Southern District of West Virginia

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A St. Albans woman pleaded guilty today to federal crimes involving obtaining oxycodone and Xanax by fraud, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Virginia Scarberry, 52, entered her guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to obtain controlled substances by fraud and one count of obtaining controlled substances by fraud. 

Scarberry admitted that on April 14, 2015, she obtained oxycodone and Xanax by presenting a prescription that she knew to be fraudulent to the Kroger pharmacy in St. Albans. Scarberry further admitted that she was paid $250 to get the fraudulent prescription filled and that she also knew the prescription was not valid because she had never been a patient of the doctor whose name was on the preprinted prescription pad.    

Scarberry faces up to four years in federal prison for each count, for a total of up to eight years, when she is sentenced on February 1, 2017.

The Dunbar Police Department, the South Charleston Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration 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 Thomas E. Johnston.

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

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A New York City drug dealer was sentenced to seven years and three months in federal prison for a methamphetamine crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jamel Proctor, 31, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

On May 13, 2016, a suspicious parcel was searched by an inspector with the United States Postal Service. The parcel was addressed to Jamel Proctor’s residence at 515 Flora Court in Huntington. The package contained over 900 grams of methamphetamine. Agents then conducted a controlled delivery of the package to 515 Flora Court, and Proctor’s girlfriend accepted the package. In a search of the residence immediately following the controlled delivery, the package was recovered and the agents located Proctor inside the residence. Agents also discovered a loaded firearm inside the residence. In a subsequent search of Proctor’s vehicle, agents located four additional firearms and an additional 173 grams of methamphetamine in two separate duffel bags. A surveillance team had seen Proctor place the bags in his vehicle earlier that day.

The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey is in charge of the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.

This case was prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of 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 Dunbar drug dealer was sentenced to two years and nine months in federal prison for a heroin crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jamario Dobbs, 36, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin.

Dobbs admitted that on three occasions in February and March of 2016, he sold heroin to a confidential informant cooperating with law enforcement. On April 27, 2016, law enforcement executed a search warrant on the residence where Dobbs was staying and seized a handgun, over $7,000 in cash, and approximately 48 grams of crack. Dobbs was arrested immediately prior to the search and he informed officers that he had swallowed several bags of heroin. Officers took Dobbs to the hospital for treatment and recovered over two grams of heroin.

The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman 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. – United States Attorney Carol Casto announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Gabriele Wohl will lead the efforts of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general election. AUSA Wohl has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Southern District of West Virginia, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

United States Attorney Carol Casto said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination. My office and the Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”

The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.

Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.

In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Casto stated that AUSA/DEO Wohl will be on duty in the Southern District of West Virginia while the polls are open. She can be reached by the public at the following telephone number:  304-345-2200.

In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office in Charleston can be reached by the public at 304-346-2300.

Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, D.C., by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or 202-307-2767, by fax at 202-307-3961, by email to voting.section@usdoj.gov or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.

United States Attorney Casto said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of American voters. We rely on you to be our eyes and ears in the community and at the polling places and to report any irregularities you observe in the voting process. It is imperative that if you have specific information about discrimination or election fraud you communicate that information immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. We want to make sure that every voter and every vote counts.”

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Texas man, formerly of Charleston, pleaded guilty Monday to a federal financial crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto, General Services Administration Inspector General Carol Fortine Ochoa, and Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Philadelphia Regional Office Richard Deer. Kevin Mabone, 56, entered his guilty plea to misappropriating government funds while he was working at the Charleston Job Corps Center.

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, and he has agreed to pay this amount in restitution.

“Stealing from the government is a serious crime that carries major consequences,” said United States Attorney Carol Casto. “I commend the work of the investigators to uncover this fraud and we will continue working with our law enforcement partners to prosecute these important cases.”

"I appreciate the skilled work of the special agents who brought this gas card thief to justice,” said General Services Administration Inspector General Carol Fortine Ochoa.  

“Mabone’s fraudulent abuse of Job Corps credit cards for personal purposes improperly took needed funds away from valuable youth programs at these centers. Our agents will continue to investigate fraud schemes that pose a risk to the integrity of programs designed to help eligible youth develop job skills,” said Richard Deer, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Philadelphia Regional Office of the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.

Mabone faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000 when he is sentenced on January 24, 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. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – A federal inmate who was caught approximately a mile from Raleigh General Hospital pleaded guilty today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jody Ladd Dellenback, 30, entered his guilty plea 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.

Dellenback faces up to an additional five years in federal prison when he is sentenced on February 8, 2017.

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. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man pleaded guilty today for his role in distributing heroin in 2013 and 2014, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Anthony D. Latham, 25, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute heroin.

Between January 2013 and July 2014, Latham admitted that he conspired with other individuals to distribute heroin in the Point Pleasant area of Mason County. Latham further admitted that during the course of the conspiracy, he and others would frequently transport heroin from Columbus and Chillicothe to a residence in Gallipolis, where they would store and prepare it for distribution. Latham also admitted that members of the conspiracy would then distribute the heroin to customers in Gallipolis and to customers traveling from Point Pleasant. Latham additionally admitted that he 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. 

Latham faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 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. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

This prosecution 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 Boone County man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Robert Donavan Buzzard, 42, of Bloomingrose, entered his guilty plea 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.

Buzzard faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 19, 2017.

The U.S. Route 119 Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.

This case was brought as part of 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 federal jury sitting in Beckley returned a guilty verdict yesterday in the trial of a Raleigh County man for conspiracy to tamper with a witness and aiding and abetting obstruction of justice, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Mark Radcliffe, 59, of Shady Spring, was convicted following a three-day jury trial.

On December 23, 2015, Seth Radcliffe, the son of Mark Radcliffe, was facing kidnapping charges in an unrelated case. Witnesses for the United States testified that Mark Radcliffe directed Jimmie Harper, a codefendant, to take actions to illegally influence Seth Radcliffe’s case. Harper testified that immediately following Seth Radcliffe’s arrest for kidnapping on December 23, 2015, he and Mark Radcliffe began discussing how they needed to get a witness to minimize Seth Radcliffe’s actions. Harper further testified that he and Mark Radcliffe formed a plan on December 24, 2015, to have a witness lie to law enforcement about the kidnapping.

Harper additionally testified that on January 24, 2016, he met with witnesses in Seth Radcliffe’s case in an attempt to influence testimony before a federal grand jury. Before the meeting, Harper testified that he spoke to Mark Radcliffe about the plan and obtained a letter written by Seth Radcliffe that was read aloud during the meeting. Harper also testified that during the same meeting, at Mark Radcliffe’s direction, he emphasized that the kidnapping charges against Seth Radcliffe needed to go away because of the severe penalties. Harper additionally testified that he suggested, also at Mark Radcliffe’s direction, limiting answers that could be damaging to Seth Radcliffe by responding with “I don’t know” or “I don’t remember.” Harper testified that Seth Radcliffe’s letter was not factually correct, and that he and Mark Radcliffe intended to corruptly influence witness testimony.

Text messages and phone calls admitted into evidence during the trial showed significant communication between Mark Radcliffe and Jimmie Harper prior to Harper’s meeting with the witnesses. Additionally, calls between Seth Radcliffe and Mark Radcliffe that were also admitted into evidence showed extensive communication regarding an unlawful strategy to get Seth Radcliffe’s charges dismissed.

Radcliffe faces up to 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy to tamper with a witness and up to 10 years in federal prison for aiding and abetting the obstruction of justice. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 1, 2017. Harper was sentenced in August 2016 to seven years for an unrelated federal arson crime, followed by a consecutive sentence of two years for the witness tampering crime.

The West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Monica D. Coleman and Haley Bunn handled the prosecution and tried the case before a federal jury. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the trial.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Charleston Regional Office announced today the location of collection sites for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The event provides safe venues for West Virginians to responsibly dispose of prescription drugs. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is on Saturday, October 22, 2016, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. West Virginians will have the option of visiting several conveniently located sites that are equipped to properly dispose of prescription medication.

“Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the United States, and opioids are the leading cause of overdoses. Sadly, West Virginia leads the nation in drug overdose deaths,” said United States Attorney Carol Casto. “About 50 percent of opioids used for non-medical purposes come from a prescription. These drugs, often legitimately prescribed, are too readily available for abuse. By taking advantage of Prescription Drug Take Back Day, you can help us eliminate a large portion of the opiates that are available for abuse. Clean out your medicine cabinets, and get rid of unnecessary and dangerous prescription medications – you may be saving a life.”

“We encourage everyone to take a look at your existing medication and anything that is not being used or has expired and take it to your local drop off location and get rid of it,” said Acting Resident Agent in Charge David Gourley of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Charleston Regional Office.

Nearby collection sites can be found by visiting www.dea.gov, clicking on the “Got Drugs?” icon, and searching by zip code, county, city, and state. Another option for locating collection sites is to call 800-882-9529. West Virginians have the option of visiting over 100 sites throughout the state to dispose of prescription drugs. Only pills and other solids, such as patches, can be brought to collection sites – liquids, needles, or other sharps will not be accepted.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Chicago woman was sentenced today to five years of probation, with the first eight months to be served on home confinement, for credit card fraud, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Crystal Merritt, 29, previously entered her guilty plea to possession of 15 or more counterfeit access devices. A counterfeit access device is a credit card that has been altered so that it contains stolen information that has been re-encoded on the magnetic strip on the back of the card.

Merritt admitted that she, along with three codefendants, Wynesha Wilson-Robinson, Christine Johnson, and Stephanie Stevenson, possessed over 100 counterfeit access devices. Merritt, along with the other codefendants, drove from Chicago to attempt to use these credit cards. On June 5, 2015, they were observed at the South Charleston Target and Walmart attempting to use the counterfeit cards. The four were arrested by law enforcement after store employees became suspicious of the multiple attempts to use credit cards to complete a purchase.  

The South Charleston Police Department and the United States Secret Service conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence.

One remaining codefendant is awaiting sentencing. Stephanie Stevenson is scheduled to be sentenced on November 3, 2016. Wilson-Robsinson was sentenced in August 2016 to five months in federal prison, to be followed by five years of probation. Wilson-Robinson was further ordered to serve the first five months of her probation on home confinement. Johnson was sentenced on October 3, 2016, to six months of home confinement, to be followed by three years of probation.

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WASHINGTON – Two Wayne County, West Virginia business owners pleaded guilty today to federal employment tax charges, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo, head of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, and U.S. Attorney Carol A. Casto for the Southern District of West Virginia.

Michael Taylor, 48, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States in the ascertainment, computation, assessment and collection of employment tax from mid-2007 through 2010.  Jeanette Taylor, 44, pleaded guilty to one count of failing to pay over employment tax for the last quarter of 2009.

According to documents filed with the court, from 2000 through 2010, Michael Taylor and Jeanette Taylor 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 operated as Taylor Contracting & Taylor Ready-Mix LLC.  In 2004, the name changed again 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 a prior business.  The total tax loss for the Taylors’ conduct is $1.4 million.   

The sentencing hearing has been scheduled for Jan. 23, 2017.  The Taylors each face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison, as well as a period of supervised release and monetary penalties.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo and U.S. Attorney Casto commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Alexander Effendi and Mara Strier of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting this case.   Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo also thanked IRS Field Collection for their significant work on this matter.

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

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two Charleston drug dealers appeared in federal court today for crimes involving crack, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Dushawn D. Williams, 40, was sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison for distribution of crack. In a separate prosecution, Terri Mitchell, 25, entered her guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute crack.   

Williams admitted that on July 24, 2015, he sold approximately an ounce of crack to a confidential informant working with law enforcement in exchange for $1,600. The drug deal took place in the parking lot of the Dollar General store in Cross Lanes.

In a separate drug prosecution, Mitchell admitted that in March 2015, law enforcement executed a search warrant at her Charleston residence and discovered approximately 80 grams of cocaine and over 60 grams of crack in her bedroom, along over $7,600 in cash. Mitchell further admitted that in May 2015, law enforcement executed another search warrant at her residence in Charleston. While searching Mitchell’s residence, officers found that Mitchell was in possession of approximately 2.7 grams of crack in the pockets of her pants. Mitchell faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on January 25, 2017.

The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation of Williams. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is in charge of the Williams prosecution. The case against Mitchell was investigated by the Charleston Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is responsible for the Mitchell prosecution. The hearings were held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.

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 crack. 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 Kentucky man was sentenced today to two years in federal prison and ordered to pay $789,472 in restitution for defrauding the Veterans Health Administration, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Phillip M. Henderson, 51, of Olive Hill, was previously found guilty by a federal jury sitting in Huntington following a five-day jury trial. The jury required only an hour of deliberations before finding Henderson guilty.

Henderson served in the United States Army from 1983 to 1986. After he was discharged, Henderson filed multiple claims for benefits with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). In 1995, Henderson received a diagnosis from the VA of Retinitis Pigmentosa, an inherited and degenerative eye disease which can lead to total blindness. After this diagnosis, Henderson continued to undergo VA eye examinations through 2013, during which time VA medical staff continued to conduct tests to determine the extent of his vision loss. The results of these tests relied significantly, if not completely, on Henderson’s cooperation and accurate reporting of his vision levels.

Witnesses for the United States, including four medical doctors, testified that Henderson falsely responded to the vision testing and significantly misrepresented his vision loss. Witnesses further testified that Henderson pretended he could barely read the letters on the eye charts and pretended that his peripheral vision was severely reduced. As part of his scheme to defraud the VA, Henderson did not reveal that he had a Kentucky driver’s license and that he could and did drive.

Henderson received the maximum disability and healthcare benefits he could get for his claimed disability and vision loss. VA benefits representatives testified that from 1996 to 2015, Henderson received approximately $697,000 in disability compensation. In addition to this monthly monetary compensation, Henderson also received an $11,000 grant to purchase an automobile in 2006, which was intended for another person to drive Henderson, and another $10,000 grant towards the installation of an in-ground swimming pool, which was intended for his exercise and to maintain his well-being as a blind veteran. Furthermore, Henderson received the maximum healthcare benefits possible for him and his family based upon his claimed diagnosis and vision loss. During the same time period, Henderson received the highest priority in getting medical treatment from the VA, free medical and dental services, free prescriptions, reimbursement for travel from his home in Kentucky to the VA Medical Center in Huntington for medical appointments, free training for the blind in Connecticut and Alabama for extended periods of time, and free equipment designed to assist the blind, such as canes, computers, talking telephones, and night vision goggles.

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General, Pittsburgh Resident Agency, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Eumi Choi and Jennifer Rada Herrald handled the prosecution and tried the case before a federal jury. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Boone County drug dealer pleaded guilty today to a federal heroin crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Christopher Priestley, 38, of Bloomingrose, entered his guilty plea to distribution of heroin.

Priestley admitted that he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement on four occasions from July to December 2015. The drug deals took place in Bloomingrose and Seth in Boone County.

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

The U.S. Route 119 Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.

This case was brought as part of 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 Williamson man was sentenced to a year in prison for escape, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Damien Bagut, 37, previously pleaded guilty to escaping from a halfway house where he was serving a sentence for distribution of cocaine.

Bagut admitted that he was transferred to Dismas Charities in St. Albans to complete the remainder of his sentence in a residential halfway house. On November 28, 2015, Bagut left the halfway house with permission to attend his work shift. He failed to report to his job, however, and did not return to the halfway house. He was apprehended by law enforcement in Williamson on January 14, 2016, and he was incarcerated for the remainder of his sentence.

The United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Gabriele Wohl is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.

This is the third case this year for escaping from a halfway house prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office. The permissions granted to residents of halfway houses are designed to make transitions from federal prison back into society successful. These cases are part of an effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office to deter those serving the remainder of their prison sentences in halfway houses from unlawfully abandoning this transition period before their sentences are complete.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Carol Casto will honor more than 60 law enforcement officers, victim advocates, and community leaders during the 2016 U.S. Attorney’s Law Enforcement and Victim Assistance Awards Ceremony on Friday, October 14, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. at the Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse in Charleston.

During the ceremony, U.S. Attorney Casto will present awards for outstanding law enforcement work on major cases involving drug crime, violent crime, white collar crime and child exploitation. Other awards include Law Enforcement Agency of the Year, Outstanding Criminal Justice Partner, Outstanding Community-Police Partnership Initiative, Outstanding Child Advocacy Center, and West Virginia Crime Victim Service Awards.

The annual awards ceremony, hosted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia, recognizes exemplary service of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers, as well as victim advocates, criminal justice professionals, and others who have made significant contributions on behalf of the criminal justice system.

WHO:   

• United States Attorney Carol Casto, joined by representatives from the law enforcement community, crime victim advocates, and others

WHAT:  

• 2016 U.S. Attorney’s Law Enforcement and Victim Assistance Awards Ceremony

WHEN:  

• Friday, October 14, 2016, at 2:00 p.m.  

WHERE:

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

*Please be advised that cameras and other recording devices will be permitted on the fifth floor of the Courthouse for the ceremony only.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. - A variety of inmate art is currently on display at the Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse in Charleston in preparation for a charity auction to benefit West Virginia youth, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Federal and state inmates, as well as young people in the custody of the West Virginia Division of Juvenile Services, created the art for “Giving Back with HeART,” a charity art auction. The event is put together by Mission West Virginia, a non-profit organization, in partnership with the West Virginia Division of Corrections, the West Virginia Division of Juvenile Services, Highland Hospital, and some of West Virginia’s federal correctional facilities.

The art on display at the United States Courthouse is entirely provided by inmates and includes handcrafted musical instruments, paintings, pencil drawings, dioramas, leatherwork, and many more examples of unique artistic creations. The charity auction that will feature this art provides a way for inmates serving time in West Virginia to give back to the community and be an integral part of helping others. Proceeds from the auction provide scholarships for youth in West Virginia who experienced foster care or had a parent incarcerated for a year or more during childhood. Research shows that nearly half of former foster youth will end up homeless or incarcerated within the first two years on their own because they lack the skills to live independently. Organizers of this event have found that many of the inmates who contribute art were a part of the foster system themselves at one time.

“I encourage everyone to visit the United States Courthouse to see this impressive art showcase,” said United States Attorney Carol Casto. “This program taps the incredible creativity of these inmates, and provides them the opportunity to give back to children who have been negatively impacted by crime. These folks have value and talent and are sharing it in a positive and productive way to provide opportunities for kids that most of them did not have growing up.”  

This year’s charity auction will be held at the Culture Center at the Capitol Complex in Charleston on October 20 at 6:00 p.m., where the art currently on display in the United States Courthouse, as well as additional art created by West Virginia inmates, will be made available for bidding. The art will remain on display at the United States Courthouse until the day before the charity auction. This is the third annual charity auction to feature inmate art. With proceeds from last year’s event, and additional assistance from private donors, Mission West Virginia was able to award $20,000 in scholarships to youth starting college this fall. As the event grows, the eventual goal is to make an award to every scholarship applicant. As a result of the auction, Mission West Virginia was also able to launch “The Bridge,” a program of comprehensive support for children from kindergarten through high school that includes providing academic mentoring and working with foster families on how to best advocate for their children.

Mission West Virginia is a non-profit organization that collaborates with public, private, and faith communities by equipping them to utilize existing resources to form new partnerships, encouraging innovative social change, and building stronger communities in West Virginia. More information about the charity art auction and this art program can be found at http://missionwv.org/giving-back-with-heart/.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man pleaded guilty today to a federal gun crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Miguel Quinones, 38, entered his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

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

Quinones faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 5, 2017.

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A North Carolina heroin dealer pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Adam Denson, 28, of Gastonia, entered his guilty plea 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.

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

The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.

This case was brought as part of 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 Montgomery man caught with substantial amounts of methamphetamine, heroin, and marijuana was sentenced today to 10 years and a month in federal prison for a drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Bryan Lee Palmer, 43, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. 

Palmer admitted that on February 26, 2016, he made arrangements for a drug deal to take place at a hotel in South Charleston. When Palmer arrived at the hotel, he was met by law enforcement. The officers obtained a search warrant for a duffel bag and backpack that was in Palmer’s possession. When officers searched the bags, they found over 1,500 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 700 grams of heroin, over a half a kilogram of marijuana, a loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol, and over $30,000 in cash. Palmer further admitted that it was his intent to distribute the drugs in the Charleston area. Law enforcement estimated the street value of the seized drugs to be approximately $466,000.  

The case against Palmer was investigated by the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department and members of its Sheriff’s Tactical Operations Patrol (STOP) team. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess 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 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 and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Detroit drug dealer was sentenced today to six and a half years in federal prison for a heroin crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jason Matthew Brown, 35, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin.

Brown admitted that on January 24, 2015, he was traveling from Detroit to Charleston with a codefendant and approximately 100 grams of heroin that Brown and his codefendant intended to sell. The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department stopped the vehicle and located the heroin, which was hidden in a spare tire in the trunk and wrapped in black tape. Brown further admitted that he had been responsible for bringing up to 1,000 grams of heroin from Detroit for distribution in the Rand area of Kanawha County.

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is handling the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Texas man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Mason Earl Gonzales, 27, of Pasadena, entered his guilty plea to attempting to possess 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%.

Gonzales faces at least five and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 4, 2017.

MDENT conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.

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 Richmond man pleaded guilty today to 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, entered his guilty plea to transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.

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 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.

Cramer faces a federal prison sentence of 10 years to life, a minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Cramer will also be required to register as a sex offender. Sentencing is scheduled for January 11, 2017.

“The United States Attorney’s Office will continue working with our law enforcement partners to keep children safe from dangerous predators like this defendant,” stated United States Attorney Carol Casto. “The consequences of these crimes should send a clear message - if you endanger the children of our community, we will use all of our resources to make sure that you face serious prison time.”

The FBI, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, 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. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.

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 man and woman from Parkersburg who were caught transporting heroin pleaded guilty today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. David J. Kerns, 27, and Katie M. Kerns, 26 (no relation), entered their guilty pleas to possession with intent to distribute heroin.

On February 19, 2015, members of the West Virginia State Police stopped the vehicle in which David Kerns and Katie Kerns were driving in Parkersburg. Law enforcement had observed them cross into West Virginia from Ohio over the U.S. Route 50 Dupont Bridge. 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. 

The defendants each face up to 20 years in federal prison. Katie Kerns is scheduled to be sentenced on January 18, 2017. David Kerns is scheduled to be sentenced on January 19, 2017.

This case was investigated by the West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is handling the prosecution. The plea hearings were held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.

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 Nitro woman pleaded guilty today for failing to report to serve her prison sentence, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Kelli Engler, also known as Kelli Reed and Kelli Reed-Engler, 39, faces up to five years in federal prison when she is sentenced on December 14, 2016. 

Engler admitted that she was ordered by the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia to serve 90 days of incarceration for a violation of her supervised release. Engler was ordered to report to prison by March 25, 2016, and was permitted by the Court to voluntarily self-report. She did not report to prison as required, and on June 28, 2016, law enforcement apprehended her in Tennessee. 

Engler was on supervised release as part of her sentence for a 2011 federal conviction for access device fraud. The violations of her supervised release included not paying restitution and not reporting to the United States Probation Office as required.

The United States Marshals Service and the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office in Tennessee conducted the apprehension and investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., conducted the plea hearing.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two women caught transporting significant quantities of crystal methamphetamine from California to West Virginia were sentenced to federal prison today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Kelly Newcomb, 56, of Nevada, was sentenced to a year and a day in prison for interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime. Danielle Dessaray Estrada, 21, of Los Angeles, was also sentenced to a year and a day in prison for interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime.

Newcomb admitted that on March 10, 2016, she rented a vehicle in Las Vegas and drove with Cara Linn Monasmith, a codefendant, to California, where 10 pounds of crystal methamphetamine were concealed in the vehicle for transportation to West Virginia. Newcomb and Monasmith then began the drive to West Virginia, and during the course of the trip Newcomb learned about the concealed drugs. Newcomb further admitted that on March 18, 2016, she arrived in West Virginia, rented a room at the Super 8 Motel in Huntington, and followed the instructions of another codefendant by leaving the vehicle unlocked in the parking lot. After Newcomb’s arrival, an undercover officer, in accordance with instructions obtained through a cooperating individual, removed the spare tire where the drugs were concealed. 

Estrada admitted that in March 2016, she picked up approximately five pounds of crystal methamphetamine in California. Estrada also admitted that with the help of Rafael Garcia Serrato and Cesar Garcia, two codefendants, she repackaged the methamphetamine and concealed the drugs in the back seat of her car. Estrada further admitted that she and Rachel Arlene Garay, another codefendant, drove from California to West Virginia and they were stopped by officers in South Charleston on March 26, 2016. Law enforcement discovered the drugs during the traffic stop. Estrada additionally admitted that she had previously driven to Charleston in December 2015 to deliver drugs.

This prosecution is the result of a multi-agency investigation that led to an eight-count indictment implicating several defendants. All of the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Two other women who were used as mules to transport methamphetamine, Garay, of California, and Monasmith, of Nevada, pleaded guilty to interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime. Garay is scheduled to be sentenced on December 15, 2016. Monasmith is scheduled to be sentenced on November 8, 2016. Additionally, as part of this conspiracy, Rafael Garcia Serrato, of Los Angeles, Cesar Garcia, also of Los Angeles, Daniel Ortiz-Rivera, a Mexican national, Velarian Sylvester Carter, of Beckley, Miguel Tafolla-Montoya, a Mexican national, and Brian Ashby, of Kanawha County, previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Serrato and Garcia are scheduled to be sentenced on December 6, 2016. Ortiz-Rivera is scheduled to be sentenced on October 11, 2016. Carter is scheduled to be sentenced on October 13, 2016. Tafolla-Montoya is scheduled to be sentenced on December 8, 2016. Ashby is scheduled to be sentenced on December 13, 2016. Also, as part of this conspiracy, Marco Antonio Bojorquez-Rojas, a Mexican national, pleaded guilty to interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime, and is scheduled to be sentenced on December 7, 2016.

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

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 Sissonville man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jacob Reed, 43, entered his guilty plea 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.

Reed faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 4, 2017.

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

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 Parkersburg man was sentenced to federal prison today for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Lawrence Matthew Garner, 34, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin. In today’s hearing, he was sentenced to two years and nine months for that offense. He was also sentenced to an additional two years in prison for violating his federal supervised release. The sentences will be served consecutively.

Garner admitted that on July 16, 2015, he was arrested by members of the South Charleston Police Department for delivery of a controlled substance. During a search incident to arrest, officers found over 37 grams of heroin in Garner’s possession.

The case against Garner was investigated by the South Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Virginia man was sentenced today to a year and two months in federal prison for defrauding The Greenbrier, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Carmelo “Carmine” Carrozza, 57, of Charlottesville, previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud. Carrozza was also ordered to pay $48,355.73 in restitution to The Greenbrier.

In the spring of 2013, Carrozza began working at the resort as the Director of Fine Dining. In June 2013, he told senior management that he had cancer. However, Carrozza did not have cancer. Carrozza then left the resort, purportedly to receive cancer treatment, and kept collecting his salary. He continued to receive a salary during his purported cancer diagnosis and treatments from June through mid-December 2013. During this period, Carrozza falsely informed employees of the resort about his supposed cancer prognosis and treatments.

Instead of spending time getting cancer treatment, Carrozza obtained a position with the University of Virginia Darden School Foundation beginning in August 2013.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith George Thomas is in charge the prosecution. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – A former lab manager from Raleigh County who falsified data pleaded guilty today to a violation of 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 federal crime involving 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.

Brewer faces up to two years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000 when he is sentenced on January 18, 2017. 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. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Nitro man was sentenced today to 12 years in federal prison for a sex crime involving a minor, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Mark Anthony Levitt, 38, previously pleaded guilty to using an app on his cell phone to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. After Levitt is released from prison, he will be on federal supervised release for 25 years and will be required to register as a sex offender.

Levitt admitted that from June 2015 through July 2015, he used his cell phone to send sexually explicit messages to persuade and induce a 14-year-old minor to engage in criminal sexual activity.

“This sentence sends a clear message that those who exploit and abuse minors face serious consequences,” stated United States Attorney Carol Casto. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue making it a top priority to hold sexual predators accountable by working with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners. We are willing to dedicate whatever resources are necessary to make sure these cases are prosecuted.”

The Nitro Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI 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 prosecution was brought as part of an ongoing initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia.

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Greenbrier County man was sentenced today to a year and two months in prison for a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Edgar Crislip, 48, of Ronceverte, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of oxycodone.

Crislip admitted that on November 30, 2015, he distributed oxycodone pills to a confidential informant in Ronceverte. He further admitted that he sold oxycodone pills on three other occasions.

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

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two St. Albans men pleaded guilty today to federal drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Travis Matthew Scarberry, 33, and Christopher David Ford, 37, both entered guilty pleas to obtaining a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, and subterfuge.

Scarberry admitted that on April 18, 2015, he obtained oxycodone and Xanax by presenting a prescription that he knew to be fraudulent to the Rite Aid pharmacy in St. Albans. Ford admitted that on April 16, 2015, he obtained oxycodone by presenting a prescription that he knew to be fraudulent to the Fruth Pharmacy in Cross Lanes. Both Scarberry and Ford admitted that they knew the prescriptions were not valid because they had never been patients of the doctor whose name was on the preprinted prescription pad.    

Scarberry and Ford each face up to four years in federal prison when they are sentenced. Scarberry is scheduled to be sentenced on January 9, 2017. Ford is scheduled to be sentenced on January 11, 2017.

The case against Scarberry was investigated by the Dunbar Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case against Ford was investigated by the Dunbar Police Department, the South Charleston Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of the prosecutions. The plea hearings were held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.

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 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 South Charleston man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Benjamin Childers, 41, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Law enforcement pulled over Childers in Kansas on November 14, 2015, and officers 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 was part of a conspiracy that involved Joseph Cooper to bring methamphetamine from Nevada for distribution in and around Charleston. Cooper previously pleaded guilty to a federal drug crime and is awaiting sentencing.

Childers faces at least 10 years and up to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 4, 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 the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.

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 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 felon caught with a gun while on federal supervised release was sentenced to prison today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Timothy Lee Leftenant, 37, previously pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony. In today’s hearing, he was sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison for that offense. He was also sentenced to an additional six months in prison for violating his federal supervised release. The sentences will be served consecutively.

On December 28, 2015, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department responded to a call at America’s Best Value Inn in St. Albans and encountered Leftenant after smelling marijuana outside his room. Leftenant ran from the officers when they attempted to pat him down. As he was running, Leftenant threw his hat, which contained heroin and a loaded 9 mm semi-automatic handgun. Leftenant was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of previous felony convictions for possession with intent to distribute crack and for carrying a firearm in relation to a drug crime. Additionally, Leftenant was on federal supervised release for the two prior felony convictions at the time he possessed the handgun.

The investigation was conducted by the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Chicago woman was sentenced today to six months of home incarceration, to be followed by three years of probation, for credit card fraud, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Christine Johnson, 26, previously entered her guilty plea to possession of 15 or more counterfeit access devices. A counterfeit access device is a credit card that has been altered so that it contains stolen information that has been re-encoded on the magnetic strip on the back of the card.

Johnson admitted that she, along with three codefendants, Wynesha Wilson-Robinson, Stephanie Stevenson, and Crystal Merritt, possessed over 100 counterfeit access devices. Johnson, along with the other codefendants, drove from Chicago to attempt to use these credit cards. On June 5, 2015, they were observed at the South Charleston Target and Walmart attempting to use the counterfeit cards. The four were arrested by law enforcement after store employees became suspicious of the multiple attempts to use credit cards to complete a purchase.  

The South Charleston Police Department and the United States Secret Service conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence.

Two of Johnson’s codefendants are awaiting sentencing and one has already been sentenced. Crystal Merritt is scheduled to be sentenced on October 19, 2016. Stephanie Stevenson is scheduled to be sentenced on November 3, 2016. Wilson-Robsinson was sentenced to five months in federal prison, to be followed by five years of probation. Wilson-Robinson was further ordered to serve the first five months of her probation on home incarceration.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Nicholas County woman who issued herself prescriptions without authorization from a doctor was sentenced today after being convicted of obtaining the prescription opioid pain medication tramadol by fraud, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Cary Lynn Eades, 47, of Mount Nebo, was sentenced to three years of probation.

On numerous occasions between January 2012 and March 2015, Eades took advantage of her position as a medical practice manager to issue herself prescriptions for tramadol using the names and DEA registration numbers of doctors for whom she worked. Eades filled prescriptions at pharmacies in Nicholas, Fayette, and Kanawha counties. The Central West Virginia Drug Task Force became involved in February 2015 when one of the medical practices reported suspicious prescriptions being issued to Eades.

Eades was indicted in Fayette and Nicholas counties in 2015 on more than 30 felony counts of obtaining a prescription by fraud. Her guilty plea in federal court reflects a consolidation of those charges as well as potential charges in Kanawha County.

This case was investigated by the Central West Virginia Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks handled 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 Charleston woman was sentenced today to a year and a day in prison for a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Alisha Watts, 33, previously pleaded guilty to maintaining a drug-involved premises.

On March 18, 2016, officers with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team executed a search warrant at 1210 Stonebrook Road in Charleston. Upon entering the residence, officers found Watts asleep in the bedroom. Watts admitted to being the occupant of the residence. Beside the bed, officers found a loaded handgun, over 600 grams of methamphetamine in the kitchen cabinets, and over 100 pounds of marijuana packaged in one-pound blocks throughout the residence. Additionally, officers located approximately $34,000 cash. Watts admitted that the drugs were being stored at her residence and were intended for distribution by a codefendant, Terrus Carter.

Carter was previously sentenced to eight years in federal prison for a methamphetamine charge. As part of Carter’s plea agreement, he agreed to forfeit a St. Albans residence and over $79,000 in cash.

The investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence.

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 illegal drugs in our communities. 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 heroin and other drugs in communities across the Southern District. 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced today to three and a half years in federal prison for illegal possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Dereck Skylar Brown, 33, previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

On July 4, 2015, Charleston Police Detectives responded to a shooting at a bar on Leon Sullivan Way and observed Brown leaving the bar immediately after they heard several gunshots from inside the bar. Brown appeared to be concealing something in his waistband as he exited the front door of the bar. Brown ignored the detectives’ commands to stop until after he briefly leaned into an unoccupied vehicle parked with its driver side door open. One detective detained Brown while another looked into the vehicle and observed a Colt .380 semiautomatic pistol on the passenger seat of the vehicle.

The West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory later identified a fingerprint lifted from the pistol’s magazine as having been made by Brown’s right thumb. Brown was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of his numerous felony convictions, including armed robbery, attempted possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and malicious wounding. 

Three people inside the bar suffered non-fatal gunshot wounds. Through law enforcement’s forensic analysis, Brown was excluded as a suspect in the shooting.

The case against Brown was investigated by the Charleston Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory also provided invaluable assistance to the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks handled the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence. 

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Mexican national was sentenced yesterday to four months for an immigration crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Edilberto Sanchez-Galvan, 35, previously pleaded guilty to illegally reentering the United States. Sanchez-Galvan is also subject to immediate deportation proceedings.

Sanchez-Galvan admitted that he had previously been convicted of the federal crime of illegally reentering the United States in February 2010. After that conviction, Sanchez-Galvan was deported from the United States to his home country of Mexico. Sanchez-Galvan then illegally reentered the United States and he was found in South Charleston by Department of Homeland Security agents on May 17, 2016.

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 Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man pleaded guilty today to a federal cocaine crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Roger Page, 50, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

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 previously pleaded guilty on related charges and is awaiting sentencing. 

Page faces up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 9, 2017. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs, including cocaine. 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 was sentenced today to three years and 10 months in federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Arthur James Canada, 25, previously pleaded guilty to using a phone to facilitate a felony drug offense.

Canada admitted that from February 2016 to May 2016, he conspired with other individuals to distribute marijuana that had been transported from California. Members of the conspiracy were also involved in the distribution of other controlled substances, including heroin, crack, and pain pills. During the conspiracy, Canada further admitted to receiving marijuana that he sold in the Huntington area. On March 28, 2016, he placed a call to a co-conspirator that was intercepted by law enforcement. During the call, Canada and the co-conspirator discussed the price at which to sell a certain type of marijuana. As part of the plea agreement, Canada agreed to forfeit approximately $181,490 seized by law enforcement during the investigation.

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, which resulted in charging 12 defendants for offenses related to the distribution of heroin, crack, marijuana and alprazolam in Huntington. 

Four other defendants have previously pleaded guilty for their roles in this drug ring. Matthew Michael Meadows, Tanisha Lynette Wooding, Parker Wyatt Mays, and Corey Bruce Toney have all pleaded guilty to federal drug charges and are awaiting sentencing. All of the other defendants charged in the prosecution of this drug ring are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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

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 Huntington drug dealer residing in close proximity to Marshall University was sentenced today to three years and a month for a heroin crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Derrick Linwood Thomas, 25, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin within 1,000 feet of a university.

On March 21, 2016, officers with the Huntington Police Department executed a search warrant at 213 19th Street in Huntington. Thomas admitted this was his residence and that it was located within 1,000 feet of Marshall University. Officers found Thomas in the residence and seized over 15 grams of heroin from him. Officers also seized four additional bags of heroin weighing approximately 2 grams, $950 in cash that included $70 in marked currency from a previous controlled drug purchase, a .32 caliber pistol, and a shotgun. Thomas was arrested and admitted that he had been distributing heroin in the Huntington area.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced today to eight years in federal prison for a methamphetamine charge, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Terrus Carter, 36, previously entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.

Carter admitted that from December 2015 to March 2016, he conspired with Alisha Watts to distribute methamphetamine from their residence at 7270 Stonebrook Road in Charleston. Carter further admitted that he would bring methamphetamine and marijuana to the residence to store, repackage, and distribute the drugs. Watts permitted this criminal activity in exchange for Carter paying the rent and all of the bills at the residence.

On March 18, 2016, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the Stonebrook residence and seized a loaded handgun, over 620 grams of methamphetamine, over 120 pounds of marijuana, and over $34,000 in cash. On March 20, 2016, officers executed another search warrant at 111 1st Avenue in St. Albans. During the execution of the search warrant, Carter attempted to flee out of the back door and was quickly detained by law enforcement. Officers discovered over $45,000 in cash at the St. Albans residence. As part of his plea agreement, Carter agreed to forfeit the St. Albans residence and the cash seized by law enforcement.

Carter faces a minimum of five years and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on August 18, 2016. Watts previously pleaded guilty in April 2016 to maintaining a drug-involved premises. Watts faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on August 17, 2016.

The investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is handling the prosecution. United States District John T. Copenhaver, Jr., 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. 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 drugs in communities across the Southern District. 

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – A prison inmate was sentenced today to a year and three months for possession of a weapon, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Elliott Tubbs, Jr., 30, previously pleaded guilty in July 2016 to the federal crime. This new sentence will run consecutively to the sentence of five years that Tubbs is serving for being a felon in possession of a firearm. 

Tubbs admitted that on February 20, 2016, while serving time as an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution at Beckley, a staff member at the prison searched him and found a sharpened wooden object in his sock. The object, a handcrafted weapon, is commonly called a “shank.” 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Assistant United States Attorney John File is responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A California woman caught transporting a significant amount of crystal methamphetamine from California to West Virginia pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Rachel Arlene Garay, 18, of Indio, entered her guilty plea to interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime.

Garay admitted that in March 2016, she and Danielle Dessaray Estrada, a codefendant, drove from Los Angeles to West Virginia with approximately five pounds of crystal methamphetamine. Garay also admitted that she maintained contact with codefendants Cesar Garcia and Rafael Garcia Serrato to find out instructions on where to deliver the drugs. Garay additionally admitted that on March 26, 2016, she and Estrada arrived in West Virginia and Garay removed the drugs from a hiding place in the vehicle and placed the drugs into a bag for delivery. Shortly after Garay moved the drugs, law enforcement officers in South Charleston stopped the vehicle and arrested Garay and Estrada. During the course of the arrest, law enforcement seized over 2,200 grams of methamphetamine which was later analyzed and had a substance purity level of 98%.

Garay faces up to five years in federal prison when she is sentenced on December 15, 2016.

This prosecution is the result of a multi-agency investigation that led to an eight-count indictment implicating 14 defendants, including Garay. All of Garay’s codefendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Three other women who were used as mules to transport methamphetamine, Danielle Dessaray Estrada, of Los Angeles, Kelly Newcomb, of Nevada, and Cara Linn Monasmith, also of Nevada, pleaded guilty to interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime. Estrada and Newcomb are scheduled to be sentenced on October 6, 2016. Monasmith is scheduled to be sentenced on November 8, 2016. Additionally, as part of this conspiracy, Rafael Garcia Serrato, of Los Angeles, Cesar Garcia, also of Los Angeles, Daniel Ortiz-Rivera, a Mexican national, Velarian Sylvester Carter, of Beckley, Miguel Tafolla-Montoya, a Mexican national, and Brian Ashby, of Kanawha County, previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Serrato and Garcia are scheduled to be sentenced on December 6, 2016. Ortiz-Rivera is scheduled to be sentenced on October 11, 2016. Carter is scheduled to be sentenced on October 13, 2016. Tafolla-Montoya is scheduled to be sentenced on December 8, 2016. Ashby is scheduled to be sentenced on December 13, 2016. Also, as part of this conspiracy, Marco Antonio Bojorquez-Rojas, a Mexican national, pleaded guilty to interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime, and is scheduled to be sentenced on December 7, 2016.

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

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

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – An Akron, Ohio, man was indicted today in connection with a rash of overdoses in Huntington in August, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. A federal grand jury sitting in Huntington indicted Bruce Lamar Griggs, 21, on one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl.

The indictment alleges that on or about August 15, 2016, at or near Huntington, Griggs, also known as “Benz,” conspired with others to distribute heroin and fentanyl. The indictment further alleges that serious injury resulted from the use of those drugs. A copy of the indictment, which is publicly available, is attached to this release.

Griggs has been in federal custody since his arrest in Ohio in late August on a federal criminal complaint. According to an affidavit submitted in support of the criminal complaint by Huntington Police Department (“HPD”) Sgt. Paul Hunter, the investigation of Griggs began August 15, 2016, when the HPD responded to a large number of overdoses in a short period of time in the area of St. Louis Avenue and Marcum Terrace. The affidavit states that one of the overdose victims identified the seller of the heroin as Griggs and that numerous others provided corroborating information linking the heroin to Griggs. The affidavit also states that surveillance video shows a person matching Griggs’ description engaging in activity indicative of hand-to-hand drug distribution in the Marcum Terrace area shortly before the overdoses began.

The investigation is being conducted by the HPD and the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey is in charge of the prosecution.

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.

NOTE: The criminal complaint and the indictment in this case are only accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court proceeding.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man who helped lead a multistate drug ring pleaded guilty today to a federal crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Corey Bruce Toney, 27, entered his guilty plea to distribution of heroin. 

On September 29, 2016, a confidential informant working at the direction of the Drug Enforcement Administration contacted Toney to arrange for the purchase of heroin. Toney agreed to meet the informant, who was accompanied by undercover agents. Toney admitted that he subsequently distributed 10 grams of heroin to the informant in exchange for $1,250. Agents were also 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 2016, he conspired with others to distribute large quantities of drugs in the Huntington and Charleston areas, including heroin, crack, marijuana, and alprazolam pills, commonly known as Xanax. Toney further admitted that he maintained a leadership role in the conspiracy, and that he possessed a number of firearms during the conspiracy.

Toney faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 9, 2017.

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, which resulted in charging 12 defendants for offenses related to the distribution of heroin, crack, marijuana and alprazolam in Huntington. 

Four defendants have previously pleaded guilty for their roles in this drug ring. Matthew Michael Meadows, Arthur James Canada, Tanisha Lynette Wooding, and Parker Wyatt Mays have all pleaded guilty to federal drug charges and are awaiting sentencing. All of the other defendants charged in the prosecution of this drug ring are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is in charge of the prosecutions. The plea hearing was held before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers. 

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. – Two New York City women were sentenced today for credit card fraud, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Sasha Nelson, 21, was sentenced to six months in federal prison, followed by three years of federal supervised release. Nayosha Aice, 25, was sentenced to five years of probation, with the first six months to be served on home incarceration, and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine. Both women previously pleaded guilty to possession of 15 or more counterfeit access devices. A counterfeit access device is a credit card that has been altered to contain stolen account information that is magnetically re-encoded on the credit card. 

Nelson and Aice admitted that as part of their credit card fraud scheme, they possessed 78 counterfeit access devices. Nelson and Aice drove from New York City to West Virginia, using these counterfeit credit cards to buy cartons of Newport cigarettes and other merchandise. They were observed at the St. Albans Go-Mart using multiple counterfeit cards on June 25, 2015, buying cartons of cigarettes. After noticing the suspicious behavior, store employees contacted law enforcement. Nelson and Aice further admitted that once they realized officers were observing them, they attempted to get rid of the counterfeit credit cards in nearby stores by hiding the cards or throwing the cards in the garbage. Officers successfully recovered the credit cards and subsequently confirmed that the credit cards were counterfeit access devices.

Nelson also pleaded guilty in January 2016 in Virginia to the felony offenses of use of a stolen credit card and credit card fraud. Nelson received a suspended sentence in April 2016. Nelson’s plea in the Virginia state prosecution was based on criminal conduct from May 10, 2015, six weeks prior to the conduct in West Virginia. Nelson was stopped for speeding and was found to have 30 cartons of cigarettes, 44 counterfeit credit cards that were re-encoded with stolen credit card numbers, a laptop computer, and a credit card reader/re-encoder.

The St. Albans Police Department and the United States Secret Service conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Erik S. Goes and Eric Bacaj are in charge of the prosecutions. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentences.

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