Southern District of West Virginia

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Two men were sentenced to federal prison today for drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Antoine Garfield Rushin, 44, of Detroit, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute heroin. In a separate prosecution, Bobby James Mitchell, 35, of Huntington, was sentenced to three years and a month for distribution of heroin.

On June 29, 2015, law enforcement executed a search warrant at 1751 Buffington Avenue in Huntington. Just prior to execution of the warrant, officers observed Rushin enter the residence. During the search, Rushin and other individuals in the residence were arrested and officers seized approximately 65 grams of heroin and digital scales. Rushin admitted that he frequently provided heroin to individuals staying at the residence for those individuals to distribute.

In a separate prosecution, on March 16, 2016, members of the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force conducted a controlled purchase of heroin from Mitchell. Mitchell and a confidential informant working with law enforcement met at 1039 Rear Jefferson Avenue in Huntington to complete the drug deal. The confidential informant provided Mitchell with $500 in exchange for approximately 6.1 grams of heroin.

The investigation of Rushin was conducted by the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is responsible for the prosecution of Rushin. The Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force conducted the investigation of Mitchell. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey is handling the Mitchell prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentences.

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

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Two men pleaded guilty today to federal drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Earnest Moore, 40, of Ohio, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin. In a separate prosecution, Robert Douglas Black, 52, of Huntington, entered his guilty plea to distribution of heroin.

From early 2013 until his arrest on July 23, 2014, Moore admitted that he conspired with others to distribute heroin in the Point Pleasant area of Mason County. During the conspiracy, associates of Moore would frequently transport heroin from Detroit and Columbus to a residence in Gallipolis, where they would store and prepare the drugs for distribution. Members of the conspiracy would then distribute the heroin to customers in Gallipolis and to customers who traveled from Point Pleasant. Moore and others also frequently traveled to Point Pleasant where they used various residences to distribute the drugs. Moore faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 30, 2017.

In a separate prosecution, Black admitted that on May 4, 2016, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place at his residence on 5th Avenue West in Huntington. On May 25, 2016, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Black’s residence and seized over $2,000 in cash, a set of digital scales, and additional heroin that Black admitted he intended to distribute. Black faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 30, 2017.

The Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force, which includes the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department and the Gallia-Meigs County, Ohio, Major Crimes Task Force, conducted the investigation of Moore. The investigation of Black was conducted by the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is in charge of 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. – A Kentucky man was sentenced today to two years and four months in federal prison for gun and drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Marques Dawson, 31, previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute crack, cocaine, and marijuana. He was also sentenced to an additional six months in prison for violating his federal supervised release. The sentences will be served consecutively.

On August 30, 2016, deputies with the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant at 1030 21st Street in Huntington. Deputies previously utilized a confidential informant to make multiple controlled purchases of cocaine from Dawson at the residence. During the search, deputies located Dawson inside the residence. Deputies also seized approximately 17 grams of crack, approximately 137 grams of cocaine, approximately 555 grams of marijuana, digital scales, $1,372 in cash, and a Raven Arms, MP-25, .25 caliber pistol. Dawson was arrested and admitted to selling drugs from the residence from at least May of 2016 because he “needed extra money.” Dawson was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2013 felony conviction in federal court in Kentucky for possession with intent to distribute crack.

The Cabell County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is handling the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.

This prosecution was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by working with existing local programs that target gun crime. This prosecution 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 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 Kanawha County man was sentenced today to four and a half years in federal prison and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine for his role in a California-to-West Virginia methamphetamine conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Brian Ashby, 38, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Ashby admitted that in December 2015, he received approximately five pounds of crystal methamphetamine that he acquired from a source in California. Ashby further admitted that he distributed the methamphetamine in the Charleston area. On January 11, 2016, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Ashby’s property and located over 15 grams of crystal methamphetamine. Ashby also admitted that near the end of February 2016, he traveled to Louisville to obtain 10 pounds of crystal methamphetamine and paid approximately $40,000 to an individual for the drugs. Ashby additionally admitted that he attempted to obtain another 10 pounds of crystal methamphetamine in March 2016. Law enforcement later seized $70,000 in cash from Ashby that he intended to use in that drug deal.

This prosecution is the result of a multi-agency investigation that led to an eight-count indictment implicating several defendants, some of whom have already been sentenced to prison. Velarian Sylvester Carter, of Beckley, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Daniel Ortiz-Rivera, a Mexican national, was sentenced to 12 years and seven months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Miguel Tafolla-Montoya, a Mexican national, was sentenced to 10 years and 11 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute more than 50 of methamphetamine. Kelly Newcomb, of Nevada, and Danielle Dessaray Estrada, of Los Angeles, were both sentenced to a year and a day in prison 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 in prison for interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime.

Three other defendants have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Rafael Garcia Serrato, of Los Angeles, Cesar Garcia, also of Los Angeles, and Miguel Alejandro Robles-Ibarra, a Mexican national, previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.

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 sentence and is presiding over these cases.

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

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Two defendants appeared in federal court today for drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Gerald Harris, 23, of Huntington, was sentenced to eight months in federal prison for distribution of heroin. In a separate prosecution, Ashara Mayes, 29, of Decatur, Georgia, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

On March 22, 2016, Harris sold approximately 11.8 grams of heroin to a confidential informant working with the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force. Harris met the confidential informant on Rear Monroe Avenue in Huntington to conduct the drug deal.

In a separate prosecution, on February 25, 2016, Mayes received a package containing cocaine and crack from codefendant Trevor Bethel in Atlanta. Mayes then transported the package to Huntington for Bethel in exchange for $500. After Mayes arrived in Huntington, she met Bethel and took the package to the residence of Jarrell Johnson, another codefendant, located on Rear 9th Avenue in Huntington. Laboratory analysis found that the package contained over 160 grams of cocaine and over 11 grams of crack. Mayes faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on May 22, 2017. For his part in the drug conspiracy, Johnson was sentenced to five years in federal prison. Bethel remains a fugitive.

The Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force conducted the Harris investigation. The investigation of Mayes was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey is handling these prosecutions. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearings.

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

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - A Putnam County man faces up to 20 years in federal prison after pleaded guilty today to a child pornography crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Scott Allen Forloine II, 36, of Scott Depot, entered his guilty plea to possession of child pornography.

Forloine admitted that in April 2015, 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 located in his residence. The investigation also revealed that Forloine was using a peer-to-peer file sharing program to download, receive, and distribute child pornography.

“My office is committed to the fight against those who contribute to the exploitation and abuse of children,” said United States Attorney Casto. “We will use every available tool to work with our law enforcement partners to track these criminals down and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. The defendant is facing a significant sentence that should serve as a warning to anyone who victimizes children.”

The sentencing is scheduled for May 22, 2017.

The FBI, the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Parkersburg Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

This case is being brought as part of an ongoing 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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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Mexican national was sentenced to a year and a half in federal prison today for an immigration crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Adan Zamudio-Escalante, also known as Victor Giron, 39, previously pleaded guilty to illegally reentering the United States after having previously been removed from the United States on two different occasions. He is also subject to removal proceedings.

Zamudio-Escalante admitted that he had twice been convicted of the federal crime of illegally reentering the United States. The first conviction occurred on April 1, 2005, in Texas. After that conviction, Zamudio-Escalante was removed from the United States to his home country of Mexico. Zamudio-Escalante then illegally reentered the United States. He was convicted for a second time of illegally reentering the United States on January 6, 2010, in West Virginia, and was again removed from the United States. Zamudio-Escalante was subsequently found in Charleston by Department of Homeland Security agents on September 20, 2016, having illegally reentered the United States for a third time.

The investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence.

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Greenbrier County man was sentenced today to two years in prison for a federal tax crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Brandon J. Black, 32, of Maxwelton, previously pleaded guilty to failing to pay employment taxes. He was also ordered to pay $632,583.18 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.

Black owned and operated a private security business in Lewisburg that provided services to businesses and individuals throughout West Virginia. The business underwent name changes, initially beginning as Professional Security Services and then operating as CLB Security as of 2014. Black admitted that he was responsible for collecting, accounting for, and paying over to the IRS federal income taxes and Social Security and Medicare taxes that were withheld from the wages of employees. Black further admitted that between January 2010 and June 2015, he withheld over $400,000 from employee paychecks and failed to pay over the money to the IRS. He also admitted that he failed to pay over more than $230,000 to account for his share of additional taxes as an employer. Black admitted that the total tax loss for his criminal conduct is over $630,000, and he also admitted that he owes that same amount to the IRS as restitution.

This case was investigated by agents of the IRS – Criminal Investigation Division, the FBI, and the West Virginia Office of the Insurance Commissioner – Fraud Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Eric Bacaj is handling the prosecution. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Texas man, formerly of Charleston, was sentenced today to six months in federal prison for a financial crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Kevin Mabone, 56, previously pleaded guilty to misappropriating government funds. He was also ordered to pay $6,684.40 in restitution.

Mabone admitted that in 2014 and 2015, while he was the director of social development at the Charleston Job Corps Center, he used government credit cards to fuel his personal vehicle, rather than using the credit cards for legitimate, work-related purchases. He further admitted that from 2007 through 2012, while he was employed at the Miami Job Corps Center in Florida, he stole from the government in the same manner—by misusing government credit cards for personal fuel purchases. Mabone admitted that the total amount stolen from both locations was at least $6,684.40.

The sentencing hearing in this matter was originally scheduled for January 24, 2017. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., continued the sentencing until February 13, 2017, pending the United States Probation Office’s further investigation into this case. In the interim, the Court found that Mabone violated the conditions of his pretrial release because a felony warrant was issued for Mabone’s arrest in Dallas County, Texas, for theft of property. As a result, Mabone has been in federal custody since January 30, 2017.

The General Services Administration Office of Inspector General and the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Gabriele Wohl is handling the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence.

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – A federal inmate who was caught approximately a mile from Raleigh General Hospital was sentenced today to a year and a day in prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jody Ladd Dellenback, 30, previously pleaded guilty to escape.

Dellenback admitted that on August 25, 2016, he ran away from his Bureau of Prisons escort after the completion of his medical examination at Raleigh General Hospital. Law enforcement authorities searched the area and found him about two hours later, slightly over a mile from the hospital. Dellenback was serving an 18-month sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution at Beckley for unauthorized use of a credit card.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons with assistance from the Beckley Police Department, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office, and the West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the prosecution. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Cross Lanes man was sentenced today to 12 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine with his wife, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Matthew Little, 39, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine. Sherri Little, the wife of Matthew Little, was previously sentenced to three years and fourth months in prison for a federal drug charge.

Matthew Little admitted that from early 2014 until December 2014, he conspired to distribute methamphetamine with his wife, Sherri Little. Matthew Little further admitted that he and his wife would sell methamphetamine, either from their residence in Cross Lanes or at different locations throughout Cross Lanes. On September 9, 2014, Matthew Little told a confidential informant working with law enforcement to go to his home for a drug deal. Once the confidential informant arrived at the house, Sherri Little called her husband to confirm the details of the drug deal. After the conversation with her husband, Sherri Little sold methamphetamine to the confidential informant.

On December 11, 2014, Matthew Little was arrested and law enforcement recovered several bags of methamphetamine from his vehicle. Matthew Little also admitted that he possessed three guns that were located in a backpack containing additional methamphetamine found during a search of a vehicle registered to his wife.

The cases against Matthew and Sherri Little were investigated by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is in charge of the prosecution. United States
District Judge Thomas E. Johnston 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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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Mexican national was sentenced today to 10 years and 11 months in federal prison for his role in a California-to-West Virginia methamphetamine conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Miguel Tafolla-Montoya, 31, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Tafolla-Montoya admitted that on March 19, 2016, he arrived in Huntington after traveling from California to pick up money for a delivery of crystal methamphetamine. Some of Tafolla-Montoya’s codefendants had previously driven approximately 10 pounds of crystal methamphetamine from California to Huntington for delivery. Tafolla-Montoya further admitted that he had helped conceal the drugs in the spare tire of the car that some of his codefendants used to transport the methamphetamine. Tafolla-Montoya was arrested prior to collecting any money for that drug delivery.

Tafolla-Montoya additionally admitted that near the end of February 2016, he had helped conceal 10 pounds of crystal methamphetamine in a vehicle that transported drugs from California to Louisville. Furthermore, Tafolla-Montoya admitted his involvement in a drug deal for crystal methamphetamine that took place in late December 2015 in the parking garage of the Embassy Suites in Charleston.

This prosecution is the result of a multi-agency investigation that led to an eight-count indictment implicating several defendants, some of whom have already been sentenced to prison. Velarian Sylvester Carter, of Beckley, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Daniel Ortiz-Rivera, a Mexican national, was sentenced to 12 years and seven months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Kelly Newcomb, of Nevada, and Danielle Dessaray Estrada, of Los Angeles, were both sentenced to a year and a day in prison 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 in prison for interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime.

Several defendants have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Rafael Garcia Serrato, of Los Angeles, Cesar Garcia, also of Los Angeles, Brian Ashby, of Kanawha County, and Miguel Alejandro Robles-Ibarra, a Mexican national, previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.

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 sentence and 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. – Two men were sentenced to federal prison today for gun crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Paul Martin, 31, of South Charleston, was sentenced to two years and three months in prison for illegally possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony. In a separate prosecution, Denver Clifton Julious, 67, of Hilltop in Fayette County, was sentenced to a year and a day in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Martin admitted that on July 5, 2016, he was driving a silver Mercedes Benz in South Charleston and law enforcement initiated a traffic stop because officers knew he did not have a valid driver’s license. Officers searched the vehicle and found a loaded .45 caliber handgun that Martin had previously placed in the glove box. Martin is prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of several previous felony convictions in Kanawha County Circuit Court, including daytime burglary, forgery, and possession of a stolen vehicle.

In a separate prosecution, on May 6, 2016, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department and members of the West Virginia State Police responded to Julious’ Red Star Road residence. Law enforcement went to his residence to execute a search warrant and to arrest Julious on several state charges arising from an armed altercation between Julious and another individual. During the arrest, a deputy sheriff located a Davis Industries .22 caliber derringer in Julious’ pocket. Julious’ criminal history contains felony convictions that prohibit him from possessing any firearm under federal law, including convictions for armed robbery in 1982 and first degree sexual assault in 1988 in Fayette County Circuit Court, as well as unlawful possession of a firearm in 2006 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia.

The investigation of Martin was conducted by the South Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is in charge of Martin’s prosecution. The Fayette County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation of Julious. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks handled the prosecution of Julious. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentences.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two St. Albans men were sentenced to federal prison today for their roles in a large-scale drug trafficking organization, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Mark Cobb, 30, of St. Albans, was sentenced to seven years in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Shayne Shamblen, 47, was also sentenced to seven years in prison for 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 mail packages that contained methamphetamine, other drugs, or drug proceeds. Throughout the course of the conspiracy, several pounds of 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. Cobb and Shamblen each admitted that they worked with Joseph Cooper, a codefendant, to arrange for the shipment and transport of methamphetamine to West Virginia.

Shamblen admitted that in April 2015, he arranged for the shipment of a package sent to him by Cooper containing over 100 grams of crystal methamphetamine. Shamblen further admitted that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine contained in the package. Cobb lived with Cooper in Nevada for a short time, and also helped with the packaging and distribution of methamphetamine. Cobb’s fingerprint was found on a package containing approximately 3 grams of crystal methamphetamine that was sent to an individual in St. Albans in April 2015. The methamphetamine from both of the packages was laboratory tested and found to be over 90% pure.

Cooper was sentenced to 14 years in 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.

Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is responsible for these prosecutions. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentences and 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 Logan County man was sentenced today to five years of probation for his role in a kickback scheme, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Chadwick Lusk, 35, of Davin, previously pleaded guilty to honest services mail fraud. He was also ordered to pay $230,000 in restitution to Arch Coal.

Lusk admitted that while he was employed as a purchasing agent at the Mountain Laurel Mining Complex, he defrauded a wholly-owned subsidiary of Arch Coal, the Mingo Logan Coal Company, of its right to honest services by receiving illegal cash kickbacks in a crib block kickback scheme. Crib blocks are used to provide roof support in an underground mine. Beginning around September 2009 and continuing until at least March 2014, Gary L. Roeher, who owned CM Supply, Co., paid Lusk a portion of the profits for the crib blocks that the Mingo Logan Coal Company purchased from CM Supply to use at Mountain Laurel. Roeher usually paid Lusk 7.5% of the crib block sales price. Roeher estimates he paid Lusk approximately $230,000 in cash kickbacks as part of the scheme.

The FBI, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith George Thomas is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Beckley man substantially involved in a California-to-West Virginia drug conspiracy was sentenced yesterday to 20 years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Velarian Sylvester Carter, 37, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.

Carter admitted that from January 2015 to March 2016, he was involved in a drug conspiracy with multiple individuals that included the transportation and distribution of methamphetamine. He admitted that in January 2015, he conspired to have methamphetamine delivered from California to West Virginia. Carter also admitted to receiving methamphetamine from Daniel Ortiz-Rivera, a codefendant, until Ortiz-Rivera was arrested in Kansas in June 2015. Ortiz-Rivera’s arrest prompted Carter to begin purchasing drugs directly from Ortiz-Rivera’s supplier.

Carter further admitted that on March 21, 2016, a confidential informant working with law enforcement discussed the logistics of bringing drugs to Charleston with Carter, including cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, and heroin. That same day, law enforcement stopped Carter and seized suspected drugs and approximately $28,000 in cash from the vehicle. Carter additionally admitted that on March 24, 2016, he arranged with confidential informants for the pickup of two pounds of methamphetamine in exchange for $12,000 in Charleston. On March 25, 2016, Carter arrived at the pre-arranged location and parked near the vehicle he was told contained methamphetamine. After Carter’s arrival, law enforcement arrested him and seized $11,990 cash that he kept inside a Burger King bag.

This prosecution is the result of a multi-agency investigation that led to an eight-count indictment implicating several defendants, some of whom have already been sentenced to prison. Daniel Ortiz-Rivera, a Mexican national, was sentenced to 12 years and seven months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Kelly Newcomb, of Nevada, and Danielle Dessaray Estrada, of Los Angeles, were both sentenced to a year and a day in prison 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 in prison for interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime.

Several of the defendants have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. A woman who was used as a mule to transport methamphetamine, Cara Linn Monasmith, of Nevada, pleaded guilty to interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime. Additionally, as part of this conspiracy, Rafael Garcia Serrato, of Los Angeles, Cesar Garcia, also of Los Angeles, Miguel Tafolla-Montoya, a Mexican national, Brian Ashby, of Kanawha County, and Miguel Alejandro Robles-Ibarra, a Mexican national, previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.

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 sentence and is presiding over these cases.

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

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man who participated in a multistate drug ring was sentenced today to a year and a day in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Roy Bills, 51, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute marijuana.

Between the summer of 2014 and May 2016, Bills conspired with multiple individuals, including Corey Bruce Toney, to distribute marijuana in the Huntington area. Toney frequently acquired quantities of marijuana from a source in California and arranged for the marijuana to be shipped by courier or transported to Huntington. Bills traveled to California on at least two occasions to transport marijuana for the drug ring. Bills admitted that in October 2015, he transported 100 pounds of marijuana, and in March 2016, he transported 80 pounds of marijuana, in both instances from California to Huntington. Bills provided the marijuana to Toney in Huntington for Toney and others to distribute. 

Toney was sentenced to 10 years and three months in federal prison in January 2017, after pleading guilty to distributing heroin. Toney admitted that he conspired with others to distribute large quantities of drugs in the Huntington and Charleston areas, including heroin, crack, marijuana, and Xanax.

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 Bills and Toney, eight other defendants have been convicted for their roles in this drug ring. Sean Lee Braggs, Samuel E. Nelson, III, Deandra Sheen Jones, and Atari Seantay Brown have all pleaded guilty to federal drug charges and are awaiting sentencing. Arthur James Canada was sentenced to three years and 10 months in federal prison, Matthew Michael Meadows was sentenced to a year and a half in federal prison, Parker Wyatt Mays was sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison, and Tanisha Lynette Wooding was sentenced to a year and a half in federal prison for their respective roles in the conspiracy.

Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is in charge of the prosecutions. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence and is presiding over these cases.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A North Carolina heroin dealer was sentenced today to a year and a half in federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Adam Denson, 29, of Gastonia, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin.

Denson admitted that on May 14, 2015, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place at Little Page Terrace in Charleston. Denson further admitted that he sold heroin to a confidential informant on three additional occasions in May 2015.

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

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Guatemalan national pleaded guilty today to an immigration crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Obed Zabaleta, 23, entered his guilty plea to illegally reentering the United States.

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.

Zabaleta faces up to two years in federal prison when he is sentenced in March 2017. He is also subject to deportation proceedings at the conclusion of this case.

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. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.

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Charleston, W.Va. – A Boone County felon who sold a rifle to an informant was sentenced today to a year and a half in federal prison for illegally possessing the firearm, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Gregory Scott Runion, 34, of Seth, previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

On March 25, 2016, Runion sold a KBI Inc., Russian SKS-45 rifle to an informant working for the U.S. 119 Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. Runion was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2009 felony firearm possession conviction in Monroe, Michigan.

The U.S. 119 Drug and Violent Crime Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks handled the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence.

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

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Mexican national pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Moises Gamboa, 52, of Rocky Point, Mexico, entered his guilty plea to aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana.

Gamboa admitted that in 2010, while in Mexico, he arranged for the transportation of 660 pounds of “very good marijuana” to Nitro. The drugs were to be concealed in the walls of a motorcycle trailer. Gamboa also admitted that he informed an individual cooperating with law enforcement that the driver would make contact to set up a meeting. The driver subsequently told the cooperating individual that he would be arriving in West Virginia on March 5, 2010. When the driver arrived in Nitro, law enforcement seized the marijuana hidden in the motorcycle trailer.

Gamboa faces up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 22, 2017.

This prosecution was made possible through the cooperative efforts of several investigating agencies, including the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, the Muskingum County Sheriff’s Department in Ohio, the United States Marshals Service, the Kentucky State Police, the Indiana State Police, the Huntington Police Department, and the Policia Federal Ministerial of Mexico. Several Drug Enforcement Administration agents investigated this case, including agents from Charleston, Columbus, Phoenix, Tucson, Chicago, Denver, and Hermosillo, Mexico.

Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

This case is part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of 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 Mason County man who was caught by court security with a weapon while entering the Sidney L. Christie United States Courthouse and Federal Building in Huntington in April 2016 pleaded guilty today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Sidney Huddleston, III, 69, of Apple Grove, entered his guilty plea to attempted possession of a dangerous weapon in a federal court facility.

On April 12, 2016, Huddleston entered the federal courthouse in Huntington and approached the security screening station. Huddleston informed a court security officer that he was there to see his probation officer. Huddleston was walking with a cane and provided the cane to the officer to be x-rayed. The officer subsequently discovered that the cane was concealing a sword-type blade attached to the top handle of the cane. The blade was approximately 14 inches in length and was accessible by unscrewing the handle of the cane from the shaft. Huddleston was detained and provided a statement to an officer, admitting that he knew the cane concealed the blade.

Huddleston faces up to two years in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 1, 2017.

The United States Marshals Service 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.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man who conspired with others to distribute heroin in Mason County between 2013 and 2014 was sentenced today to three years and nine months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Anthony D. Latham, 25, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin.

Between January 2013 and July 21, 2014, Latham conspired with other individuals to distribute heroin in the Point Pleasant area of Mason County. During the conspiracy, Latham and others would frequently transport heroin from Columbus and Chillicothe to a residence in Gallipolis, where they would store and prepare the heroin for distribution. Members of the conspiracy would then distribute the heroin to customers in Gallipolis and to customers who traveled from Point Pleasant. Latham and others also frequently traveled to Point Pleasant, where they used various residences to conduct distributions. Latham admitted that he was responsible for distributing up to 700 grams of heroin during the conspiracy.

The Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force, which includes the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department and the Gallia-Meigs County, Ohio, Major Crimes Task Force, conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.

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

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jimmy Cheatham, also known as “Shoe,” 25, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute heroin.

On August 16, 2016, Cheatham was arrested on an active federal warrant for conspiracy to distribute heroin. In a search incident to arrest, agents with the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force located approximately 6 grams of heroin concealed on his person. Agents also located approximately $1,800 in cash, which represented the proceeds from heroin sales. The arrest stemmed from an investigation of Cheatham and others which began in 2015.

Cheatham admitted that on August 5, 2015, he sold over 16 grams of heroin to a confidential informant working for the Task Force. The drug deal took place at 1826 Old 16th Street Road, where the informant exchanged $2,000 for the heroin. In a July 9, 2015, search of 126 Olive Street in Huntington, Task Force agents located Cheatham and two of his co-conspirators inside the residence. Agents recovered $6,314 in cash, along with an AR-15 style firearm concealed in the attic.

Cheatham faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 1, 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 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 found with heroin after police responded to a shooting call at her residence in 2015 pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Amanda Mae Smith, 33, entered her guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute heroin.

On August 20, 2015, officers with the Huntington Police Department responded to a call of a shooting at Smith’s residence located on the 800 block of 26th Street in Huntington. When officers arrived, they located Smith and an individual who had been shot in the leg during what was reported as an attempted robbery. Officers subsequently obtained search warrants for Smith’s residence and vehicle. When officers searched the vehicle, they located approximately 70 grams of heroin. Smith provided a statement in which she admitted that she had received the heroin from a source for distribution. She further admitted that she and others had been using her residence to distribute heroin.

Smith faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on May 1, 2017.

The Huntington Police Department, the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department and 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 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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WASHINGTON – Two Wayne County, West Virginia business owners were sentenced to prison today for failing to pay over employment taxes, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Carol Casto for the Southern District of West Virginia.

Michael Taylor, 48, and his wife, Jeanette Taylor, 44, were sentenced to serve 21 months and 27 months in prison, respectively, by Chief U.S. District Judge Robert C. Chambers of the Southern District of West Virginia.

According to documents filed with the court, from 2000 through 2010, the Taylors owned and operated a construction business in Wayne, West Virginia, that transported steel and sold gravel and concrete throughout West Virginia and Kentucky. The Taylors changed the name of the business several times, though the operations of the business remained the same. From 1999 to 2004, the business was operated as Taylor Contracting & Taylor Ready-Mix LLC. In 2004, the name changed to Taylor Contracting/Taylor Ready-Mix LLC. In 2010, the name changed a third time to Bluegrass Aggregates.

Both Michael Taylor and Jeanette Taylor were responsible for collecting, accounting for, and paying over to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) federal income taxes and social security and Medicare taxes that were withheld from the wages of their employees. From July 2007 through 2010, the Taylors withheld over $850,000 from their employees’ paychecks. Instead of paying over the withheld taxes to the IRS, the Taylors used the funds to purchase property and finance their horse farm. The Taylors also failed to pay over $490,000 in employment taxes for their prior business. The total tax loss for the Taylors’ conduct is $1.4 million.

On Oct. 18, 2016, Michael Taylor pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States for failing to fully pay over payroll taxes from mid-2007 through 2010, and Jeanette Taylor pleaded guilty to one count of failing to pay over payroll taxes for the last quarter of 2009.

In addition to the term of prison imposed, Michael Taylor was ordered to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $1,440,130 in restitution to the IRS. Jeanette Taylor was ordered to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $766,273 jointly and severally with Michael Taylor to the IRS.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and U.S. Attorney Casto commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Mara Strier and Alexander Effendi of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.

Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.

Two Wayne County, West Virginia business owners were sentenced to prison today for failing to pay over employment taxes, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Carol Casto for the Southern District of West Virginia.

Michael Taylor, 48, and his wife, Jeanette Taylor, 44, were sentenced to serve 21 months and 27 months in prison, respectively, by Chief U.S. District Judge Robert C. Chambers of the Southern District of West Virginia.

According to documents filed with the court, from 2000 through 2010, the Taylors owned and operated a construction business in Wayne, West Virginia, that transported steel and sold gravel and concrete throughout West Virginia and Kentucky. The Taylors changed the name of the business several times, though the operations of the business remained the same. From 1999 to 2004, the business was operated as Taylor Contracting & Taylor Ready-Mix LLC. In 2004, the name changed to Taylor Contracting/Taylor Ready-Mix LLC. In 2010, the name changed a third time to Bluegrass Aggregates.

Both Michael Taylor and Jeanette Taylor were responsible for collecting, accounting for, and paying over to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) federal income taxes and social security and Medicare taxes that were withheld from the wages of their employees. From July 2007 through 2010, the Taylors withheld over $850,000 from their employees’ paychecks. Instead of paying over the withheld taxes to the IRS, the Taylors used the funds to purchase property and finance their horse farm. The Taylors also failed to pay over $490,000 in employment taxes for their prior business. The total tax loss for the Taylors’ conduct is $1.4 million.

On Oct. 18, 2016, Michael Taylor pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States for failing to fully pay over payroll taxes from mid-2007 through 2010, and Jeanette Taylor pleaded guilty to one count of failing to pay over payroll taxes for the last quarter of 2009.

In addition to the term of prison imposed, Michael Taylor was ordered to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $1,440,130 in restitution to the IRS. Jeanette Taylor was ordered to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $766,273 jointly and severally with Michael Taylor to the IRS.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and U.S. Attorney Casto commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Mara Strier and Alexander Effendi of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.

Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two defendants appeared in federal court today on drug charges, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Keri Browning, 28, of Logan, was sentenced to a year and 11 months in federal prison for distribution of oxycodone. In a separate drug prosecution, Charles York Walker, Jr., 38, of Charleston, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin.

Browning admitted that on February 4, 2016, she sold oxycodone to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place at Browning’s Rossmore Road residence in Logan.

In a separate prosecution, law enforcement arrested Walker pursuant to an arrest warrant on July 14, 2016, near the intersection of 2nd Avenue and Russell Street in Charleston. Through a search incident to that arrest, an officer found heroin in Walker’s pockets. Walker admitted that he intended to distribute the heroin. Walker faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 20, 2017.

The investigation of Browning was conducted by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is in charge of Browning’s prosecution. The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation of Walker. Assistant United States Attorney Clint Carte is responsible for the prosecution of Walker. The defendants appeared before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.

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 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 pills 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 pleaded guilty today to a heroin charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Darrell Spicer, 60, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute heroin.

Spicer admitted that on June 15, 2016, he sold what he believed to be heroin to a confidential informant working with the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department. Based on the 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 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 that the drugs belonged to him and that the money was from illegal drug activity.

Spicer faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 25, 2017.

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department’s STOP Team 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 John T. Copenhaver, Jr.

This case was brought as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of 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 former office manager at Mountain State Justice who embezzled over $1.5 million pleaded guilty today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Kim Cooper, 55, of St. Albans, entered her guilty plea to wire fraud and tax evasion.

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.

Cooper admitted that she opened a money market account at WesBanco Bank in the name of Mountain State Justice, which no one else at Mountain State Justice knew about. Cooper admitted that in late June 2004, she began stealing checks made out to Mountain State Justice that were payment for attorneys’ fees and depositing these checks in the secret bank account. Cooper also admitted that she wrote checks from the secret account to a close family member with notations that made the payments appear legitimate. Cooper additionally admitted that she endorsed those checks, deposited the checks in another account, and used the money to pay rent, make car payments, make credit card payments, and pay for personal expenses.

Cooper further admitted that she 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. Cooper perpetuated this fraud by sending false income statements to the board of directors of Mountain State Justice that underreported the income of the organization. Cooper also admitted that she attempted to evade income tax she owed on this embezzled money. Cooper’s scheme ended in late March 2016 when she was interviewed by federal law enforcement agents and her employment was terminated.

Cooper faces up to 25 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on April 20, 2017. As part of her plea agreement, Cooper agreed to pay restitution of $1,462,023.83 to Mountain State Justice and $377,776.89 to the United States.

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. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two defendants were sentenced to federal prison today for their roles in a methamphetamine trafficking organization, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Joseph Cooper, 41, of Charleston and Las Vegas, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for possession of 50 or more grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Benjamin Childers, 41, of South Charleston, was sentenced to 10 years and a month in prison for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Law enforcement pulled Cooper over on January 20, 2016, in St. Albans, and seized over 170 grams of methamphetamine, 70 grams of crack, and over $30,000 in cash from the car. Cooper admitted that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine throughout the Southern West Virginia area.

Officers pulled over Childers in Kansas on November 14, 2015, and located approximately 1.7 pounds of crystal methamphetamine hidden underneath the vehicle. Lab testing confirmed that the crystal methamphetamine seized by law enforcement was 90% pure. Childers admitted that he was part of a conspiracy that involved Joseph Cooper to bring methamphetamine from Nevada for distribution in and around Charleston.

As part of this comprehensive drug investigation, three other codefendants have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Morgan Light, of Charleston and Las Vegas, Mark Cobb, of St. Albans, and Shayne Shamblen, of St. Albans, each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Light, Cobb, and Shamblen each admitted that they worked with Joseph Cooper to arrange for the shipment and transport of methamphetamine to West Virginia. Light, Cobb, and Shamblen each face up to 20 years in federal prison when they are sentenced on February 2, 2017.

The investigation was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is in charge of these prosecutions. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentences and is presiding over these cases.

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 man and woman from Parkersburg who were caught transporting heroin were sentenced to prison this week after being convicted of federal drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. David J. Kerns, 27, and Katie M. Kerns, 26 (no relation), previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin. Katie Kerns was sentenced yesterday to two years and five months in federal prison. David Kerns was sentenced today to two years and eight months in federal prison.

On February 19, 2015, members of the West Virginia State Police stopped the vehicle that David Kerns and Katie Kerns were driving in Parkersburg. Troopers observed them cross from Ohio into West Virginia over the U.S. Route 50 “Dupont Bridge” as they were bringing heroin from Cincinnati. Troopers searched the vehicle and recovered approximately 10 ounces of heroin concealed in tubes of grease. At the plea hearing, the defendants admitted that David Kerns purchased the heroin for $20,000 from a source Katie Kerns introduced him to in Cincinnati.

This case was investigated by the West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is handling the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston 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 pills and heroin in communities across the Southern District.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Boone County man was sentenced today to a year and nine months in federal prison for a heroin crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Robert Donavan Buzzard, 42, of Bloomingrose, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin.

Buzzard admitted that on two occasions in January 2016, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deals took place in Bloomingrose and Seth in Boone County.

Other defendants who have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing as a result of this investigation include Daymeon Johnson of Detroit, and Joyce Ann Zornes and Gregory Runion, both of Boone County. Another codefendant, Christopher Priestley, of Boone County, was sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison for distribution of heroin.

The U.S. Route 119 Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence and is presiding over these cases.

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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BECKLEY, W.Va. – A former lab manager from Raleigh County who falsified data was sentenced today to two years in federal prison for violating the Clean Water Act, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. John Brewer, 62, of Beaver, is the second former employee of Appalachian Laboratories to be prosecuted for a violation of the Clean Water Act.

Appalachian Laboratories performed water sampling and analysis for coal mining operations to ensure that the discharges of pollutants into public waterways were within the limits of permits issued by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection. From at least 2008 through the summer of 2013, law enforcement found evidence of irregularities in the sampling. Brewer admitted that he knew and approved of employees falsifying the date that water samples were taken, as well as falsifying dates himself. Brewer further admitted that Appalachian Laboratories employees would falsify the date a sample was taken in order to avoid collecting samples that they believed to be in violation of permit limits. Instead, the employees would wait until they believed the water was within permit limits and then take a sample. They then backdated the samples to make it appear as though the samples had been collected in the previous month as required. Brewer additionally admitted that he caused this falsified data to be submitted in a report to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection.

John Shelton, another former lab manager at Appalachian Laboratories, previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to violate the Clean Water Act. Shelton was sentenced in February 2015 to a year and nine months in federal prison.

The investigation was conducted jointly by the FBI and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant United States Attorney Eric Bacaj and Special Assistant United States Attorney Perry McDaniel are in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A New York man was sentenced today to 17 and a half years in federal prison for transporting a minor from West Virginia to Virginia for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Ian Michael Cramer, 27, of Amherst, previously pleaded guilty to transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. After Cramer is released from prison, he will be on federal supervised release for 25 years and will be required to register as a sex offender.

Cramer admitted that in September 2015, he used an app on his cell phone to persuade a 15-year-old from Cross Lanes to engage in sexual activity. During the evening hours of September 18, 2015, Cramer drove from Richmond, where he was residing at the time, to Cross Lanes and picked up the minor. He then drove the minor back to his apartment in Richmond, where the two of them engaged in sexual activity. Law enforcement arrived at Cramer’s apartment on September 20, 2015, and rescued the minor.

“My office has made it a priority to work with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and prosecute predators who exploit and abuse minors. This prison sentence should send a clear message that there are serious consequences for such behavior,” stated United States Attorney Carol Casto. “We will continue to use all of the tools available to us in order to protect children from predators and bring those who do commit such crimes to justice. I am grateful to the dedicated law enforcement officers for their commitment to keeping our children and our communities safe.”

The FBI, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Virginia State Police, and the New York State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Roane County man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Chadrick Rogers, 39, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Rogers admitted that on October 2, 2016, he was arrested by members of the United States Marshals Service and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department on a warrant for violation of his federal supervised release. At the time of his arrest, Rogers was found in possession of approximately 33 grams of methamphetamine and over $3,800 in cash. Rogers further admitted that it was his intent to distribute the methamphetamine in and around Kanawha County.

Rogers faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 13, 2017.

The case against Rogers was investigated by the United States Marshal Service and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.

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

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A North Carolina man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Steven Bailey, 53, of Charlotte, entered his guilty plea 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.

Bailey faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 3, 2017. 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. The trial of Mayes is scheduled for March 14, 2017. Bethel is currently a fugitive. Mayes and Bethel are 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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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A federal jury sitting in Charleston returned a guilty verdict yesterday in the trial of a Roane County man for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. William Leon Rhodes, 50, of Gandeeville, was convicted following a one-and-a-half-day jury 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.

Rhodes faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 12, 2017.

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.

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Charleston, W.Va. – A Boone County man who sold heroin to an informant was sentenced today to two and a half years in federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Christopher Priestley, 38, of Bloomingrose, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin.

On four occasions from July to December 2015, Priestley sold heroin to an informant working with the U.S. 119 Drug Task Force. Priestley was a low-level distributor for a larger drug ring supplied by sources in Detroit that was operating in and around Seth in Boone County. Other defendants who have pleaded guilty as a result of this investigation and are awaiting sentencing include Daymeon Johnson, of Detroit, and Joyce Ann Zornes, Robert Buzzard, and Gregory Runion, all of Boone County.

This case was investigated by the U.S. 119 Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks handled the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence.

This prosecution is part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of 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 pills and heroin in communities across the Southern District.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Two Huntington men were sentenced to federal prison today for drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Darnell Lamar Anderson, 37, was sentenced to four years and three months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In a separate prosecution, Roger Page, 50, was sentenced to three years and a month in prison for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

On April 14, 2016, officers with the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force were notified by a United States Postal Inspector that a package suspected of containing drugs was scheduled for delivery to a residence at 219 8th Avenue West in Huntington. Investigators secured a search warrant and the package was found to contain approximately 572 grams of methamphetamine. Investigators then conducted a controlled delivery of the package utilizing an undercover postal inspector. The postal inspector traveled to the residence where Anderson accepted delivery and took possession of the package.

In a separate drug prosecution, between October 2014 and February 25, 2016, Page, along with codefendant Jerrell Johnson, also of Huntington, used sources from North Carolina and Georgia to supply cocaine for sale in Huntington. The sources would travel from North Carolina and Georgia to deliver the drugs to both Johnson and Page. On the weekend of February 20, 2016, Johnson and Page met with the Georgia source in Huntington. Page received approximately one ounce of cocaine on that occasion. The Georgia source provided cocaine to Page on approximately five different occasions. The North Carolina source provided cocaine to Page on approximately two occasions. Johnson and Page worked together to arrange deliveries of cocaine, which were usually delivered to Johnson’s residence. Johnson was sentenced to five years in prison for a federal drug charge.

The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force, the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department, and the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation of Anderson. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is responsible for Anderson’s prosecution. The Page case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney R. Gregory McVey is in charge of the Page prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentences.

These cases were prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs. 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 pleaded guilty today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Bruce Lamar Griggs, also known as “Ben” and “Benz,” 22, of Akron, entered his guilty plea 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, in his plea agreement, further stipulated to a sentencing enhancement as a result.

Griggs faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 10, 2017.

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 presided over the plea hearing.

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 Huntington man and woman who participated a multistate drug ring were sentenced to federal prison today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Corey Bruce Toney, 27, was sentenced to 10 years and three months in prison for distributing heroin. Tanisha Lynette Wooding, 37, was sentenced to a year and a half in prison for possession with intent to distribute crack.

On September 29, 2015, a confidential informant working with the Drug Enforcement Administration contacted Toney to arrange a heroin deal. Toney agreed to meet the informant, who was accompanied by undercover agents. Toney subsequently distributed 10 grams of heroin to the informant in exchange for $1,250. Agents were able to make numerous additional controlled purchases of heroin from Toney and others during the course of the investigation.

Toney also admitted that from the summer of 2014 to May of 2016, he conspired with others to distribute large quantities of drugs in the Huntington and Charleston areas, including heroin, crack, cocaine, marijuana, and Xanax. Toney admitted that he was supplied large quantities of heroin and cocaine for distribution by codefendant Atari Seantay Brown after the drugs were transported to the Huntington area from Detroit. Toney further admitted that he maintained a leadership role in the conspiracy, and that he possessed a number of firearms during the conspiracy.

On May 18, 2016, after a federal grand jury returned an indictment in this case, agents executed arrest warrants and search warrants at eight residences in Detroit, Proctorville, Ohio, and Huntington, including Wooding’s residence located on the 1800 block of 9th Avenue in Huntington. During the searches, agents seized large quantities of heroin, cocaine, crack, marijuana, $120,531 in cash, and a total of 41 firearms.

Wooding was arrested on May 18, 2016, and admitted that she was in possession of crack when agents executed the search warrant at her residence. During the search, agents seized approximately two ounces of crack stored in the residence. Wooding admitted to conspiring with Brown and others to distribute crack in Huntington for approximately one year. During this period, Brown regularly supplied Wooding with crack. After Wooding sold the crack, she returned the proceeds to Brown and received additional quantities of crack. Wooding also admitted that she was responsible for the distribution of up to 840 grams of crack during the conspiracy.

Brown previously pleaded guilty to distributing heroin and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 6, 2017. In addition to Toney, Wooding, and Brown, seven additional defendants have been convicted for their roles in this drug ring. Sean Lee Braggs, Samuel E. Nelson, III, Deandra Sheen Jones, and Roy Bills have all pleaded guilty to federal drug charges and are awaiting sentencing. Arthur James Canada was sentenced to three years and 10 months in federal prison, Matthew Michael Meadows was sentenced to a year and a half in federal prison, and Parker Wyatt Mays was sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison for their respective roles in the conspiracy.

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.

Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is in charge of the prosecutions. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentences and is presiding over these cases.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The final defendant charged in a California-to-West Virginia methamphetamine conspiracy pleaded guilty today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Miguel Alejandro Robles-Ibarra, 30, a Mexican national, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.

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 - ten 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 methamphetamine was packaged.

This prosecution is the result of a multi-agency investigation that led to an eight-count indictment implicating several defendants, some of whom have already been sentenced to prison. Daniel Ortiz-Rivera, a Mexican national, was sentenced to 12 years and seven months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Kelly Newcomb, of Nevada, and Danielle Dessaray Estrada, of Los Angeles, were both sentenced to a year and a day in prison 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 in prison for interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime.

Several of the defendants have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. A woman who was used as a mule to transport methamphetamine, Cara Linn Monasmith, of Nevada, pleaded guilty to interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime. Additionally, as part of this conspiracy, Rafael Garcia Serrato, of Los Angeles, Cesar Garcia, also of Los Angeles, Velarian Sylvester Carter, of Beckley, Miguel Tafolla-Montoya, a Mexican national, and Ashby, of Kanawha County, previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.

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., is presiding over these cases.

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

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man was sentenced today to three years and 11 months in federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Djuan Levell Washington, 28, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin.

On July 24, 2015, Washington was involved in a traffic stop on the 300 block of 31st Street in Huntington. As the car began to stop, Washington was seen throwing three plastic bags out of the passenger window. A police dashboard camera also recorded Washington throwing the bags out of the car. The bags were recovered and were found to contain 126 individual baggies of heroin. Officers additionally located 10 individually wrapped baggies of crack within the three plastic bags. Washington admitted that he intended to sell the drugs. In a further search of the vehicle, investigating officers discovered a loaded Hi-Point 9 millimeter pistol in a backpack belonging to Washington.

The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department conducted 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 Detroit man and a Boone County woman pleaded guilty today to federal drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Daymeon Damar Johnson, 31, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute heroin. Joyce Ann Zornes, 33, of Seth, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the distribution of heroin.

Johnson and Zornes admitted that they both took part in a conspiracy to distribute heroin in Boone County. Johnson admitted that from 2013 to August 2016, he ordered heroin from his supplier, arranged to get the drugs to Boone County, and distributed the heroin to drug users and other drug dealers. Zornes admitted that from May 2015 to August 2016, she transported heroin from Detroit to Boone County for distribution. Zornes additionally admitted that she used her residence in Seth to distribute heroin.

Johnson also admitted that he traded drugs for guns. One such gun was a KBI, Inc. SKS-45, 7.62 x 39 caliber semiautomatic rifle, which Johnson agreed to sell on March 25, 2016, in order to raise bail money for Zornes, who had been arrested in Jackson County. Johnson gave the gun to an individual who sold the firearm to an informant working with the U.S. 119 Task Force.

Johnson and Zornes further admitted that on August 1, 2016, they worked together to sell heroin to an informant working with the U.S. 119 Task Force. Zornes admitted that the drug deal took place at her residence, and that she took the informant’s money while Johnson distributed the heroin. On August 3, 2016, the U.S. 119 Task Force executed a search warrant at Zornes’ residence. Johnson and Zornes were both present when agents seized heroin, prescription drugs, cash, scales, and ammunition. On August 9, 2016, the U.S. 119 Task Force executed another search warrant at Zornes’ residence based on information from a phone call Zornes had placed from South Central Regional Jail. Agents recovered additional heroin, prescription drugs, and cash that included $90.00 in prerecorded buy money from the August 2, 2016, controlled purchase of heroin.

Johnson and Zornes each face up to 20 years in federal prison. Johnson is scheduled to be sentenced on April 4, 2017. Zornes is scheduled to be sentenced on March 30, 2017.

The U.S. 119 Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks is in charge of these prosecutions. The plea hearings were 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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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Texas man was sentenced today to seven years and three months in federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Mason Earl Gonzales, 28, of Pasadena, previously pleaded guilty to attempted possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Gonzales admitted that on June 13, 2016, he traveled with a confidential source working with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) to the Boone Motor Inn in Boone County and searched behind the motel for methamphetamine. Gonzales further admitted that he was unable to locate the methamphetamine and that he planned to return the next day to find the drugs. MDENT went to the same area the following day, located the methamphetamine buried under a rock, and replaced the drugs with a substance resembling methamphetamine. MDENT also set up a surveillance camera in the area. Gonzales admitted that he returned to the area of the motel later that evening and found the bag containing the substance resembling methamphetamine. MDENT then conducted a traffic stop of his vehicle and Gonzales admitted that he went to the area of the motel to get what he believed was methamphetamine and that he intended to distribute the drugs. Lab testing of the methamphetamine seized by MDENT confirmed a weight of over 270 grams and a purity level greater than 97%.

MDENT conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Sissonville man was sentenced today to three years and five months in federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jacob Reed, 43, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Reed admitted that on February 14, 2016, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of Reed’s vehicle. In a subsequent search of the vehicle, law enforcement discovered a camera bag in the floor of the front passenger side that contained cash and several plastic bags of methamphetamine. Law enforcement also found additional cash and a set of digital scales in the center console of the vehicle. In total, officers recovered over 230 grams of methamphetamine and nearly $15,000 in cash.

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence.

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

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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 pleaded guilty today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Daniel Andrew Hicks, 43, entered his guilty plea to making a materially false statement to an FBI agent.

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 the plea agreement, Hicks agreed to pay restitution of $11,808.59 to 23 individuals.

As part of a separate prosecution, Hicks previously pleaded guilty to a federal heroin crime, admitting 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.

Hicks faces a total of up to 25 years in federal prison for his crimes - up to five years for making a false statement to an FBI agent and up to 20 years for distribution of heroin. Hicks will be sentenced for both federal crimes in a consolidated proceeding on April 4, 2017.

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 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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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man who participated in a multistate drug ring was sentenced today to a year and a day in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Parker Wyatt Mays, 27, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute marijuana.

Mays admitted that from the summer of 2014 to May of 2016, he conspired with others, including codefendants Corey Bruce Toney and Roy Bills, to distribute marijuana from California in the Huntington area. Mays and others regularly acquired large quantities of marijuana from a source in California. The marijuana was transported to Huntington by automobile and through the mail. Once in Huntington, Mays and others distributed the marijuana to various customers and then pooled the proceeds to acquire additional marijuana. Mays admitted that the group distributed up to 400 kilograms of marijuana during the conspiracy.

Toney pleaded guilty in September 2016 to distributing heroin and is awaiting sentencing. Toney admitted that he conspired with others to distribute large quantities of drugs that were transported from California and Michigan to Huntington, including heroin, crack, marijuana, and Xanax. Bills pleaded guilty in November 2017 to conspiracy to distribute marijuana and is also awaiting sentencing.

This prosecution 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 Mays, Toney, and Bills, seven additional defendants have been convicted for their roles in this drug ring. Atari Seantay Brown, Sean Lee Braggs, Samuel E. Nelson, III, Tanisha Lynette Wooding, and Deandra Sheen Jones have all pleaded guilty to federal drug charges and are awaiting sentencing. Arthur James Canada was sentenced to three years and 10 months in federal prison and Matthew Michael Meadows was sentenced to a year and a half in federal prison for their roles in the conspiracy.

Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is in charge of the prosecutions. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentences and is presiding over these cases.

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

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A former physician who practiced in Barboursville pleaded guilty today to a federal 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.

Chaney faces up to four years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on April 3, 2017.

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 presided over the plea hearing.

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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