members of the U.S. Route 119 Drug and Violent Crime Task Force began making purchases of heroin from local dealers being supplied by Johnson or Zornes. On March 22, 2016, Zornes was stopped in Jackson County while transporting heroin from Michigan. Two days later, in an effort to obtain bond money for Zornes, Johnson recruited Gregory Runion to sell an SKS assault rifle. Runion sold the rifle to an informant working for the Task Force.

On August 1 and 2, 2016, Task Force officers used an informant to buy heroin directly from Johnson and Zornes at their residence. Officers executed search warrants at the residence and seized more than 40 grams of heroin, ecstasy tablets, cash, and distribution paraphernalia.

This long-term investigation of heroin trafficking in Boone County has led to several convictions and prison sentences. Johnson was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison. Christopher Priestly, of Bloomingrose, was sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison for distribution of heroin. Robert Donavan Buzzard, also of Bloomingrose, was sentenced to a year and nine months in federal prison for distribution of heroin. Runion, of Seth, was sentenced to a year and a half in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Darrell Woodside, of Detroit, pleaded guilty to using a telephone to facilitate heroin trafficking and faces up to four years in federal prison when he is sentenced on June 22, 2017. Other individuals implicated in this investigation have also been prosecuted in state court.

The U.S. Route 119 Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks handled the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence and is presiding over these cases.

These cases are part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down 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 who sold drugs while on federal supervised release was sentenced to prison today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Darrell Spicer, 60, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin. In today’s hearing, he was sentenced to six years in federal prison for that offense. He was also sentenced to an additional year and a half in prison for violating his federal supervised release. The sentences will be served consecutively.

Spicer admitted that on June 15, 2016, he sold a substance that he believed was heroin to a confidential informant working with the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department. That substance later field-tested positive for fentanyl. Based on that controlled drug buy, a detective from the Sheriff’s Tactical Operations Patrol (STOP) Team obtained a search warrant for Spicer’s residence in Cross Lanes. While searching Spicer’s residence, officers discovered heroin, fentanyl, and over $7,000 in cash, which included pre-recorded buy money used in the controlled purchase. Spicer was present during the search and admitted the recovered drugs belonged to him and that the money was from illegal drug activity.

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department’s STOP Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., 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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BECKLEY, W.Va. – A jury trial that began yesterday in federal court in Beckley on a 22-count indictment against a Beckley area physician ended today with the defendant’s guilty plea to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Dr. Michael Kostenko, D.O., 61, of Daniels, entered his guilty plea to distribution of oxycodone not for legitimate medical purposes and beyond the bounds of medical practice. The crime Kostenko pleaded guilty to was contained in Count Seven of the Superseding Indictment.

Kostenko admitted that he owned and operated the Coal Country Clinic, a medical practice located in his Raleigh County residence. Kostenko also admitted that on December 9, 2013, he distributed oxycodone, a powerful pain medication, not for legitimate medical purposes. Specifically, Kostenko admitted that on that day, approximately 271 patients arrived at Kostenko’s residence seeking oxycodone prescriptions. Kostenko additionally admitted that his staff collected over $20,000 cash from the patients that he later deposited in a local bank in amounts of less than $10,000. Kostenko further admitted that on that day he wrote over 370 oxycodone prescriptions totaling 22,255 pain pills. Moreover, Kostenko admitted that he wrote these prescriptions from his upstairs bedroom, without seeing any of the patients, and that his staff handed out the prescriptions. Finally, Kostenko admitted that by writing the oxycodone prescriptions, he acted beyond the bounds of professional medical practice.

“West Virginia is at the epicenter of a drug crisis that is ravaging our state and has left us with the highest overdose rate in the nation. Doctors are entrusted with prescribing authority in order to heal and protect patients, not betray that trust by contributing to prescription drug addiction,” stated United States Attorney Carol Casto. “My office will continue working with law enforcement to aggressively investigate and prosecute doctors who illegally prescribe the pain pills that have devastated our communities.”

Kostenko faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $1 million when he is sentenced on August 23, 2017.

The investigation of Kostenko and his Coal Country Clinic was led by the West Virginia State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Office of Inspector General, United States Department of Health and Human Services. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.

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 Huntington woman involved with others in distributing heroin in 2016 pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Tonya Lynn Thompson, 44, entered her guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute heroin.

From the summer of 2016 to September of 2016, Thompson admitted that she participated in the conspiracy to distribute heroin in the Huntington area. During this time period, Thompson and another individual received heroin on consignment. Thompson and others would then distribute the heroin and return the proceeds back to the heroin source.  

On September 5, 2016, a deputy with the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department seized $6,407 in cash from Thompson and another individual during a traffic stop on U.S. Route 60 in Huntington after law enforcement received information they would be delivering money that day. Thompson admitted that this money was proceeds from drug trafficking and that they were delivering the cash back to the heroin source. Thompson further admitted that she and others were responsible for distributing up to 400 grams of heroin during her involvement in the conspiracy.

Thompson faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on August 7, 2017.

The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force and the Cabell 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 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. – The former office manager of Mountain State Justice, Inc., was sentenced today to four years and six months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Kim Cooper, 55, of St. Albans, pled guilty to wire fraud and tax evasion on January 23, 2017, admitting that she had embezzled over $1.5 million from Mountain State Justice and evaded the payment of income taxes owed to the Internal Revenue Service.

Cooper began working in the late 1990’s in the Charleston office of Mountain State Justice, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides legal services for indigent and low-income West Virginia residents in civil cases. Cooper became the office manager and her duties included overseeing the daily operations of the Charleston office and making deposits of checks in Mountain State Justice’s bank accounts. In late June 2004, she opened an account at WesBanco Bank in the name of Mountain State Justice, which no one else at Mountain State Justice knew about. She began stealing checks made out to Mountain State Justice that were payment for attorneys’ fees and deposited the stolen checks in the secret WesBanco account. Cooper wrote checks from the secret account, payable to a close family member, with notations that made the checks appear to be payment for legitimate business expenses of Mountain State Justice. Cooper endorsed those checks by forging the signature of the close family member, and then deposited the checks in another account at a different bank. Cooper then transferred the stolen funds and used them to pay rent, make car payments, make credit card payments, and pay for other personal expenses.

Cooper also hid her crime by omitting these stolen checks from the cash log used to record all incoming monies and by hiding all incoming mail from WesBanco. She perpetuated her fraud scheme by sending false income statements to the board of directors of Mountain State Justice that underreported the income of the organization. Finally, Cooper evaded income tax she owed on the embezzled money. Cooper was able to keep this up for almost 12 years before the scheme finally ended in late March 2016, when she was interviewed by federal law enforcement agents. Her employment was terminated shortly thereafter.

The FBI and the IRS - Criminal Investigation division conducted the investigation. First Assistant United States Attorney Philip H. Wright is in charge of the prosecution. United State District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence.

Judge Copenhaver deemed the offense “particularly egregious” because Cooper committed this crime after she was convicted in Wood County in the late 1990’s for a financial crime that also involved embezzlement. Judge Copenhaver commented on the need to deter others from engaging in similar conduct as he sentenced her to the upper end of the sentencing guideline range, which was 46 to 57 months.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man pleaded guilty today to a federal gun charge and assaulting a federal officer, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Taurean Amadeus Johnson, 30, entered his guilty plea 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 Johnson’s residence and on a vehicle parked in front of the 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 2009 convictions in Cabell County Circuit Court 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.

Johnson faces up to 18 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on July 13, 2017.

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. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.

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. – The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of West Virginia, along with federal, state and local advocates of crime victims’ rights, will join for the Walk/Run for Justice 5K and Crime Victims’ Rights Fair. The free event takes place rain or shine on Friday, April 21, 2017, from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. at Haddad Riverfront Park in Charleston. Every April since 2001, the Walk/Run for Justice and community fair serve to raise awareness about crime victims’ issues and rights, while also highlighting the important resources and services available to victims of crime in our area.

Registration for walkers and runners is free and begins at 11:00 A.M. The Walk/Run for Justice will begin at noon. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in both men’s and women’s divisions. The Spirit Award will also be presented to the team with the most participants. There will be free lunch while supplies last and a free t-shirt for the first 100 participants. For more information, please contact Marla Willcox Eddy at 304-340-3676.

WHO:

• United States Attorney Carol Casto
• Operation Reach Out committee members
• Other federal, state and local officials
• Staff representing the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of West Virginia and other offices and organizations involved in working with crime victims

WHAT:

• Walk/Run for Justice 5K and Crime Victims' Rights Fair

WHERE:

• Haddad Riverfront Park - 600 Kanawaha Boulevard, East, in Charleston

WHEN:

• Friday, April 21, 20217, from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. The Walk/Run for Justice begins at noon and free registration starts at 11:00 A.M.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Three defendants were sentenced today to federal prison for their roles in a California-to-West Virginia methamphetamine conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. The defendants sentenced today previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Miguel Alejandro Robles-Ibarra, 31, a Mexican national, was sentenced to 11 years and three months in federal prison. Rafael Garcia Serrato, 43, and Cesar Garcia, 20, a father and son from Los Angeles, were also sentenced. Serrato was sentenced to 11 years and three months in federal prison. Garcia was sentenced to six years in federal prison.

Robles-Ibarra admitted that from February 2016 to March 19, 2016, he was involved in a drug conspiracy with multiple individuals. Robles-Ibarra also admitted that near the end of February 2016, he helped package ten pound of crystal methamphetamine in a spare tire in the trunk of a vehicle for transport to Kentucky. Two females involved in the conspiracy drove the vehicle from California to meet Brian Ashby, a codefendant residing in Charleston who traveled to Kentucky to pick up the drugs. Robles-Ibarra also admitted that he received a share of the money paid by Ashby for the drugs. Robles-Ibarra further admitted that in March 2016, he helped package another delivery to Ashby - 10 pounds of crystal methamphetamine concealed in the spare tire of a vehicle, this time for transport from California to Huntington. Robles-Ibarra never received any money for the March drug shipment because he was arrested in West Virginia where he had traveled to pick up more money from Ashby. Law enforcement found a fingerprint matching Robles-Ibarra on the spare tire in which the crystal methamphetamine was packaged.

Serrato and Garcia admitted that in March 2016, they, along with other codefendants, arranged to transport five pounds of crystal methamphetamine from California to West Virginia. Serrato and Garcia further admitted that they packed a vehicle with the drugs. Serrato and Garcia also admitted that they maintained telephone contact with the vehicle as it traveled to West Virginia to keep apprised of the progress of the drug delivery. Garcia admitted that on March 25, 2016, he flew from Los Angeles to Huntington to collect money for the drugs being delivered to West Virginia. On March 26, 2016, law enforcement stopped the vehicle transporting the crystal methamphetamine in South Charleston and recovered the drugs.

“Although my office remains focused on battling the opiates that are plaguing our communities, we have not lost sight of other equally dangerous drugs,” stated United States Attorney Casto. “These prosecutions should affirm our commitment to fighting drug trafficking organizations regardless of the poison that they peddle.”

This prosecution is the result of a multi-agency investigation that led to an eight-count indictment implicating several defendants and resulting in lengthy prison sentences. For conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, Velarian Sylvester Carter, of Beckley, was sentenced to 20 years, Daniel Ortiz-Rivera, a Mexican national, was sentenced to 12 years and seven months, Miguel Tafolla-Montoya, a Mexican national, was sentenced to 10 years and 11 months, and Brian Ashby, of Kanawha County, was sentenced to four and a half years. Kelly Newcomb, of Nevada, and Danielle Dessaray Estrada, of Los Angeles, were both sentenced to a year and a day for interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime. Marco Antonio Bojorquez-Rojas, a Mexican national residing in California, was sentenced to a year and a half for interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime.

The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Charleston Police Department, and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is in charge of these prosecutions. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentences and presided over these cases.

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

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – An Ohio man who was responsible for numerous overdoses in Huntington in August 2016 was sentenced today to 18 years and four months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Bruce Lamar Griggs, also known as “Ben” and “Benz,” 22, of Akron, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin. 

On the afternoon of August 15, 2016, Griggs went to the area of 914 Marcum Terrace in Huntington and sold heroin to a number of individuals. Several of those individuals provided information to the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force indicating that they bought what they believed to be heroin from someone they knew as “Benz” or “Ben.” Ultimately, those individuals identified Griggs as “Benz” or “Ben.” Approximately 26 individuals who bought heroin from Griggs that afternoon suffered overdoses very shortly after using the drug. Many of the overdose victims required medical attention, which involved taking blood and urine samples. Laboratory tests on those samples indicated the presence of heroin, fentanyl, and carfentanil. Carfentanil is an opioid that is 10,000 times stronger than morphine and is used as an elephant tranquilizer. Griggs admitted that he was responsible for the overdoses and agreed that his sentence could be increased as a result. 

The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force led the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney R. Gregory McVey is in charge of the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Kanawha County man pleaded guilty today to possessing stolen mail, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jason Lee Spradling, 34, of Pinch, faces up to five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on July 5, 2017. As part of his plea agreement, he has also agreed to pay restitution to the victims as ordered.

Spradling admitted that he possessed a large quantity of stolen mail, and that he knew the mail in his possession had been stolen. Specifically, Spradling admitted to stealing a box of checks from a mailbox and attempting to cash one of the checks in December 2015. Spradling also admitted that in July 2015, he was found in possession of hundreds of pieces of mail stolen from the Elkview area. 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. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit woman who was caught in Huntington with heroin in December 2016 pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Ebony Inez-Latee Johnson, 43, entered her guilty plea to 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.

Johnson faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on July 31, 2017.

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 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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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man who was among a group arrested for distributing heroin in Huntington in 2015 pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Damond Idress Robinson-King, 23, entered his guilty plea to 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 at his plea hearing that he and the other individuals intended to sell the heroin.

Robinson-King faces at least five and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on July 31, 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 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 pleaded guilty today to a federal gun charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Fred Wallace Hammon, Jr., 36, entered his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Hammon admitted that on September 1, 2016, he possessed 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.

Hammon faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on July 13, 2017.

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Clint Carte is responsible for the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.

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 five years and 10 months in federal prison for a gun crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Miguel Quinones, 38, previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

On October 19, 2013, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a unit in a storage facility in Dunbar. Quinones admitted that he had rented the storage unit, and that law enforcement discovered a number of his belongings within the storage unit. Quinones also admitted that among the items law enforcement found were two firearms that belonged to him, a Harrington & Richardson 20 gauge shotgun and a Marlin, Model 120 Revelation Western Auto Supply Company .22 caliber rifle. Quinones was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2000 felony conviction in Fayette County Circuit Court for second degree murder.

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is handling 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 Roane County man was sentenced today to two years in federal prison for a gun crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. William Leon Rhodes, 50, of Gandeeville, was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm by a federal jury in January following a one-and-a-half-day jury trial. Rhodes was also sentenced to an additional eight months in federal prison for a violation of his supervised release. The sentences will be served consecutively.

During the trial, witnesses for the United States testified that on June 17, 2016, Rhodes gave consent to law enforcement to search his residence. Officers discovered a loaded Heritage .22 caliber revolver under the pillow in Rhodes’ bedroom. Officers additionally discovered a box for the gun on the night stand in the bedroom and a box of .22 caliber ammunition in the living room. The evidence showed that in an interview with law enforcement after his arrest, Rhodes admitted that he knew the gun was in his bedroom and he referred to the firearm as “my pistol.”

Rhodes was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 1990 conviction for grand larceny in Jackson County Circuit Court and a 2012 conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. Additionally, Rhodes was on federal supervised release at the time he possessed the Heritage revolver.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the West Virginia State Police, and the Roane County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Meredith George Thomas and R. Gregory McVey are in charge of the prosecution and tried the case before a federal jury. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., presided over the trial and imposed the sentence.

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

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Mount Hope man was sentenced today to two years of probation for a gun charge, with the first six months to be served on home confinement, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. David Pagan, 22, previously pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting making a false statement in acquiring a firearm.

Pagan admitted that on September 26, 2015, he persuaded another individual to purchase a Taurus .45 caliber semiautomatic pistol for him from Shooter’s Roost in Beckley. That individual put his own name on the form required by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to falsely indicate that he was the actual purchaser.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Beckley Police Department 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 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 heroin dealer pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Tara Shepherd, 26, entered her guilty plea to distribution of heroin.

Shepherd admitted that on August 26, 2016, she sold heroin a confidential informant working with Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. The drug deal took place at her apartment on Washington Avenue in Charleston.

Shepherd faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on June 26, 2017.

The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team 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 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 a federal gun crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Shon Wayne Cobbs, 45, entered his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

On February 3, 2013, Cobbs shot 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.

Cobbs faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on July 6, 2017.

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department 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 Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.

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 Sissonville man pleaded guilty today to a federal gun crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jeffrey Phelix, 32, entered his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Phelix admitted that on October 25, 2016, he broke into a garage at the residence of a licensed firearms dealer and stole seven rifles. One of the rifles Phelix stole had a suppressor attached, which functions as a silencer to reduce the noise from firing the gun and is illegal to possess without the registration required by the National Firearms Act. Phelix was arrested after his fingerprint was recovered from the window of the garage. Phelix was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2011 felony conviction in Kanawha County Circuit Court for burglary by breaking and entering.

Phelix faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on June 28, 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 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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BECKLEY, W.Va. - A Wyoming County man faces up to 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty yesterday to a child pornography crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Eddie Dwaine Justice, Jr., 30, of Hanover, entered his guilty plea to possession of child pornography.

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.

“This case should send a clear message – we will use every tool available to prosecute those who wish to do harm to children,” stated United States Attorney Casto. “There are significant consequences for child pornography crimes and we will continue working with our law enforcement partners to protect our communities and to hold those who victimize children accountable.”

The sentencing is scheduled for August 2, 2017.

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

This case is being 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 pleaded guilty today to a federal oxymorphone crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Justin Wade Bradley, 24, of Alderson, entered his guilty plea 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. Bradley further admitted that he distributed approximately 75 oxymorphone pills between the summer of 2016 and November of 2016.

Bradley faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on August 2, 2017.

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

This case is being 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 who falsely told the FBI that he did not get any money from anyone related to the West Virginia Prep Academy and who separately distributed heroin was sentenced yesterday to a year and a half in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Daniel Andrew Hicks, 43, previously pleaded guilty to making a materially false statement to an FBI agent and, in a separate prosecution, pleaded guilty to distributing heroin.

In 2013, the FBI, along with the South Charleston Police Department, investigated whether any federal criminal violations had occurred in connection with the operation of the West Virginia Prep Academy, a college preparatory school purportedly set up to give students the opportunity to compete for college football and basketball scholarships. When an FBI Special Agent, along with an officer with the South Charleston Police Department, served a federal grand jury target letter on Hicks in the course of that investigation, Hicks stated that he “did not get a dime” from anyone related to the Prep Academy. Hicks later admitted that this statement was materially false, as he had deposited a check from the mother of a student into the bank account of the Prep Academy. Hicks further admitted that he did not return those funds to the mother when her son did not attend the Prep Academy. As part of his sentence, Hicks was ordered to pay restitution of $11,808.59 to 23 individuals.

In a separate prosecution, Hicks admitted that on several occasions in January and February of 2016, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. Following his arrest on February 18, 2016, law enforcement found Hicks with close to five grams of heroin that he intended to distribute. Additionally, officers executed a search warrant on an apartment Hicks had rented at 112 Henson Avenue in South Charleston and seized $4,924 in cash stored in a shoe box on the kitchen counter. Next to the shoe box, officers also discovered three sets of digital scales and three cell phones.

The investigation of Hicks for his involvement in the West Virginia Prep Academy was conducted by the South Charleston Police Department and the FBI. Assistant United States Attorneys Meredith George Thomas and John L. File are in charge of the false statement prosecution. The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the heroin investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is handling the prosecution of the drug crime. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston is presiding over these cases.

The drug 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 pain pills 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 Detroit man who led a conspiracy to distribute heroin in Boone County was sentenced today to 14 years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Daymeon Damar Johnson, 31, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin.

Johnson came to Boone County from Detroit in 2013 and began selling oxycodone from the residence he shared with codefendant Joyce Ann Zornes on Harper Lane in Seth. At some point prior to May 2015, Johnson and Zornes began selling heroin supplied by sources in Detroit. Johnson sold to mid-level dealers and users in Boone County, and occasionally traded drugs for firearms. In July 2015, members of the U.S. Route 119 Drug and Violent Crime Task Force began making purchases of heroin from local dealers being supplied by Johnson. On March 22, 2016, Zornes was stopped in Jackson County while transporting heroin from Michigan. Two days later, in an effort to obtain bond money for Zornes, Johnson recruited Gregory Runion to sell an SKS assault rifle. Runion sold the rifle to an informant working for the Task Force.

On August 1 and 2, 2016, Task Force officers used an informant to buy heroin directly from Johnson and Zornes at their residence. Officers executed search warrants at the residence and seized more than 40 grams of heroin, ecstasy tablets, cash, and distribution paraphernalia. Both Johnson and Zornes were arrested and remain in custody.

This long-term investigation of heroin trafficking in Boone County has led to several convictions and prison sentences. Christopher Priestly, of Bloomingrose, was sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison for distribution of heroin. Robert Donavan Buzzard, of Bloomingrose, was sentenced to a year and nine months in federal prison for distribution of heroin. Gregory Scott Runion, of Seth, was sentenced to a year and a half in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Joyce Ann Zornes, of Seth, previously pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the distribution of heroin and faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on April 27, 2017. Darrell Woodside, of Detroit, previously pleaded guilty to using a telephone to facilitate heroin trafficking and faces up to four years in federal prison when he is sentenced on June 22, 2017.

The U.S. Route 119 Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks handled the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence and is presiding over these cases.

These cases are part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down 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 North Carolina man was sentenced today to two years and three months in federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Steven Bailey, 53, of Charlotte, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine. 

From October 2014 to late February 2016, Bailey, along with codefendants Jerrell Johnson and Roger Page, both of Huntington, and codefendants Trevor Bethel and Ashara Mayes, both of Atlanta, engaged in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine in the Huntington area. Bailey admitted that on at least two occasions, he brought cocaine from Charlotte to Johnson and Page in Huntington. Bailey further admitted to having a source of drug supply in the Atlanta area.

On February 20, 2016, Bailey admitted that he was in Huntington at Johnson’s residence, along with Bethel. Bailey was later stopped by agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration and was found with over $9,000 cash. Approximately $8,000 of that currency represented proceeds from cocaine provided to Johnson earlier that evening. A search of Johnson’s residence that evening resulted in a seizure by law enforcement of approximately nine ounces of cocaine, at least part of which had recently been provided by Bailey.

Johnson previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack and was sentenced to five years in federal prison. Page pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and was sentenced to three years and a month in federal prison. Mayes pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on May 22, 2017. Bethel is currently a fugitive and is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney R. Gregory McVey is responsible for these prosecutions. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers is presiding over these cases.

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.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A former physician who practiced in Barboursville was sentenced today to six months in federal prison for a drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Gregory Donald Chaney, 52, entered his guilty plea to obtaining a controlled substance by fraud.

Chaney was the owner of Tri-State Medical Center, which is now out of business. On December 1, 2015, Chaney wrote a prescription for one of his employees for 120 thirty milligram oxycodone pills. Chaney admitted that he wrote the prescription without any physical examination of the employee and without medical necessity. Chaney then instructed the employee to have the prescription filled at Ross Drug Pharmacy in Ceredo in Wayne County. Prior to having the prescription filled, it was agreed between Chaney and the employee that the pills would be turned over to him in exchange for approximately $830 in lieu of unpaid wages. The next day, the employee had the prescription filled and gave the pills to Chaney in exchange for the money as planned. Chaney admitted that he wrote the prescription with the intent to illegally obtain oxycodone and to conceal the true recipient of the pain pills.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney R. Gregory McVey handled the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers 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 Detroit man pleaded guilty today to a federal heroin crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Kenyoda Holmes, 26, entered his guilty plea 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 in South Charleston.

Holmes faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on July 6, 2017.

The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is responsible for the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.

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. – The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of West Virginia, along with federal, state and local advocates of crime victims’ rights, will host an opening ceremony in recognition of National Crime Victims' Rights Week on Monday, April 3, 2017, at 11:00 A.M. in the Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse in Charleston.

The ceremony will feature officials working in the criminal justice system, agencies and organizations providing services to crime victims, and crime victims themselves who can speak firsthand to their experience. As part of the event, there will be a presentation of the 2016 Excellence in Victim Advocacy and Justice Awards to Corporal Anthony Craigo of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and Certified Victim Advocate Sarah Kingston of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office. Crime Victim Survivor Joyce Richmond will also receive the 2017 Special Courage Award.

This ceremony marks the 17th Annual Operation Reach Out event. Operation Reach Out is a collaborative group of federal, state and local agencies and organizations that work to raise awareness about the rights, protections, and services available to crime victims in West Virginia. This event is being held in conjunction with the nationwide observance of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, which begins on April 2 and runs through April 8, 2017. The theme of National Crime Victims' Rights Week this year is "Strength. Resilience. Justice."

WHO:

• United States Attorney Carol Casto
• Joyce Richmond, Crime Victim Survivor, Recipient of the 2017 Special Courage Award
• Corporal Anthony Craigo, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Recipient of the 2017 Excellence in Victim Advocacy and Justice Award
• Certified Victim Advocate Sarah Kingston, Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, Recipient of the 2017 Excellence in Victim Advocacy and Justice Award
• Operation Reach Out committee members
• Other federal, state and local officials
• Staff representing the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of West Virginia

WHAT:

• Operation Reach Out Opening Ceremony for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

WHERE:

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

WHEN:

• Monday, April 3, 2017, at 11:00 A.M. The ceremony will be immediately followed by a brief reception.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Putnam County man was sentenced today to four years in federal prison for drug charges, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Christian Garrett Thornton, 30, previously pleaded guilty to four counts of distributing oxymorphone and one count of possession of oxymorphone with intent to distribute.

Thornton admitted that on four occasions in February and March of 2015, he sold Opana pills to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deals took place in Kanawha and Putnam counties. Thornton additionally admitted that in March 2015, he possessed additional Opana pills that he intended to distribute.

The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Darrell Eugene Woodside, 46, entered his guilty plea to using a phone to facilitate the distribution of heroin.

Woodside admitted that from October 2015 through March 2016, while in Detroit, he communicated by phone regarding heroin trafficking with his nephew in Boone County, Daymeon Johnson. Woodside also admitted that these conversations were to help arrange the delivery of heroin from Michigan to West Virginia for distribution in and around Boone County. Woodside additionally admitted making travel arrangements for runners carrying heroin and cash between Michigan and West Virginia.

Woodside faces up to four years in federal prison when he is sentenced on June 22, 2017.

This case is part of a long-term investigation of heroin trafficking in Boone County conducted by the West Virginia State Police and the U.S. Route 119 Drug Task Force. The investigation has led to the convictions of several defendants. Christopher Priestly, of Bloomingrose, was sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison for distribution of heroin. Robert Donavan Buzzard, of Bloomingrose, was sentenced to a year and nine months in federal prison for distribution of heroin. Gregory Scott Runion, of Seth, was sentenced to a year and a half in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Daymeon Johnson, of Detroit, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin and faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 4, 2017. Joyce Ann Zornes, of Seth, previously pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the distribution of heroin and faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on April 27, 2017.

Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks is in charge of these prosecutions. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.

These cases are part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down 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 Putnam County man was sentenced today to a year and a half in federal prison for a gun charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Troy Walter Simpson, 39, of Liberty, previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

On December 15, 2014, law enforcement went to interview Simpson at his residence located at 198 Fisher Ridge Road in Liberty. Law enforcement had received a report that Simpson had multiple firearms in his residence. When officers spoke with Simpson, he admitted having the guns and gave permission to enter his residence to retrieve them. Officers subsequently located and seized a Marlin Model 30AS, .30-30 caliber rifle and a Harrington & Richardson, Topper Model shotgun. Simpson was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2007 felony conviction in Putnam County Circuit Court for conspiracy to distribute marijuana.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Putnam 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 case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking with existing local programs targeting gun crime.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington woman who was caught with heroin in 2016 pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Ashley Dawn Smith, 24, entered her guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute heroin.

On March 30, 2016, agents with the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at Smith’s residence located at 1814 7th Avenue in Huntington. When agents entered the residence, Smith concealed approximately 45 grams of heroin on her person. During the search, agents recovered a loaded 9mm pistol, digital scales, inositol powder used to cut heroin for distribution, and a magic bullet blender used to mix heroin. Smith was arrested based on a warrant from Putnam County and then transported to the Huntington Police Department, where she provided agents with the heroin that she had hidden.

Smith faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on June 26, 2017.

The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is responsible for 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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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man who was part of a group selling heroin in Huntington in 2015 pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Corey Lebron Blevins, 24, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of 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.

Blevins faces at least five and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on June 26, 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 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 felon pleaded guilty today to a federal gun crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Damian Means, 28, entered his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Means admitted that on August 23, 2016, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. Means also admitted that on September 13, 2016, he sold two loaded Hi-Point .40 caliber semiautomatic pistols and one Hi-Point 9mm Carbine semiautomatic rifle to an undercover police officer. Means further admitted that during the gun deal, he accidentally discharged one of the firearms. The undercover officer making the controlled firearms purchase also observed Means selling methamphetamine to another individual.

Means additionally admitted that on September 15, 2016, law enforcement executed a search warrant on his residence. During the search, officers discovered an H&R .32 caliber semiautomatic pistol. In a statement to law enforcement, Means admitted to selling guns and drugs. Means was prohibited under federal law from possessing any firearm because of a 2012 conviction in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia for distribution of crack.

Means faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on June 22, 2017.

The Sheriff’s Tactical Operations Patrol (STOP Team) of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is responsible for 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 with existing local programs targeting gun crime. This case is also 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 woman pleaded guilty today to a federal gun charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Tiffany Shaffer, 27, entered her guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Shaffer admitted that on January 9, 2017, she sold crystal methamphetamine at her residence to a confidential informant working with the Drug Enforcement Administration. Shaffer also admitted that during the controlled buy, she displayed a North American Arms .22 magnum pistol to the confidential informant. On January 16, 2017, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Shaffer’s house. During the search, officers found two additional firearms that had been in Shaffer’s possession. Shaffer was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2012 conviction in Kanawha County Circuit Court for conspiracy to operate a clandestine drug laboratory.

Shaffer faces up to 10 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on June 19, 2017.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking with existing local programs targeting gun crime. This case is also 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 Charleston man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime for his role in a large-scale drug trafficking organization, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. David Huffman, 36, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

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. Huffman admitted that he traveled to Nevada on multiple occasions to obtain methamphetamine from Joseph Cooper. Huffman then brought the drugs back to West Virginia to distribute.

Huffman further admitted that in February 2016, he traveled to Nevada with his codefendant, Morgan Light, to pick up approximately two pounds of methamphetamine. Law enforcement stopped the vehicle on the way back to West Virginia and located over 400 grams of methamphetamine that was lab tested and found to be at least 95% pure.

Huffman faces a minimum of 5 years and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on June 21, 2017.

As a result of this comprehensive drug investigation, several defendants have been sentenced to federal prison. Cooper was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Benjamin Childers, another individual involved with the transport of methamphetamine in this drug trafficking organization, was sentenced to 10 years and a month in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Mark Cobb was sentenced to seven years in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Shayne Shamblen was also sentenced to seven years in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

Light and Harold Lee Parsons have previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and each faces up to 20 years in federal prison. Light is scheduled to be sentenced on April 27, 2017. Parsons is scheduled to be sentenced on April 26, 2017. Additionally, Mark Bays pleaded guilty to maintaining a residence for the purpose of distributing methamphetamine. Bays faces up to five years in federal prison when he is sentenced on March 24, 2017.

Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is responsible for these prosecutions. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., 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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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced today to four years and three months in federal prison for a gun crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. William Cody McClung, 31, previously pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony.

McClung admitted that on December 6, 2015, he shot at another man as he drove past him on Falcon Drive in Charleston. Officers subsequently executed a search warrant at McClung’s residence and located the 9mm handgun McClung had used to shoot at the victim, as well as three additional firearms. McClung was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2007 felony conviction in Kanawha County Circuit Court for operating a clandestine drug laboratory.

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. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., 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 Bluefield man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Marvin Gillespie, 65, entered his guilty plea to distribution of hydromorphone.

Gillespie admitted that on March 14, 2016, he sold hydromorphone to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place in Bluefield. Gillespie faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on June 21, 2017.

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

This case is being prosecuted under the Bluefield 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. – Two members of a family from Indiana were sentenced today for their involvement in an oxycodone conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Linda Vannatter, 74, of Hammond, was sentenced to three years and a month in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute oxycodone. Vannatter’s son-in-law, Steven Jurick, 57, of Valparaiso, was sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute oxycodone.

Vannatter and Jurick admitted to conspiring with each other from approximately January 2016 until April 13, 2016, to provide oxycodone to an individual who distributed the pain pills in Logan County. That individual contacted either Vannatter or Jurick on several occasions and met with either or both of them in Indiana to obtain oxycodone. Vannatter admitted that on March 15, 2016, she sold 231 thirty milligram and 17 twenty milligram oxycodone pills to that individual, who on that occasion was acting as a confidential informant. Jurick admitted that on April 13, 2016, he sold 150 thirty milligram oxycodone pills to that individual, who on that occasion was again acting as a confidential informant. The drug deals both took place in Indiana.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentences.

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 Logan man pleaded guilty today to a federal tax crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Timothy Moore, 54, entered his guilty plea for making a false statement on a tax return.

Moore admitted that from 2010 through at least 2013, he diverted checks intended for his business, Auto Body Specialists, LLC, an auto body and collision company located in Logan. Moore also admitted that the checks were payment for auto body or other work, and that he diverted the checks by depositing them directly into his personal bank accounts rather than into his company accounts. Moore additionally admitted that he hired an outside bookkeeper to prepare his personal and business taxes and to organize the books and records of the business. He admitted that he did not tell his bookkeeper about the diverted checks, nor did he provide the bookkeeper access to his personal bank accounts. When the bookkeeper filed joint income tax returns for Moore and his wife, Moore admitted that he knew that his tax returns understated his income from his company, as the returns did not take into account those diverted funds. Moore further admitted that he authorized the bookkeeper to file the false returns.

Moore specifically admitted that in tax years 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013, he diverted $414,273.58 into his personal accounts that was not reported on his tax returns. Moore also admitted that the total tax loss for his criminal conduct is $127,926.26, and he admitted that he owes that same amount to the IRS as restitution.

Moore faces up to three years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000 when he is sentenced on June 8, 2017.

This case was investigated by agents of the IRS – Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith George Thomas is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Guatemalan national was sentenced today to credit for time served for an immigration crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Obed Zabaleta, 23, previously pleaded guilty to illegally reentering the United States. He has been in federal custody since November 9, 2016, and was remanded to the Department of Homeland Security for deportation proceedings.

Zabaleta had previously been removed from the United States to his home country of Guatemala on July 24, 2014, and again on January 15, 2015. Zabaleta then illegally reentered the United States and was found in Charleston after a traffic stop by the West Virginia State Police on November 9, 2016, on I-79 near Exit 1. Zabaleta had not formally applied for permission to legally reenter the United States and was not otherwise in the United States legally.

The Department of Homeland Security conducted the investigation, with assistance from the West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Two drug dealers pleaded guilty today to federal heroin crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Romeo Devon Marbury, 29, of Detroit, entered his guilty plea to distribution of heroin. In a separate prosecution, Miana Miller, 20, of Huntington, entered her guilty plea to distribution of heroin.

Marbury admitted that on February 4, 2016, members of the DEA Task Force used a confidential informant to make a controlled acquisition of a free sample of approximately five grams of heroin at the Family Dollar on 5th Avenue in Huntington. Marbury additionally admitted that he provided the free sample of drugs to secure future sales. Marbury further admitted that he participated in additional sales of heroin to the confidential informant on February 24, March 3, and March 16, 2016, either by personally distributing the heroin or arranging for another individual to distribute the heroin. Marbury faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on June 19, 2017.

In a separate prosecution, Miller admitted that on September 15, 2015, she sold heroin to a confidential informant working with the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force. The drug deal took place at the corner of 9th Street West and Monroe Avenue in Huntington. Miller also admitted that she was involved in two additional sales of heroin to the same confidential informant on September 24 and October 21, 2015. On May 15, 2015, law enforcement conducted a search of Miller’s residence on 9th Avenue in Huntington and found approximately 83 grams of crack in the pocket of a coat in Miller’s bedroom. Law enforcement also discovered a loaded firearm in another bedroom of the home. Furthermore, Miller admitted that from October 3, 2015, to February 19, 2016, she leased a residence located at 1438 Lynn Street in Huntington in her name for another individual. Miller admitted that she did not live at that location and that the residence was unoccupied. Miller additionally admitted that the residence was used as a “stash house” to store drugs. In a search of that location on February 19, 2016, law enforcement seized 98 grams of crack and 11 grams of heroin. Miller faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on June 19, 2017.

The DEA Task Force conducted the investigation of Marbury. The investigation of Miller was conducted by the Huntington Police Department and the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney R. Gregory McVey is responsible for these prosecutions. The plea hearings were held before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

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

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – An Ohio man was sentenced today to two and a half years in federal prison for a gun charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Stephen Hite Whitt, 30, of Scottown, previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Whitt admitted that on June 21, 2014, he pawned a Marlin Model 60, .22 caliber rifle for $50.00 at Tri-State Pawn and Jewelry, located on 29th Street in Huntington. Whitt also admitted that on June 22 and June 30, 2014, he pawned three other rifles at Tri-State Pawn and Jewelry – a Marlin Model .30-30 rifle, a Glenfield Model 60, .22 rifle, and an Old Colony single shot 12-gauge shotgun. Whitt was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because prior to pawning the firearms, he had been convicted in 2007 of two counts of entering without breaking in the Circuit Court of Cabell County.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney R. Gregory McVey is in charge of the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Spencer woman pleaded guilty today to credit card fraud, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Rhonda Kelley Conrad, 49, faces up to 10 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and, as part of her plea agreement, $10,301.70 in restitution to the United Way of Central West Virginia.

Conrad admitted that while she worked for the United Way of Central West Virginia in Charleston, she took a number of company credit cards and fraudulently charged goods and services for herself. From June to December of 2014, she admitted that she charged more than $6,000 in goods and services that she was not entitled to receive. Conrad further admitted that she used the credit cards to pay bills and to charge goods at stores such as Kmart and Sam’s Club. Additionally, Conrad admitted that she set up false accounts within the United Way electronic payment system. Conrad used these false accounts to fraudulently transfer more than $4,000 to her personal bank account. Conrad admitted that she had no authorization to use the credit cards or to electronically transfer the money from the United Way. Conrad’s sentencing is scheduled for June 1, 2017.

“There is not much more despicable than theft from organizations established to take care of folks who can’t take care of themselves. Stealing from a charity is a serious crime that carries significant consequences,” stated United States Attorney Carol Casto. “We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to make sure these offenders are held accountable.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Charleston Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin is presiding over the case.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two defendants pleaded guilty today to federal drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Chelsea Fore, 25, of Charleston, entered her guilty plea to distribution of methamphetamine. In a separate prosecution, Everett Ray Gillespie, 66, of Bluefield, entered his guilty plea to distribution of hydromorphone.

On October 13, 2016, officers with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team used a confidential informant to meet with Fore to purchase methamphetamine. The drug deal took place in the area of the Kmart located at 4th Avenue in Charleston. Once the informant gave Fore the prerecorded buy money, Fore got into the passenger seat of a BMW in the Kmart parking lot. After retrieving the methamphetamine, Fore got out of the car and gave the informant the drugs. Fore faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on June 5, 2017.

In a separate prosecution, Gillespie admitted that on April 15, 2016, he sold hydromorphone to a confidential informant in Bluefield. He also admitted that he distributed hydromorphone on another occasion, and that law enforcement seized 35 hydromorphone pills, more than $500 cash, and a handgun when they executed a search warrant at his residence. Gillespie faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 30, 2017.

The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team investigated the Fore case. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is in charge of the Fore prosecution. Fore’s plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston. The Gillespie case was investigated by the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the prosecution of Gillespie. The Gillespie plea hearing was held before Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber.

The case against Gillespie is being prosecuted under the Bluefield Pill Initiative. Both of these cases were brought as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of 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. – Four defendants who participated a multistate drug ring were sentenced to federal prison today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Atari Seantay Brown, 39, of Detroit, was sentenced to 11 years and three months in federal prison for distribution of heroin. Sean Lee Braggs, 27, of Dearborn, Michigan, was sentenced to five years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute heroin. Deandra Sheen Jones, 42, of Farmington Hills, Michigan, was sentenced to a year and three months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute heroin and crack. Samuel E. Nelson, III, 37, of Louisville, was sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute heroin.   

From the summer of 2014 to May 2016, Brown admitted that he helped lead a conspiracy to distribute significant quantities of drugs in the Huntington area. During the conspiracy, Brown arranged for the transportation of large quantities heroin and cocaine from Michigan to the Huntington area. Agents were able to make numerous controlled purchases of heroin from Brown and others during the investigation. On September 2, 2016, a confidential informant working at the direction of the Drug Enforcement Administration contacted Brown to arrange for the purchase of heroin. Brown met with the informant at an apartment located at 333 14th Street in Huntington that the group used to store and distribute drugs. Inside the apartment, Brown sold approximately 10 grams of heroin to the informant in exchange for $1,200. Brown also admitted that he possessed firearms during the conspiracy, that he maintained the 14th Street apartment to distribute drugs, and that he served as a leader of the conspiracy.

Braggs admitted that he assisted Brown and others by distributing heroin in the Huntington area, by transporting drugs from Michigan to Huntington, and by transporting money from Huntington to Michigan. On April 18, 2016, Braggs was traveling from Huntington to Michigan when his vehicle broke down in Ohio. Brown arranged for a tow truck to get the vehicle to Michigan. Agents surveilling Brown and Braggs contacted members of the Ohio Highway Patrol and a trooper subsequently conducted a traffic stop of the tow truck in northern Ohio. Agents discovered that Braggs’ vehicle contained a hidden compartment behind the rear seat that concealed $181,490 in cash. Braggs admitted that the hidden cash constituted proceeds from drug sales in the Huntington area.  

Jones admitted that she assisted Brown by transporting cocaine from Michigan that was concealed in a rental vehicle. Jones also transported cash from Huntington to Michigan and helped Brown acquire additional heroin in Michigan. On March 26, 2016, Jones arranged for Brown to receive approximately 100 grams of heroin that Brown distributed to Nelson. On April 30, 2016, Jones transported approximately one kilogram of cocaine to Huntington at Brown’s direction. The cocaine was concealed in the spare tire of a rental vehicle Jones was driving. Jones admitted she was aware that Brown intended to convert the cocaine into crack for distribution.    

Nelson admitted that he acquired large quantities of heroin from Brown and transported the drugs to the Louisville area for distribution. On April 18, 2016, Nelson traveled from Louisville to acquire heroin from Brown at the 14th Street apartment in Huntington. A trooper with the West Virginia State Police subsequently conducted a traffic stop of Nelson’s vehicle as he traveled toward Interstate 64 to return to Louisville. Law enforcement searched Nelson’s vehicle and discovered approximately 130 grams of heroin concealed in the dashboard. 

On May 18, 2016, after a federal grand jury returned an indictment, agents executed arrest warrants and search warrants at eight locations, including residences in Detroit, Proctorville, Ohio, and Huntington. During the searches, agents seized large quantities of heroin, cocaine, crack, and marijuana, as well as an additional $120,531 in cash and 41 firearms.

These prosecutions arose out of a long-term investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the West Virginia State Police, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, the Huntington Police Department, the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force, the Ohio Highway Patrol, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.

In addition to Brown, Braggs, Jones, and Nelson, six other defendants were convicted for their roles in this drug ring. Corey Bruce Toney was sentenced to 10 years and three months in federal prison, Arthur James Canada was sentenced to three years and 10 months in federal prison, Matthew Michael Meadows and Tanisha Lynette Wooding were each sentenced to a year and a half in federal prison, and Parker Wyatt Mays and Roy Bills were each sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison for their respective roles in the conspiracy.

Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecutions. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentences and presided over these cases.

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

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – A District of Columbia man pleaded guilty today to a federal gun charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Nicholas Loukas, 31, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to make false statements on records kept by licensed firearms dealers.

Loukas admitted that in September 2015, he directed others to purchase firearms for him so that he would not be named in records required to be maintained by federally-licensed firearms dealers. When the purchases were made, the buyers listed their names on the forms required by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, instead of Loukas’ name. Loukas further admitted that four handguns were purchased for him by others at Shooter’s Roost in Beckley. Loukas also admitted that another handgun was purchased for him by an individual at J & S Pawn in Beckley. As part of the investigation, law enforcement additionally recovered another handgun and a shotgun that Loukas unlawfully possessed. Loukas was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2002 robbery conviction in Maryland.

Loukas faces up to five years in federal prison when he is sentenced on June 7, 2017.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 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 Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by working with existing local programs that target gun crime.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Carol Casto announced the filing of a substantial forfeiture action yesterday involving First National Bank of Williamson for violations of the Bank Secrecy Act.

The Bank Secrecy Act requires financial institutions to maintain programs that detect and report suspicious activity to prevent money laundering. Under this law, banks must report all cash transactions over $10,000 in Currency Transaction Reports. The Bank Secrecy Act also helps prevent structuring, a federal crime that involves the breaking down of cash banking transactions in amounts of $10,000 or less to avoid triggering a bank’s reporting requirements. Whenever structuring is detected, banks are additionally required to file Suspicious Activity Reports.

Between April 2006 and November 2008, Arthur White, Jr., and other individuals, structured $1.36 million in withdrawals of exactly $10,000 cash from First National Bank of Williamson in order to avoid the mandatory reports. In March 2013, Arthur White pleaded guilty in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia to tax evasion and structuring. White admitted that he cashed checks made payable to his companies that held accounts at First National Bank of Williamson. According to the complaint, First National Bank permitted White to pay cash for cashier's checks made payable to himself, without first depositing the money into any account.

White and other individuals would receive exactly $10,000 in cash each time they cashed a check. Then they would purchase a new cashier’s check without depositing any of the money, repeating the process until the entire check had been converted to cash. The cash obtained through this structuring was used to pay wages for some of White’s employees. White, and others at his direction, intentionally conducted these transactions to avoid the bank’s reporting requirements and to evade taxes.

This pattern of structuring should have triggered First National Bank’s reporting requirements. As set forth in the complaint, despite First National Bank's knowledge, it permitted this structuring and failed to report these transactions as required by law. As part of its settlement agreement, First National Bank has agreed not to contest the forfeiture of $1,360,000 to the United States.

The investigation of First National Bank of Williamson was conducted by special agents and law enforcement officers of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of the Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Eumi Choi and Eric Bacaj handled the forfeiture action. The Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section of the Department of Justice also provided valuable assistance during the course of the investigation.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man pleaded guilty today to a drug-related gun charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Thomas Lee Nelson, 48, entered his guilty plea to possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

On March 10, 2016, the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted a search at Nelson’s residence located at 1830 10th Avenue in Huntington. During the search, agents located and seized a loaded Cobray Model DD .410/.45 caliber handgun from a room later identified as Nelson’s bedroom. Agents also located and seized heroin from the same room. Nelson admitted that he possessed the handgun as protection for himself and for the heroin.

Nelson faces at least five years and up to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on June 5, 2017.

The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney R. Gregory McVey is responsible for the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the plea hearing.

This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by working with existing local programs that target gun crime. This case was also 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 methamphetamine dealer was sentenced today to six and a half years in federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Keary Drake, 48, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine.

Drake admitted that on April 28, 2016, he sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant working with the Sheriff’s Tactical Operations Patrol (STOP Team) of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department. Drake also admitted that he sold additional methamphetamine to a confidential informant in June and July of 2016. On July 13, 2016, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Drake’s residence on Bakers Fork Road in Charleston and recovered methamphetamine. After execution of the search warrant, Drake further admitted that had distributed approximately 84 grams of methamphetamine over the previous six months.

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Clarence Murray, 40, entered his guilty plea to distribution of heroin.

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

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

Murray faces up to 30 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 31, 2017.

The case against Murray was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and 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. 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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