Southern District of West Virginia

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A California man who traveled to West Virginia to facilitate methamphetamine trafficking pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Gary Liberty, 52, entered his guilty plea to attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Liberty admitted that in January 2012, he made arrangements with a confidential informant working with law enforcement to ship crystal methamphetamine from California to West Virginia. On January 5, 2012, Liberty traveled from California to West Virginia by airplane. The next day, Liberty provided the confidential informant with a U.S. Postal Service tracking number for a package containing crystal methamphetamine that Liberty had arranged to be sent from California to the informant’s residence in Sissonville. On January 7, 2012, officers intercepted the package and seized over 80 grams of methamphetamine. Officers then conducted a controlled delivery of the package to the confidential informant’s residence with a fake substance in the package. After the informant took delivery of the package, officers entered the informant’s home and found Liberty standing over the package with the package open and several items from inside the package on the table. Liberty then gave a statement to law enforcement and admitted his involvement with methamphetamine trafficking.

Liberty faces at least five and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on December 7, 2016.

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

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Columbus man caught with drugs in a Parkersburg hotel room was sentenced today to eight years and four months in federal prison for his conviction at trial and a year and nine months in federal prison for violating his supervised release, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Toby Germaine Person, 40, was convicted by a federal jury on June 23, 2015, of possession with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, and crack. The sentences are to be served consecutively.

On August 4, 2013, after receiving reports that Person had come from Columbus to sell drugs in Parkersburg, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant on his hotel room. Inside the room, officers located heroin, cocaine, crack, digital scales, packaging materials, and other evidence of drug trafficking. Person and his companion, Amanda White, 26, also of Columbus, were arrested. White pleaded guilty in July 2014 to conspiracy charges in Wood County Circuit Court. 

At the time of the offense, Person was serving two concurrent terms of federal supervised release. In February 2008, Person was sentenced in federal court in Columbus to five years in prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute crack. In October 2008, Person was sentenced in federal court in Parkersburg to five years and 11 months in prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute crack. He was released from prison in October 2012.

The Parkersburg Police Department, the Wood County Sheriff’s Department, and the West Virginia State Police investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Kanawha County man pleaded guilty today for his role in a California-to-West Virginia methamphetamine conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Brian Ashby, 38, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

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

Ashby faces at least five and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on December 13, 2016.

This prosecution is the result of a multi-agency investigation that led to an eight-count indictment implicating 14 defendants, including Ashby. All of Ashby’s codefendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. 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, and Miguel Tafolla-Montoya, a Mexican national, 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. 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. Additionally, three 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.

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. – A Huntington man and woman who participated in a multistate drug ring pleaded guilty today to federal crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Parker Wyatt Mays, 27, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute marijuana. Tanisha Lynette Wooding, 37, entered her guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute crack. 

Mays admitted that from the summer of 2014 to May 2016, he conspired with others to distribute marijuana in the Huntington area. Mays and others regularly acquired large quantities of marijuana from a source in California. The marijuana was transported to Huntington using vehicles and through the mail. Once in Huntington, Mays and others distributed the marijuana to customers and pooled the proceeds to acquire additional marijuana. Mays admitted that the group distributed up to 400 kilograms of marijuana during the conspiracy.

Wooding admitted that she was in possession of crack on May 18, 2016, when agents executed a search warrant at her residence located on the 1800 block of 9th Avenue in Huntington. During the search, Wooding told agents that she had approximately two ounces of crack stored in the residence and then provided the drugs to the agents. Wooding further admitted to conspiring with others to distribute crack in Huntington for approximately one year. During this period, Wooding was regularly provided crack from a source. After Wooding sold the crack, she returned the proceeds to the source and received additional quantities of crack. Wooding also admitted that she was responsible for the distribution of at least 840 grams of crack during the conspiracy.

Wooding faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on January 3, 2017. Mays faces up to 5 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 3, 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. 

Two defendants have previously pleaded guilty for their roles in this drug ring. Matthew Michael Meadows and Arthur James Canada pleaded guilty to federal drug charges and are scheduled to be sentenced on September 26, 2016. 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 hearings were 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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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Djuan Levell Washington, 28, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute heroin.

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

Washington faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on December 19, 2016.

Members of the Huntington Police Department and the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Chief United District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – An Ohio man was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for a sex crime involving minors, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Robert N. Bray, III, 39, of Logan, Ohio, previously pleaded guilty to enticing minors to engage in sexual activity. After Bray is released from prison, he will be on supervised release for 20 years, and will also be required to register as a sex offender.

Bray admitted that in July 2015, he used a computer and cell phone to communicate with an individual he believed to be the mother of a 10-year-old female and a 5-year-old male in Parkersburg. In reality, Bray was communicating with an undercover law enforcement officer. Bray continued communicating with the undercover officer, thinking he was arranging to engage in sexual activity with the minors. Bray arranged a meeting on July 22, 2015, and when he arrived in West Virginia, he was arrested. That same day, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Bray’s Ohio residence and seized a computer containing almost 300 images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

This prosecution is the culmination of a comprehensive investigation conducted by the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Parkersburg Police Department, the Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force, the Wood County Sheriff’s Department, the Hocking County, Ohio, Sheriff’s Office, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the FBI.

Assistant United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Mexican national pleaded guilty today for his role in a California-to-West Virginia methamphetamine conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Miguel Tafolla-Montoya, 31, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

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

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

Tafolla-Montoya faces at least five and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on December 8, 2016.

This prosecution is the result of a multi-agency investigation that led to an eight-count indictment implicating 14 defendants, including Tafolla-Montoya. All of Tafolla-Montoya’s codefendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. As part of this conspiracy, Rafael Garcia Serrato, of Los Angeles, Cesar Garcia, also of Los Angeles, Daniel Ortiz-Rivera, a Mexican national, and Velarian Sylvester Carter, of Beckley, 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. 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. Additionally, three 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.

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

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Kanawha County man who violated his federal supervised release by breaking into a house and stealing a pistol pleaded guilty today to a gun charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Travis Lee Hudnall, 31, entered his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Hudnall admitted that on June 7, 2016, he broke into a residence in Hansford and stole a computer tablet and a loaded .40 caliber Smith & Wesson Model SW40C pistol. Hudnall additionally admitted that he stole a chainsaw from the surrounding property. As Hudnall was leaving the residence, the homeowner arrived and confronted Hudnall. Following a struggle, the homeowner detained Hudnall on the ground until law enforcement arrived. Hudnall was prohibited under federal law from possessing any firearm because of two previous felony convictions, one in Kanawha County Circuit Court for daytime entering without breaking and another in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Hudnall faces up to 10 years in federal prison on the gun charge, as well as up to an additional two years for violating his federal supervised release, when he is sentenced on November 21, 2016.

The investigation was conducted by the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the West Virginia State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.

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

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man who was caught with heroin was sentenced today to six years and eight months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. James Lennon Pace, 27, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin.

On June 26, 2015, an officer with the Huntington Police Department observed Pace walking along the 1400 block of 10th Avenue in Huntington. Officers had been looking for Pace because he was a suspect in an unrelated crime. When approached by law enforcement, Pace gave the officer a false name and repeatedly placed his hands in his pockets. Officers detained Pace and discovered approximately 39 grams of heroin in Pace’s pocket. Pace admitted that he intended to distribute the heroin.

On September 22, 2015, agents with the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at 1201 Charleston Avenue in Huntington after observing Pace leave the residence. During the search, agents seized over 360 grams of heroin, some of which was mixed with fentanyl – an opiate painkiller roughly 40 to 50 times more powerful than pure heroin. Agents also seized firearms, over $4,000 in cash, a press used to prepare heroin, and other drug paraphernalia. 

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

This 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 Columbus man who was caught in a stolen car with heroin was sentenced today to a year and nine months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jharel Daivon Kirkland, 27, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin.

On January 27, 2016, officers with the Huntington Police Department’s Special Emphasis Unit were conducting surveillance at a known drug residence in Huntington when they observed Kirkland enter the residence. Officers learned that the vehicle Kirkland was driving had been stolen in Columbus, and law enforcement conducted a traffic stop when Kirkland left the residence. Kirkland was arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle. During a search of Kirkland after his arrest, an officer located approximately 30 grams of heroin Kirkland had concealed in his underwear. Kirkland admitted that he intended to distribute the heroin. 

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

This 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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BECKLEY, W.Va. – Two Greenbrier County men were sentenced to prison today for federal drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Willie Keaton Goodson III, 22, of Ronceverte, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison for distribution of oxymorphone. In a separate prosecution, James Michael Payne, 63, of Frankford, was sentenced to a year and four months in federal prison for distribution of heroin.   

Goodson admitted that on October 22, 2015, he distributed oxymorphone pills at his Ronceverte residence to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. Goodson further admitted that he distributed oxymorphone pills on three other occasions. During the course of the investigation, authorities seized large quantities of oxymorphone, oxycodone, and heroin from Goodson’s residence and from property near his residence. Law enforcement also seized over $100,000 cash that Goodson forfeited to the state of West Virginia. Officers additionally seized firearms that Goodson admitted he possessed while selling drugs.

In a separate drug prosecution, Payne admitted that on August 21, 2015, he distributed six stamps, or packets, of heroin to a confidential informant cooperating with law enforcement authorities. The drug deal took place in the Fairlea area of Greenbrier County. Payne also admitted that he distributed a total of approximately 100 stamps of heroin during August and September of 2015.  

The investigations were conducted by the Greenbrier Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney John File handled the prosecutions. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentences.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A St. Albans man was sentenced today to a total of 10 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for two gun crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Christopher Ayash, 47, previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number and to possession of six firearms in furtherance of a federal drug trafficking crime. Ayash received five years on each charge, to be served consecutively, and was also ordered to pay a $25,000 fine. Additionally, as part of his plea agreement, Ayash agreed to forfeit $300,000 to the United States. He also agreed to demolish a strip club he owned in St. Albans and to transfer the property to Kanawha County.

Ayash admitted that he arranged for the illegal shipment of drugs, including oxycodone and coca leaves, a precursor used to manufacture cocaine, through the mail to West Virginia. On October 7, 2015, a federal search warrant was executed at Ayash’s St. Albans residence and law enforcement discovered a secret room hidden behind a fireplace. The secret room housed a laboratory set up by Ayash to manufacture cocaine and other controlled substances. Law enforcement seized over 60 firearms from the residence, including fully automatic weapons, silencers, and a handgun with an obliterated serial number. Ayash admitted that he possessed six of the firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes.

The investigation was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with the assistance of several other law enforcement agencies. 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. This case was also prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat 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 illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A South Charleston man caught with a loaded gun and drugs after a car chase pleaded guilty today to a federal gun crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Steven Eugene Adkins, 37, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Adkins admitted that on January 14, 2016, he possessed a loaded Smith & Wesson Model 22A-1 pistol. Adkins was prohibited under federal law from possessing any firearm because of two previous convictions in Kanawha County Circuit Court for possession with intent to deliver marijuana. At the time Adkins possessed the handgun, Adkins additionally admitted that he ran a red light in St. Albans. In response, a St. Albans Police Department patrol officer attempted a traffic stop. Adkins further admitted that he did not attempt to stop, and during the course of the subsequent chase, he exceeded the speed limit, passed vehicles despite the double yellow line, and drove the wrong way on a one-way street. The car chase ended in Nitro and Adkins admitted that he exited the vehicle and was apprehended after a brief foot chase. Law enforcement recovered the gun, methamphetamine, and marijuana from Adkins. Officers also seized 40 knives and a machete from the vehicle.

Adkins faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on December 14, 2016.

The investigation was conducted by the St. Albans Police Department, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with the assistance of the West Virginia State Police and the South Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Clint Carte is responsible for the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime. This case was also prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat 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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BECKLEY, W.Va. – An inmate who served time at the Federal Prison Camp at Alderson pleaded guilty today to a federal crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Christina Kimble, 33, entered her guilty plea to escaping from federal prison.

Kimble admitted that on November 17, 2015, she left the Federal Prison Camp at Alderson without authorization. Kimble was apprehended several hours later by the Alderson Police Department.

Kimble faces up to five years in federal prison when she is sentenced on December 7, 2016.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Alderson Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John File is 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. – An inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution at McDowell was sentenced today to a year and two months in federal prison for possessing a weapon, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Tyruss Jackson, 34, previously pleaded guilty to possession of a weapon by an inmate of a federal prison.

Jackson admitted that on September 18, 2015, he possessed a handcrafted knife while he was serving time in the prison. The handcrafted wooden weapon, commonly referred to as a “shank,” was sharpened to a point, measured slightly over six inches in length, had tape wrapped around one end to serve as a handle, and a had a string tied to the handle to serve as a lanyard. A Bureau of Prisons staff member discovered the item concealed in Jackson’s pants. Jackson will serve the year and two months after he completes his current undischarged sentence.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the prosecution. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two sex offenders were sentenced to prison for federal crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto.

Jeremy L. Kelley, 39, of Parkersburg, was sentenced in federal court in Charleston to 15 years in prison for attempted production of child pornography and possession of child pornography. Following his release from federal prison, he will be placed on supervised release for 30 years and will also be required to register as a sex offender. Kelley admitted that on September 6, 2014, he intentionally placed a cell phone in a vent located above a shower in a bathroom. Kelley further admitted that he placed the cell phone in the vent so that he could secretly record a minor in the shower. Law enforcement located a removable media device at Kelley’s Parkersburg residence in November 2015, and an analysis of that device revealed over 600 images of child pornography. More than 600 images of child pornography were also located on another cell phone and a computer used by Kelley at his place of employment in Pleasants County, located in the Northern District of West Virginia. Kelley also admitted to sharing some of the child pornography over the Internet. Kelley’s prosecution was the result of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies working together in both the Northern and Southern Districts of West Virginia.

In a separate prosecution, James Roy Arthur, 45, formerly of Charleston, was sentenced in federal court in Huntington to three years and five months in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for failing to register as a sex offender. Arthur was convicted in 1996 in Kanawha County Circuit Court of Second Degree Sexual Assault. As a result of this conviction, Arthur was required to register as a sex offender. Around January 1, 2016, Arthur moved to Fort Gay in Wayne County, and did not register as a sex offender, despite knowing it was required by law. Arthur continued to reside in Wayne County until his arrest on January 31, 2016.

The investigation of Kelley was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Parkersburg Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Lisa G. Johnston and Sarah W. Montoro are in charge of the prosecution of Kelley. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed Kelley’s sentence.

The United States Marshals Service and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation of Arthur. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is in charge of Arthur’s prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed Arthur’s sentence.

These cases were 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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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Multiple defendants pleaded guilty today to federal drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto.

Jerrell Leon Johnson, 53, of Huntington, pleaded guilty in federal court in Huntington to possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack. On January 20, 2016, members of the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted a search of Jerrell Johnson’s residence located on Rear 9th Avenue in Huntington. During that search, agents located approximately 48 grams of crack inside a kitchen drawer. Jerrell Johnson admitted that he intended to sell the crack seized by law enforcement. Agents also located a large amount of cocaine in the residence. Jerrell Johnson faces at least five and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on December 5, 2016. 

In a separate drug prosecution, Ashley Nicole Farley, 25, of Huntington, pleaded guilty in federal court in Huntington to possession with intent to distribute heroin. On August 27, 2015, Farley was arrested on a warrant for distribution of heroin. In a search of Farley incident to her arrest, officers located a gray tan powder and cash. The cash contained marked currency from a previous undercover heroin buy from Farley. Farley faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on December 5, 2016. 

In another separate drug prosecution, Antonio Tarvares Johnson, 39, of Charleston, pleaded guilty in federal court in Charleston to distribution of heroin. Antonio Johnson admitted that on September 28, 2015, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place at the Motel 6 in Cross Lanes. Antonio Johnson additionally admitted that he sold drugs to a confidential informant on September 29, 2015, and on December 16, 2015. Antonio Johnson faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on December 12, 2016. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation of Jerrell Johnson. The investigation of Farley was conducted by the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey is handling the prosecutions. The plea hearings for Jerrell Johnson and Farley were held before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation of Antonio Johnson. Assistant United States Attorney Clint Carte is responsible for the prosecution of Antonio Johnson. The plea hearing for Antonio Johnson was 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 heroin and 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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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced to two years and three months in federal prison for a gun crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Fitzgerald Ingram, 24, entered his guilty plea to illegally possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony.

Ingram admitted that on July 29, 2015, he was apprehended by law enforcement after firing a rifle into a dumpster in the 6th Avenue area of Charleston. After firing the rifle, Ingram disposed of the gun in an alley where it was located by someone who took the gun to police officers who had responded to the scene that day. Ingram is prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of several previous felony convictions in North Carolina Circuit Court, including taking indecent liberties with a child, failure to register as a sex offender, and assault with a deadly weapon causing serious injury.

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

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Mexican national pleaded guilty today to an immigration crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Edilberto Sanchez-Galvan, 35, entered his guilty plea to illegally reentering the United States. 

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.

Sanchez-Galvan faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced in October 2016. He is also subject to deportation proceedings at the conclusion of the case.

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

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – An Akron, Ohio man is in federal custody in connection with a rash of heroin overdoses earlier this month in Huntington, United States Attorney Carol A. Casto and Huntington Chief of Police Joe Ciccarelli announced today. Bruce Lamar Griggs, 22, was arrested in Ohio and is being held on the basis of a federal criminal complaint filed in the Southern District of West Virginia, which charges Griggs with distribution of heroin.

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 heroin 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. A copy of the complaint and a redacted version of the affidavit, which are publicly available, are attached to this release.

Griggs was arrested by officers of the Tallmadge, Ohio police department and made an initial appearance yesterday before a United States magistrate judge in the Northern District of Ohio. He will be transported back to West Virginia to face the criminal charge against him.

The case is being investigated by the HPD and the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force.

NOTE: The criminal complaint in this case is only an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court proceeding.

Complaint

Redacted Affidavit

Los Angeles father and son each face up to 40 years; Mexican national faces up to 5 years

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Three defendants pleaded guilty today for their roles in a California-to-West Virginia methamphetamine conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Rafael Garcia Serrato, 45, and Cesar Garcia, 20, a father and son from Los Angeles, each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Marco Antonio Bojorquez-Rojas, 21, a Mexican national residing in California, pleaded guilty to interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime.

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

Bojorquez-Rojas admitted that in January 2016, he traveled with some of his codefendants to Charleston from California to collect money for methamphetamine that had been delivered to West Virginia. On January 11, 2016, law enforcement executed a search warrant on a hotel room where Bojorquez-Rojas and some his codefendants, including Serrato and Garcia, were staying and recovered a bag containing $12,000 cash. Bojorquez-Rojas also admitted that this cash was payment for a portion of the methamphetamine that had been delivered to West Virginia. Bojorquez-Rojas additionally admitted that in March 2016, he traveled from California to Huntington to collect money for methamphetamine that had been driven to Huntington by codefendants Kelly Newcomb and Cara Linn Monasmith. Shortly after the arrival of Bojorquez-Rojas in Huntington on March 19, 2016, law enforcement arrested him and three of his codefendants in a Huntington hotel room.

Serrato and Garcia face at least five and up to 40 years in federal prison when they are sentenced on December 6, 2016. Bojorquez-Rojas faces up to five years in federal prison when he is sentenced on December 7, 2016.

This prosecution is the result of a multi-agency investigation that led to an eight-count indictment implicating 14 defendants, including Serrato, Garcia, and Bojorquez-Rojas. All of their codefendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. As part of this conspiracy, Daniel Ortiz-Rivera, a Mexican national, and Velarian Sylvester Carter, of Beckley, previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Ortiz-Rivera is scheduled to be sentenced on October 11, 2016. Carter is scheduled to be sentenced on October 13, 2016. Additionally, three 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.

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

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

Defendant embezzled the funds over roughly 10 years and spent the money on island vacations and cars

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A former employee of the Charleston Marriott Town Center who defrauded the hotel out of close to a million dollars pleaded guilty today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Mark Kuhn, 52, of Milton in Cabell County, entered his guilty plea to wire fraud for his embezzlement from the hotel.

Kuhn worked for the Marriott as an accountant and general cashier. His duties included collecting cash from the various departments of the hotel, including the gift shop, the front desk, and the restaurant and bar. Kuhn admitted that beginning in November 2005 and continuing through February 2016, he embezzled over $955,000 from the hotel. He covered up his embezzlement by regularly posting false entries in the hotel’s accounting system to make it appear as if the hotel had paid out cash for various goods or services. Typically, the false entries reflected fictitious payments for commissions or fees owed to a travel agency or online travel company. The false entries for any particular day would match the amount of cash that Kuhn had embezzled from the cash receipts for that day.

Over the course of his fraudulent scheme, Kuhn used the embezzled funds for personal expenses. He admitted that he took vacations to Hawaii, the Bahamas, Myrtle Beach, and Disney World. He also admitted that he went on a cruise to Cozumel, Mexico. He additionally admitted to using the money to buy cars, a truck, and a recreational vehicle. Furthermore, he admitted that he used the embezzled funds to make payments on Chase MasterCard accounts, Sears credit card accounts, and a revolving credit account at Home Depot.

Kuhn faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on December 5, 2016. Additionally, as part of the plea agreement, Kuhn has agreed to pay $955,317.17 in restitution.

The United States Secret Service conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Philip H. Wright is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Dunbar man pleaded guilty today to a federal heroin crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Christian Bowles, 24, entered his guilty plea to distribution of heroin.

Bowles admitted that on March 24, 2015, he sold over four grams of heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement in exchange for $1,000. Bowles made the drug deal outside of his Dunbar residence. He further admitted that he was involved in the distribution of up to 20 grams of heroin.

Bowles faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on December 5, 2016.

The Charleston Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.

This case is being prosecuted as part of 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. 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A woman caught transporting a substantial amount of crystal methamphetamine from California to West Virginia pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Cara Linn Monasmith, 46, of Las Vegas, entered her guilty plea to interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime.

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

Monasmith further admitted that in February 2016, as part of the same drug conspiracy, she drove another vehicle containing approximately 10 pounds of crystal methamphetamine hidden in a spare tire from California to Louisville. Once she reached Louisville, another codefendant picked up the methamphetamine and transported the drugs to Charleston for distribution.

Monasmith faces up to five years in federal prison when she is sentenced on November 8, 2016.

This prosecution is the result of a multi-agency investigation which led to an eight-count indictment implicating 14 defendants, including Monasmith. Monasmith’s codefendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. As part of this conspiracy, Daniel Ortiz-Rivera, a Mexican national, and Velarian Sylvester Carter, of Beckley, previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Ortiz-Rivera is scheduled to be sentenced on October 11, 2016. Carter is scheduled to be sentenced on October 13, 2016. Additionally, two women who were also used as mules to transport methamphetamine, Danielle Dessaray Estrada, of Los Angeles, and Kelly Newcomb, of Nevada, are scheduled to be sentenced on October 6, 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 the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.

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

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man who illegally possessed a firearm pleaded guilty today to a federal gun crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Lachance D. Woodson, 28, entered his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Woodson admitted that on December 22, 2015, he possessed a Hi-Point .40 caliber pistol in Charleston. Woodson was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2010 conviction in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia for possession of a firearm after a misdemeanor conviction for domestic violence.

Woodson faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 17, 2016.

The Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman handled the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.

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

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced today to a year and a half in federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Thomas Jarrell, 21, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin. 

Jarrell admitted that on October 1, 2015, at his Georges Creek residence in Malden, he possessed approximately six grams of heroin that he intended to distribute. Agents of the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team seized the drugs during the execution of a search warrant at Jarrell’s home. Jarrell further admitted that he was involved in the distribution of up to 60 grams of heroin.

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

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

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man caught with drugs and loaded handgun pleaded guilty today to a federal gun crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Michael Brooks Burgess, 46, entered his guilty plea to possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance.

On February 8, 2016, Burgess was stopped for speeding and a suspected DUI in Sissonville. During the stop, officers found a vial of methamphetamine in his pocket and over 30 grams of methamphetamine under the driver’s seat. The officers searched the vehicle and found a loaded .45 caliber handgun, three high capacity magazines for a MAC-10 firearm, approximately 50 rounds of ammunition, and over an ounce of marijuana in the trunk of the vehicle. Burgess admitted that he was a habitual, unlawful user of methamphetamine at the time he possessed the gun.

Burgess faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 14, 2016.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is in charge of the prosecution. The defendant entered his guilty plea before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.

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

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Cabell County man was sentenced to four years and three months in federal prison followed by 20 years of supervised release for a child pornography crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Mark Allen Angle, 47, of Milton, previously pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography. As part of his sentence, Allen will also be required to register as a sex offender.

Angle admitted that on March 19, 2015, he possessed images of prepubescent minors engaged in sexual acts. The images were found by investigators on his personal computer and media devices in his residence in Milton. The investigation additionally revealed that Angle was using peer-to-peer file sharing programs to download, receive, and distribute child pornography.

The West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston is in charge of the prosecution. Chief United States District Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.

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

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two men appeared in federal court today for heroin crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Kevin Brown, 32, of Huber Heights, Ohio, was sentenced to two years and three months in federal prison for possession of heroin with intent to distribute. In a separate drug prosecution, Christopher E. Butts, 42, of Charleston, pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin.

On June 29, 2015, an officer with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted a traffic stop on a rental vehicle Brown was driving. Brown gave a false name and false identification to the officer, but consented to a search of the vehicle. Inside the vehicle, the officer found heroin, cocaine, and marijuana, along with empty capsules and a Magic Bullet mixer which had been used to process heroin for distribution.  

In a separate prosecution, Butts admitted that on May 24, 2016, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. The drug deal took place at the corner of Delaware Avenue and Randolph Street in Charleston. Butts further admitted that he sold drugs to a confidential informant again the next day. On May 26, 2016, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the residence where Butts was staying. During the search, officers seized over six grams of heroin from Butts that was in his pocket, a firearm located near his feet, and cash from the residence. Officers additionally located approximately 75 grams of heroin behind the couch in the residence. All of the heroin recovered in the search was field tested by law enforcement and came up positive for the presence of fentanyl, which is anywhere from 25 to 50 times more potent than heroin. Butts faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 10, 2016.

The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team investigated these cases. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is in charge of the prosecution of Brown. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed Brown’s sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is responsible for the prosecution of the Butts case. The plea hearing for Butts was held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.

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

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – Two men were sentenced to prison today for federal drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto.

Ronald Ray McMillion, 64, of Renick in Greenbrier County, was sentenced to five years in federal prison for a crime involving the distribution of oxycodone, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. McMillion previously pleaded guilty to interstate travel to facilitate an unlawful activity. McMillion admitted that in February 2014, he traveled from Renick to the Baltimore area to obtain oxycodone pills, and that he then traveled back to Renick and sold some of the pills. He further admitted that he had sold oxycodone in Greenbrier County on other occasions, and that he possessed a firearm while receiving payment for a drug debt.   

In a separate drug prosecution, Nicholas Thomas Novak, 33, of Brentwood, New York, was sentenced to 10 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute heroin. Novak previously pleaded guilty and admitted that on September 22, 2015, he possessed approximately 150 stamps or packets of heroin at a residence in Frankford in Greenbrier County. Novak further admitted that he brought the heroin to Greenbrier County for distribution. 

The McMillion case was investigated by the West Virginia State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Greenbrier Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force investigated the Novak case under the Greenbrier Valley Heroin and Pill Initiative. Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the prosecutions. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentences.

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

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – An inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution at Beckley pleaded guilty today to possessing a weapon in prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Larry Antoine Smith, 49, entered his guilty plea to possession of a weapon by an inmate of the institution. Smith admitted that on September 28, 2015, he possessed a combination lock attached to a belt. The weapon was discovered when a prison staff member observed Smith swinging the belt. Smith further admitted that he attached the lock to the belt with the intention of using it as a weapon.

Smith faces up to five years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 30, 2016.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. 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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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – An Ohio man pleaded guilty today to federal gun charges, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Austin Russell Ash, 21, of Belpre, entered his guilty plea today to one count of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number and one count of possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance.

As part of an investigation in June 2015, the Parkersburg Police Department conducted a search at the house where Austin Ash resided on Laird Avenue in Parkersburg. During the search, law enforcement discovered a CBC, 715T model, .22 caliber rifle with an obliterated serial number in Ash’s bedroom. Ash admitted to law enforcement that he possessed the gun and that he had removed the serial number. He further admitted to law enforcement that at the time he possessed the gun he was a user of marijuana.

Ash faces up to 15 years in federal prison, up to five years for possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number and up to 10 years for possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance. His sentencing is scheduled for December 1, 2016.

The Parkersburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Clint Carte is responsible for the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Nitro man pleaded guilty today to a federal methamphetamine charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Shawn Keathley, 26, entered his guilty plea to distribution of methamphetamine.

Keathley admitted that on March 20, 2014, he sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant working with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. The drug deal took place in the parking lot of a restaurant in Cross Lanes. Keathley further admitted to having distributed methamphetamine for approximately five months in the Nitro area.

Keathley faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 30, 2016.

The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is responsible for the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Georgia man who was caught with methamphetamine and a stolen pistol in a Summersville hotel was sentenced today to two years and eight months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Daniel Branden O’Dell, 34, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

On October 30, 2015, a Nicholas County Deputy Sheriff responded to a disabled vehicle call on U.S. Route 19. The vehicle, a 2015 BMW, had been reported stolen from Atlanta and was unoccupied when the officer arrived. After a brief investigation, officers learned that O’Dell had wrecked the vehicle and gotten a ride to a hotel in Summersville. When police arrested O’Dell at his hotel room, they found methamphetamine and a loaded .45 caliber pistol that had been stolen in Cobb County, Georgia. O’Dell admitted to transporting the methamphetamine from Georgia to sell in Pennsylvania. He also admitted to being a felon and told police he had purchased the stolen firearm in Georgia. O’Dell has a lengthy criminal history that includes numerous theft and drug-related felony convictions.

This case was investigated by the Nicholas County Sheriff’s Department and the Summersville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Bluefield man who mailed letters threatening to kill the former United States Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia and the mayor of Bluefield pleaded guilty on Friday in federal court in Abingdon, Virginia, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto and United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia John P. Fishwick, Jr. Kenneth Robert Godsey, 35, pleaded guilty to two counts of mailing a threatening communication.

In May 2015, Godsey sent a threatening letter from the Southwest Valley Regional Jail in Tazewell, Virginia, to then-United States Attorney Booth Goodwin at the Charleston office. Godsey’s letter to former U.S. Attorney Goodwin included numerous references to murder. In July 2015, Godsey sent another threatening letter from the jail to Bluefield Mayor Tom Cole. Godsey stated in the letter that he would kill the mayor and have others kill citizens of Bluefield. Pursuant to the plea agreement and pending approval by the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia, Godsey faces between five and 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on October 24, 2016.

“Law enforcement and public officials should be able to go to work and go home to their families without threats from criminals,” said United States Attorney Casto. “This prosecution recognizes the importance of taking this criminal behavior seriously and should serve as a significant warning to those who make these threats to law enforcement, public officials, and their families. I want to the thank all of the investigating agencies and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia for helping to stop these threats and working to make law enforcement and public service safer for everyone.”

“Making threats to the safety of others, including public officials and those in law enforcement, is a serious matter that will be treated as such,” said United States Attorney Fishwick “Those who threaten the lives of others will be held accountable for their actions, as was the case here.”

The FBI, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Tazewell County, Virginia, Sheriff’s Office, and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg man pleaded guilty today to possessing over 600 images of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. John Leslie Hess, 64, entered his guilty plea to possession of child pornography.

Hess admitted that on March 2, 2015, he possessed images of prepubescent minors engaged in sexual acts. The images were contained on his personal computers and multiple media devices found at his residence in Parkersburg. The investigation revealed that Hess was using a peer-to-peer file sharing program to download, receive, and distribute child pornography. 

Hess faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 16, 2016.

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

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Chicago woman was sentenced to five months in federal prison for credit card fraud, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Wynesha Wilson-Robinson, 27, previously pleaded guilty 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.

Wilson-Robinson admitted that she, along with three codefendants, Christine Johnson, Stephanie Stevenson, and Crystal Merritt, possessed over 100 counterfeit access devices. Wilson-Robinson and her codefendants drove from Chicago to West Virginia and attempted to use these counterfeit credit cards. On June 5, 2015, the women were observed at the South Charleston Target and Walmart attempting to use the counterfeit cards, and store employees alerted law enforcement to the suspicious behavior.

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 codefendants, Christine Johnson and Stephanie Stevenson, are scheduled to be sentenced on October 3, 2016. The other codefendant, Crystal Merritt, is scheduled to be sentenced on October 19, 2016.

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Hurricane man was sentenced today to a total of nine years in federal prison: seven years for a federal arson crime followed by a consecutive sentence of two years for an unrelated federal witness tampering crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jimmie Arnold Harper, Jr., 36, previously pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting arson and conspiracy to tamper with a witness. As part of his sentence, he was also ordered to pay over $320,000 in restitution.

Harper was a Nationwide Mutual Insurance agent with an office in Winfield. Harper admitted that on September 14, 2015, he arranged for a fire to be set at his own residence at 7 Stonegate Drive in Scott Depot. Harper planned for the use of a long-range remote firing system to ignite the fire. He placed a chair with a tire in it in an interior room of his residence with the intent for that area to be the ignition spot of the fire. After staging the area, the drywall was knocked out so that the fire would spread farther into the framing of the house. Prior to setting the fire, Harper moved his valuables, such as furnishings and personal items, out of the residence and into a storage unit in the Winfield area. He also arranged to be out of town so the residence would be empty. Another individual drove by the residence in the early morning hours and hit the button on the remote firing system to ignite the fire. The Teays Valley Fire Department was dispatched to the residence, and one firefighter fell through the floor in the kitchen and sustained minor burns to his lower extremities. On September 15, 2015, Harper called in a fire claim to his insurance company, Auto Club Insurance Association, for $624,200 in structural damage and $468,150 in personal property loss.

On December 23, 2015, Seth T. Radcliffe, a longtime friend of Harper’s, was facing kidnapping charges in an unrelated case. Harper admitted that on January 24, 2016, he met with witnesses in Radcliffe’s case in an attempt to influence testimony before a federal grand jury. Before the meeting, Harper spoke to Radcliffe about the plan and obtained a letter written by Radcliffe that was read aloud during the meeting. The meeting took place in Harper’s vehicle in the parking lot of a convenience store in MacArthur in Raleigh County. During the meeting with the witnesses, Harper emphasized that the kidnapping charges against Radcliffe needed to go away because of the severe penalties. Harper also suggested limiting answers that could be damaging to Radcliffe by responding with “I don’t know” or “I don’t remember.” Harper admitted that he knew Radcliffe’s letter was not factually correct and was intended to corruptly influence witness testimony. Unbeknownst to Harper, the passenger in the vehicle during the meeting was acting as a confidential informant for law enforcement and recorded the entire meeting.

On January 26, 2016, a federal grand jury sitting in Beckley returned an indictment against Seth T. Radcliffe for one count of kidnapping and one count of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. On February 9, 2016, a grand jury subpoena was served on Harper for the letter written by Radcliffe. On January 24, 2016, prior to the meeting with the witnesses in Radcliffe’s case, Harper directed the confidential informant to remove the last page of the letter. This page contained 12 numbered paragraphs written by Radcliffe setting forth points Radcliffe wanted to make to defeat the charges. After receiving the grand jury subpoena, Harper instructed the confidential informant to throw the last page of the letter out of his car window along Interstate 77. Law enforcement recovered this page of the letter on February 9, 2016, from Interstate 77.

The West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office, the West Virginia Office of the Insurance Commissioner, the FBI, and the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is handling the prosecution. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – An Atlanta man was sentenced today to a year in federal prison and ordered to pay almost $17,000 in restitution for his role in a mail theft and counterfeit check cashing conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. DeAndre Smith, 23, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit postal theft and making and uttering counterfeit securities.

Smith admitted that on two occasions in November 2015, he traveled, along with a group of other conspirators, from Atlanta to Beckley. Once in Beckley, Smith and the group targeted businesses and stole checks out of mailboxes. Smith and his co-conspirators then used the information from the stolen checks to make counterfeit checks, which they then cashed at local banks.

The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Beckley Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Eric P. Bacaj is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Milton man who possessed heroin at his Huntington restaurant in 2015 was sentenced today to a year and a day in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jumol Wayne Scott, 37, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin.

On March 28, 2015, law enforcement executed a search warrant at The Sandwich Joint, which was operated by Scott in Huntington. During the search, agents located Scott in the restaurant and also seized approximately 280 grams of heroin, along with materials used to prepare heroin for distribution. Scott admitted that he distributed heroin to a confidential informant at his restaurant on multiple occasions in 2015 and intended to distribute the heroin seized by agents. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. 

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

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington woman and a Columbus man pleaded guilty today to federal drug charges, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Rhonda Gail Akers, 52, and Tyshawn Desmeon Davis, 28, each entered guilty pleas to possession with intent to distribute heroin.

On June 29, 2015, law enforcement executed a search warrant at 1751 Buffington Avenue in Huntington after a confidential informant purchased heroin at the residence. Akers and Davis were both located inside the residence during the search. Davis was found in possession of approximately 30 grams of heroin. Agents also seized approximately 35 additional grams of heroin from various locations in the residence. Akers and Davis admitted to law enforcement that they had been involved in distributing heroin from the residence. 

Akers and Davis both face up to 20 years in federal prison when they are sentenced on November 7, 2016.

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

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

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man who possessed and distributed heroin was sentenced today to four years and nine months in prison for a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jeremiah Eugene Caldwell, 33, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin.

On September 9, 2015, deputies with the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant at Caldwell’s residence located at 1400 Cedar Crest Drive in Huntington. Deputies recovered approximately 30 grams of heroin, a set of digital scales, and four firearms during the search. Caldwell was present in the residence and was arrested at that time. Caldwell admitted to possessing the drugs and the guns. He further admitted that he had been distributing heroin for a period of approximately six months.

The case was investigated by the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. 

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

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man caught with a significant amount of methamphetamine pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Craig Jason Hundley, 40, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. 

Hundley admitted that on April 4, 2016, he was stopped on Interstate 64 in Cabell County by a member of the West Virginia State Police. A K-9 named Feera utilized by the West Virginia State Police performed an exterior sniff of Hundley’s car and indicated that drugs were present. When law enforcement searched the car, they found approximately 1,065 grams of methamphetamine concealed in the trunk. 

Hundley faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 7, 2016.

The case against Hundley was investigated by the West Virginia State Police and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess 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 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 fourth Chicago woman pleaded guilty today to credit card fraud, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Crystal Merritt, 29, 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 other codefendants, Wynesha Wilson-Robinson, Christine Johnson, and Stephanie Stevenson, possessed over 100 counterfeit access devices. The four defendants drove from Chicago to West Virginia in an attempt to use these counterfeit credit cards. On June 5, 2015, the women were observed at the South Charleston Target and Walmart attempting to use the counterfeit cards, and store employees alerted law enforcement to the suspicious behavior.

Merritt face up to 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine when she is sentenced on October 19, 2016.

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

The three other Chicago codefendants previously pleaded guilty to credit card fraud. Wilson-Robinson is scheduled to be sentenced on August 11, 2016. Johnson and Stevenson are scheduled to be sentenced on October 3, 2016.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man pleaded guilty today to separate charges of escape and possession with intent to distribute heroin, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Brandon Christopher Solomon, 21, originally from Detroit, entered his guilty plea to a two-count indictment. 

Solomon admitted that in December 2015, he escaped from a halfway house in St. Albans. Solomon was at the halfway house finishing a sentence for violating his federal supervised release from a prior drug conviction. Solomon’s whereabouts were unknown for several months until April 28, 2016, when officers with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team located him while executing a search warrant on Daniel Boone Drive in Charleston. Solomon was arrested on the outstanding escape warrant, and when he was searched, officers located six baggies of heroin and cash in his pocket.

Solomon faces up to 25 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on October 27, 2016.

The United States Marshals Service and 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 Joseph R. Goodwin.

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

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Two men pleaded guilty today to federal drug charges, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jamel Proctor, 31, of New York City, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. In a separate drug prosecution, Darnell Lamar Anderson, 38, of Huntington, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute 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. Proctor faces a minimum of five years and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on October 31, 2016.

In a separate drug prosecution of Darnell Anderson, officers with the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force were notified by a United States Postal Inspector on April 14, 2016, that a package suspected of containing drugs was scheduled for delivery to a residence at 219 8th Avenue West in Huntington. Investigators secured a search warrant and discovered that the package contained over 550 grams of methamphetamine. Investigators then conducted a controlled delivery of the package utilizing an undercover postal inspector. The postal inspector traveled to the residence at 219 8th Avenue West, where Anderson accepted delivery and took possession of the package. Anderson faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on October 31, 2016.

The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey is in charge of the prosecution of Proctor. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is handling the prosecution of Anderson. The plea hearings were 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, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington woman pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Misty Renee Wentz, 38, entered her guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute heroin.

On September 1, 2015, Wentz was approached and interviewed by Drug Enforcement Administration agents in Huntington. While speaking with agents, Wentz admitted that she was concealing heroin on her person. Wentz then provided the heroin to agents and admitted that she possessed the heroin for distribution. Wentz further admitted that she had conspired with multiple other individuals over the previous year to distribute up to 3 kilograms of heroin that was transported to the Huntington area from Detroit. 

Wentz faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on October 31, 2016.

The Drug Enforcement Administration 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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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man was sentenced today to five and a half years in federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Chester Estes, 41, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute oxycodone.

On October 2, 2014, Estes was arrested on an unrelated misdemeanor warrant in Huntington. In a search following the arrest, Estes was found to be in possession of $4,590 in cash and 475 oxycodone pills.

The Huntington Federal Drug Task Force and the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey is responsible for the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch has appointed Carol A. Casto as United States Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia, effective today, July 29, 2016. Casto has served as Acting United States Attorney since January 1, 2016.

Casto was appointed by the Attorney General on an interim basis and will serve as the United States Attorney either until a Presidential appointment occurs, or for a period of 120 days after appointment by the Attorney General, whichever takes place earlier. If the Attorney General’s appointment expires without a Presidential appointment, the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia may appoint a United States Attorney until the vacancy is filled.

Prior to taking office as Acting United States Attorney, Casto served as First Assistant United States Attorney from 2010 to 2015. From 1989 to 2010, Casto was an Assistant United States Attorney in the office’s criminal and civil divisions. Before joining the United States Attorney’s Office, Casto served as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Kanawha County from 1983 to 1989.

Casto is a West Virginia native and an honors graduate of West Virginia University and the West Virginia University College of Law. She is admitted to practice law in the state of West Virginia, the United States District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of West Virginia, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and the Supreme Court of the United States

“I am honored by the trust and confidence of the Attorney General of the United States and the opportunity to continue serving the Southern District of West Virginia as its United States Attorney,” said Casto. “I am proud to continue to work with the dedicated attorneys and staff in my office and our law enforcement partners to maintain the safety of our communities by fighting drug crime and addiction, stopping corruption and fraud, and protecting our most vulnerable citizens. Together, we will continue the extraordinary work that the public deserves.”

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A former employee of a Logan County gun and pawn shop was sentenced today to 10 months in federal prison for a gun crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Steven Adkins, 39, of Man, previously pleaded guilty to making and aiding and abetting a false statement relating to firearms purchases. 

Adkins was an employee of Uncle Sam’s Loans, a gun and pawn shop in Man. Adkins fraudulently filled out federal forms required to be completed during a lawful firearms sale and directed others to fraudulently complete the forms. These types of transactions are commonly called “straw purchases.” The fraudulent forms reflected straw purchases because Adkins delivered the guns to individuals not named on the forms. Adkins engaged in more than 30 illegal straw purchases and transfers of firearms.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Erik S. Goes and Meredith George Thomas are in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.

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

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