Southern District of West Virginia

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg man pleaded guilty today to federal child pornography crimes, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jeremy L. Kelley, 39, entered his guilty plea in federal court in Charleston to attempted production of child pornography videos and images and possession of child pornography.

Kelley admitted that on September 6, 2014, he intentionally placed a Motorola cellphone in a vent located above a shower in a bathroom. Kelley further admitted that he placed the cellphone 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 a Nexus cellphone 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.

“This joint investigation demonstrates the commitment across law enforcement to bringing a child predator to justice,” said Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. “Without this collaboration, this successful prosecution would not be possible.”

Kelley faces a mandatory prison sentence of 15 years and a maximum fine of $500,000 when he is sentenced on August 25, 2016. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Kelley agreed to pay restitution to the victims and register as a sex offender. Following his release from prison, Kelley will be placed on supervised release for 30 years.    

The investigation was conducted by DHS 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. 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 Lincoln County man was sentenced to 11 years and seven months in federal prison for trafficking pain pills, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. William Harrison Meade, 46, of Branchland, previously pleaded guilty in September 2015 to conspiring to distribute oxycodone.

Meade admitted that in 2010 and 2011, he conspired with individuals in Florida and Lincoln County to distribute oxycodone. Meade also admitted that he laundered the proceeds of the drug sales through a West Virginia bank account for withdrawal in Florida in an effort to conceal the source of the cash and the pills.

Lester Taylor, of Daytona Beach, Florida, was one of Meade’s associates in the drug operation. Taylor acquired oxycodone pills in Florida and used various methods to transport the drugs to West Virginia for distribution by Meade. Taylor sent 15 priority overnight packages containing oxycodone pills to Meade at his home in Branchland. Law enforcement intercepted the last package on January 8, 2011, which contained 1,000 oxycodone pills. After Meade sold the oxycodone pills, he deposited the drug proceeds into bank accounts in Barboursville and Huntington. Following the deposits in West Virginia banks, Taylor and others withdrew the money in Florida. Meade deposited $149,500 in drug proceeds into Taylor’s Fifth Third Bank account at the Huntington branch.

Taylor admitted to obtaining prescriptions for oxycodone and hydromorphone from physicians in Florida and then having the prescriptions filled at pharmacies in West Virginia. The pharmacy primarily used for this unlawful activity, A+ Care Pharmacy, formerly located in Barboursville, has since been prosecuted in federal court by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia, and is no longer in business.

In November 2015, Taylor was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison and a $10,000 fine for his role in the pain pill distribution and money laundering conspiracy.

The West Virginia State Police, the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation division, and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman handled the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed Meade’s sentence.

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

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit drug dealer was sentenced to four years in federal prison for selling pain pills, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Derrick Bernard Pritchett, 32, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of oxycodone and alprazolam.

On August 10, 2015, a confidential informant working with the DEA Task Force contacted Pritchett to arrange a drug deal. Pritchett admitted that he met the informant on the 1200 block of Jackson Avenue in Huntington and sold the informant nine 30 mg oxycodone pills and one 2 mg alprazolam pill.

The investigation of Pritchett was conducted by the DEA Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is in charge of the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.

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

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

Terrance Dewayne Hayes, 30, of Welch, was sentenced to a year and four months in federal prison for distribution of heroin. Hayes previously pleaded guilty in February 2016, admitting that he distributed heroin to a confidential informant in Havaco in McDowell County on June 15, 2015.

Keith Joseph Alfred, 43, of Princeton, was sentenced to eight months in federal prison for distribution of hydromorphone. Alfred pled guilty in January 2016, admitting that he distributed hydromorphone pills to a confidential informant in Bluewell in Mercer County on October 22, 2013. 

Stephen Wayne Steele, 42, of Bluefield, was sentenced to six months in federal prison for distribution of hydromorphone. Steele previously pleaded guilty in February 2016. He admitted that on April 7, 2015, he distributed hydromorphone pills to a confidential informant in Green Valley in Mercer County.

All of the defendants were sentenced to three years of supervised release to be completed after their prison terms.

These cases were investigated by the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney John File handled the prosecutions. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentences.

These cases were brought as part of the Bluefield 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 Rand heroin dealer was sentenced today to eight years in federal prison for a drug crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Marcus Manchion, 27, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin. 

Manchion admitted that on March 3, 2015, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department. The drug deal took place on the 5000 block of Church Drive in Rand. Manchion also admitted to selling heroin to a confidential informant on three other occasions in March 2015. On April 16, 2015, officers executed a search warrant on Manchion’s house in Rand and recovered over 80 grams of heroin and a Glock Model 37 pistol. 

The investigation was conducted by the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., 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. – Two defendants appeared in federal court today on drug charges, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Sarah Elizabeth Myers, 28, of South Charleston was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in federal prison and fined $5,000 for possession with intent to distribute heroin. In a separate drug prosecution, Daniel Branden O’Dell, 35, of Winston, Georgia, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Myers previously pleaded guilty and admitted that on May 15, 2015, she traveled to Columbus to pick up a supply of heroin. When she returned to West Virginia, law enforcement stopped her for speeding. During the stop, officers found over 100 grams of heroin hidden in the rear passenger side door panel. Myers admitted it was her intent to distribute the heroin in the Charleston area.

On October 30, 2015, in a separate drug prosecution, members of the Nicholas County Sheriff’s Department and the Summersville Police Department arrested O’Dell at a hotel in Summersville as part of a stolen vehicle investigation. Upon searching the room, police found methamphetamine and a loaded .45 caliber pistol that had been reported as stolen. O’Dell admitted driving from Georgia to Pennsylvania, where he intended to sell the methamphetamine. He further admitted purchasing the stolen firearm in Georgia. O’Dell has a lengthy criminal record that includes three felony drug convictions. Pursuant to the plea agreement, O’Dell faces between 30 and 46 months when he is sentenced on August 11, 2016.

The Myers case was investigated by the South Charleston Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Agency Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is responsible for the prosecution of Myers. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence.

The Nicholas County Sheriff’s Department and the Summersville Police Department investigated the O’Dell case. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the O’Dell prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.

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

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

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man pleaded guilty today to a federal heroin charge, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jeremiah Eugene Caldwell, 32, entered his guilty plea 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 execution of the search warrant, law enforcement found Caldwell at his residence and arrested him. Caldwell admitted that he possessed the heroin and the firearms seized in the search. He further admitted that he had been distributing heroin for approximately six months.

Caldwell faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on August 8, 2016. 

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

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man pleaded guilty today to a federal methamphetamine charge, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Terrus Carter, 36, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.

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

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

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

The investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is handling the prosecution. The hearing was held before United States District John T. Copenhaver, Jr.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The United States Attorney’s Office and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration announced today that over 5,800 pounds of unwanted, unused, and expired prescription drugs were collected throughout West Virginia as part of the most recent National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. As a result of the April 30th Take-Back event, participating law enforcement agencies in West Virginia took in a total of 5,876 pounds from citizens and households around the state.

“Prescription drug abuse is an issue that touches all West Virginians,” said Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. “DEA’s Prescription Drug Take-Back Day events continue to be successful here because all of us want to take an active role in preventing drug abuse. Removing unused prescription medication from the home and properly disposing of it helps keep our communities safer.”

“This event works because of the strong partnerships between DEA and federal, state, and local law enforcement,” said DEA Resident Agent in Charge Suzan Williamson. “National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day allows us to work together to cut off a significant source of the drug supply. We will continue fighting drug abuse by providing a safe place for West Virginians to get rid of their unused prescription medication.”

As part of DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day held in April, there were over 100 collection sites throughout West Virginia for the disposal of unused, unwanted, and expired prescription medication.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Virginia man pleaded guilty today to defrauding The Greenbrier, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Carmelo “Carmine” Carrozza, 57, of Charlottesville, Virginia, entered his guilty plea to wire fraud.

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

Carrozza admitted that instead of spending time getting cancer treatment, he obtained a position with the University of Virginia Darden School Foundation beginning in August 2013. Carrozza also admitted that he fraudulently received over $48,000 from the resort during the course of his cancer scheme, and he has agreed to pay restitution to The Greenbrier.

Carrozza faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on August 17, 2016.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia announced today the location of collection sites for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. The event provides safe venues for West Virginians to responsibly dispose of prescription drugs. National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is on Saturday, April 30, 2016, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. West Virginians will have the option of visiting several conveniently located sites that are equipped to properly dispose of prescription medication.

Collection site locations can be found at http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html. This website can locate a nearby collection site and is searchable by zip code, county, city, and state. West Virginians have the option of visiting over 100 sites throughout the state to dispose of prescription drugs.

“We all know that drug abuse is one of the most significant issues facing our state,” said Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. “One way that we can do our part is to properly dispose of potentially dangerous prescription medication. DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is an ideal time for West Virginians to get rid of unwanted, unused, and expired prescription drugs.”

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Detroit heroin dealer was sentenced today to four years and nine months in federal prison for a drug crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Robert James Bellamy, 32, previously pleaded guilty in December 2015 to distribution of heroin. 

On October 22, 2014, officers with the Charleston Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit used a confidential informant to purchase heroin from Bellamy in the Kanawha City area of Charleston. On three additional occasions, law enforcement conducted controlled purchases of heroin either directly from Bellamy or from an associate working at his direction. Bellamy admitted that from January through December 2014, he distributed at least 400 grams of heroin in and around Kanawha County.

Bellamy’s co-defendant, Andre Perryman, another Detroit drug dealer, was sentenced in January 2016 to a year and a day for aiding and abetting the distribution of heroin.

The investigation was conducted by the Charleston Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is handling the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., 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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BECKLEY, W.Va. – A New York man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Nicholas Thomas Novak, 32, of Brentwood, New York, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute heroin.

Novak admitted that on September 22, 2015, he possessed about 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. 

Novak faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on August 17, 2016.

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

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced today to a year and a half in prison for a federal drug crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Donovan Hardison, 26, previously pleaded guilty in January 2016 to possession with intent to distribute heroin and crack.

Hardison admitted that on May 8, 2015, when he was arrested by agents of the Charleston Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit, he had heroin and crack that he intended to sell concealed in his sock. Hardison also admitted that on several occasions in 2014 and 2015, he sold heroin and crack in the Charleston area to confidential informants working with the Charleston Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. Hardison further admitted that he stored heroin, crack, and firearms in his residence on 2nd Avenue in Charleston. 

The investigation was conducted by the Charleston Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, and the West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is handling the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., 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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BECKLEY, W.Va. - Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto announced today that Jose Jorge Abbud Gordinho, M.D., of Beckley, was sentenced to eight years in prison, a $15,000 fine, and ordered to pay over $48,000 in restitution to Medicare and Medicaid for a federal drug crime and health care fraud. Dr. Gordinho previously pleaded guilty in January 2016 to illegally prescribing the pain medication hydrocodone and defrauding Medicare and Medicaid by submitting materially false claims for services that were not medically necessary.

Dr. Gordinho admitted that he routinely prescribed pain pills for illegitimate purposes and in a manner that was outside the bounds of medical practice. Dr. Gordinho further admitted that he defrauded Medicare and Medicaid when he sought and received payment for office visits, services, and prescriptions related to his illegal prescribing practices.

Additionally, as part of the plea agreement, Dr. Gordinho will permanently surrender his DEA Certificate of Registration, ensuring that he will no longer be permitted to prescribe controlled substances.

This case was investigated by the West Virginia State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Lewis County man was sentenced today to five years in federal prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release, for a child pornography crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Derrick Young, 33, of Weston, previously pleaded guilty in February 2016 to possessing images and videos of child pornography.

Young admitted that on May 21, 2014, he possessed images and videos of prepubescent minors engaged in sexual acts. Young possessed over 3,000 images and over 700 videos containing child pornography. The images and videos were contained on his computer and personal cell phone at his former residence located in Nallen in Nicholas County. The computer and cell phones on which Young stored the child pornography were ordered to be destroyed.

Young’s sentence was further enhanced because he traded the images with others to increase his supply of child pornography. He is also required to register as a sex offender for life. 

The Department of Homeland Security and the West Virginia State Police 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.

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

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Greenbrier County man pleaded guilty today to a federal crime involving the distribution of oxycodone, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Ronald Ray McMillion, 63, of Renick, entered his guilty plea 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 both before and after that trip.

McMillion faces up to five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on August 17, 2016. 

The case was investigated by the West Virginia State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Chicago woman pleaded guilty today to credit card fraud, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Wynesha Wilson-Robinson, 27, entered her guilty plea to possession of 15 or more counterfeit access devices.

Wilson-Robinson admitted that she, along with three codefendants, possessed over 100 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 drove from Chicago to attempt to use these credit cards. On June 5, 2015, she was observed at the South Charleston Target and Walmart attempting to use the counterfeit cards and was arrested by law enforcement.  

Wilson-Robinson faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine when she is sentenced on August 11, 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 codefendants, Christine Johnson, Crystal Merritt, and Stephanie Stevenson, are all charged with the same credit card fraud and are currently scheduled for trial on May 17, 2016. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – An Atlanta man pleaded guilty today to his role in a mail theft and counterfeit check cashing conspiracy, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. DeAndre Smith, 22, entered his guilty plea 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 business establishments and stole checks out of mailboxes. Smith and his co-conspirators then used the information from the stolen checks to make counterfeit checks for cashing at local banks.

Smith faces up to five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on August 10, 2016. Smith also agreed to pay almost $17,000 in restitution.

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

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Two women were sentenced to prison today for federal heroin crimes, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Charon Chere Harris, 36, of Huntington, was sentenced to a year and three months in federal prison for maintaining a residence for the purpose of distributing heroin. In a separate prosecution, Kaleigh Horn, 25, of Chillicothe, Ohio, was sentenced to three years and two months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute heroin. 

From May to June 2015, Harris leased an apartment located at 2736 Rear 4th Avenue in Huntington. The terms of the lease provided that Harris would be the tenant of the apartment for a year beginning in May 2015. However, Harris never resided in the apartment and actually leased it for the purpose of allowing Eddie William Randall, of Detroit, to reside there and distribute heroin that was transported from Detroit to the Huntington area.

On June 25, 2015, officers with the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at the apartment. During the search, officers seized approximately 40 grams of heroin, drug paraphernalia, a loaded 9mm pistol, and $13,030 in cash. During the search of another residence in Huntington on 25th Street, also identified through the investigation, officers seized approximately 280 grams of heroin and a loaded .45 caliber pistol. Randall admitted that he possessed the heroin from both residences for distribution and that he possessed the guns in an effort to protect himself from theft or robbery of heroin or cash. Randall was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison on April 11, 2016, after previously pleading guilty to drug and firearms charges.

In a separate heroin prosecution, Kaleigh Horn admitted that in 2014, she conspired with others to distribute heroin in the Mason County area. Horn further admitted to transporting heroin from Detroit to Gallipolis, Ohio, and to Point Pleasant, where it was sold for $200 per gram by Horn and others involved in the conspiracy. Finally, Horn admitted that the group had been responsible for distributing up to 1000 grams of heroin over the course of the conspiracy.

The investigation of Harris was conducted by the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force, the Huntington Police Department, and the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution of Harris. The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, the DEA, the West Virginia State Police, and the Gallia County Sheriff’s Department in Ohio conducted the investigation of Horn. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is responsible for the prosecution of Horn. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentences.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Multiple defendants appeared in federal court today on drug charges, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto.

Kevin Brown, 32, of Huber Heights, Ohio, pleaded guilty today to possession of heroin with intent to distribute. 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. Brown faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on August 1, 2016.

Alisha Watts, 36, of Charleston, pleaded guilty today to maintaining a drug-involved premises. On March 18, 2015, officers with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team executed a search warrant at 1210 Stonebrook Road in Charleston. Upon entering the residence, officers found Watts asleep in the bedroom. Watts admitted to being the occupant of the residence. Beside the bed, officers found a loaded handgun, over 600 grams of suspected methamphetamine in the kitchen cabinets, and over 100 pounds of suspected marijuana packaged in one-pound blocks throughout the residence. Additionally, officers located approximately $34,000 cash. Watts admitted that the drugs were being stored at her residence and were intended for distribution by another individual. Watts faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on August 17, 2016.

Lawrence Watson, 22, of Detroit, was sentenced to credit for time served for distribution of heroin. Watson previously pleaded guilty in January 2016 and admitted that on June 12, 2014, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place at a residence on Elaine Drive in Rand. After the drug deal, officers executed a search warrant on the residence and found Watson in the house. During the search, officers discovered additional heroin and recovered the money used in the controlled drug purchase from Watson’s pocket.

The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigations of Brown, Watts, and Watson.

Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is responsible for the prosecution of Brown. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over Brown’s plea hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is handling the prosecution of Watts. The plea hearing for Watts was held before United States District John T. Copenhaver, Jr. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is in charge of the prosecution of Watson. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed Watson’s sentence.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Mexican national residing in Boone County was sentenced today to four years and nine months in prison for a federal drug crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Leonel Vivian Castellanos, 28, previously pleaded guilty in November 2015 to distribution of methamphetamine.

Castellanos admitted that between May 12 and May 19, 2015, he distributed approximately 500 grams of methamphetamine to informants in Kanawha and Boone counties. On May 21, 2015, Castellanos was found in possession of another 50 grams of methamphetamine at his residence in Boone County. That same day, approximately 500 grams of additional methamphetamine that Castellanos admitted to distributing was seized during the execution of a search warrant in Kanawha County.

The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, Homeland Security Investigations, the Kanawha Bureau of Investigation, and the South Charleston Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is handling the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr, imposed the sentence.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced today to three years and ten months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Derrick Lamb, 24, previously pleaded guilty in January 2016 to the federal gun crime.

Lamb admitted that on April 13, 2015, law enforcement arrested him and found him in possession of a Taurus .38 caliber revolver. Lamb is prohibited from possessing any firearm because of a 2012 felony conviction in Kanawha County Circuit Court for possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston doctor pleaded guilty today to a federal crime involving the illegal dispensing of fentanyl. Dr. Iraj Derakhshan, 72, entered his guilty plea to violating reporting requirements mandated by federal drug laws for dispensing controlled substances.   

Dr. Derakhshan admitted that on June 18, 2015, he obtained fentanyl from one of his patients. The patient acquired the fentanyl from a prescription written by Dr. Derakhshan, and was returning the unused portion of the prescription to Dr. Derakhshan because the patient had an adverse reaction to the drug. On the same day, Dr. Derakhshan admitted to illegally dispensing the unused fentanyl to a different patient. He also admitted that he was never authorized to dispense controlled substances. Dr. Derakhshan further admitted to knowingly and intentionally failing to report and maintain a record of this dispensing of fentanyl as required by federal law. The dispensing was also unlawful because it was not done by authorized prescription and was not presented to a pharmacy to be filled. One of the reasons for these requirements is so that prescription drugs can be properly traced and recorded by the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy.

Dr. Derakhshan faces up to four years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000 when he is sentenced on July 8, 2016. As part of the plea agreement, Dr. Derakhshan will permanently surrender his DEA Certificate of Registration and not oppose revocation of his registration to dispense controlled substances. Dr. Derakhshan agreed that one of the grounds for the revocation is being convicted of a felony relating to a controlled substance.

The investigation of Dr. Derakhshan was conducted by the DEA. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two Charleston men were sentenced today to federal prison for drug crimes, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Leon Wilson, Jr., 43, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in federal prison for distribution of heroin. In a separate prosecution, Anton R. Courts, 40, was sentenced to a year and three months in federal prison for distribution of crack and heroin.

Wilson admitted that in May 2015, he sold heroin on three separate occasions to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deals took place at Wilson’s Charleston apartment. After these drug deals, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant at Wilson’s apartment. Officers found over $1,000 cash in Wilson’s possession, which included some of the pre-recorded buy money used in one of the drug deals with the confidential informant.

In a separate drug prosecution, Courts admitted that in April 2015, law enforcement made four controlled purchases of heroin and crack from Courts on the East End of Charleston. On April 22, 2015, detectives arrested Courts after a brief foot chase and found him to be in possession of $1,850 in cash, including $400 in bills used in the controlled purchases. In addition to his prison sentence, Courts was ordered to sell his 2014 Chevrolet Camaro in order to pay a fine of $10,000. Courts admitted paying $28,000 cash for the Camaro in November 2014 while unemployed. This is the second time Courts has been sentenced to federal prison. In May 2006, Courts was sentenced to six-and-a-half years in federal prison following his guilty plea to distribution of crack. His sentenced was later reduced to five years and three months based upon changes to federal sentencing guidelines. 

The investigation of Wilson was conducted by the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, Sheriff’s Tactical Operations Patrol Team. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess was in charge of Wilson’s prosecution. The Charleston Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit conducted the investigation of Courts. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail handled the prosecution of Courts. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentences.

These cases were prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat illegal drugs in our communities, including 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 other drugs in communities across the Southern District.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto announced that a federal jury sitting in Huntington returned a guilty verdict yesterday in the trial of a Kentucky veteran for defrauding the Veterans Health Administration. Phillip M. Henderson, 50, of Olive Hill, Kentucky, was convicted following a five-day jury trial. The jury required only an hour of deliberations before finding Henderson guilty.

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

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

Henderson received the maximum disability and healthcare benefits he could get for his claimed disability and vision loss. VA benefits representatives testified that from 1996 to 2015, Henderson received approximately $697,000 in disability compensation. In addition to this monthly monetary compensation, Henderson also received an $11,000 grant to purchase an automobile in 2006, which was intended for another person to drive Henderson, and another $10,000 grant towards the installation of an in-ground swimming pool, which was intended for his exercise and to maintain his well-being as a blind veteran. Further, Henderson received the maximum healthcare benefits possible for him and his family based upon his claimed diagnosis and vision loss. During the same time period, Henderson received the highest priority in getting medical treatment from the VA, free medical and dental services, free prescriptions, reimbursement for travel from his home in Kentucky to the VA Medical Center in Huntington for medical appointments, free training for the blind in Connecticut and Alabama for extended periods of time, and free equipment designed to assist the blind, such as canes, computers, talking telephones, and night vision goggles. In sum, Henderson received over $75,000 in VA healthcare benefits to which he was not entitled.

Henderson faces up to 10 years in federal prison, a fine of up to twice the gain or loss that resulted from his conduct, and an order of restitution when he is sentenced on August 1, 2016.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Boone County man was sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison for a gun crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Blain Salmons, Jr., 40, of Alum Creek, previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.   

Salmons admitted that on October 29, 2015, he was arrested by the Boone County Sheriff’s Department. At the time of his arrest, it was determined that Salmons had been hunting out of season and he was found to be in possession of a Glenfield Model 30A, .30-30 rifle. Salmons was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of felony convictions from 1997 in Kanawha County Circuit Court for kidnapping and aggravated robbery.

The Boone County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess handled 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 Charleston man pleaded guilty today to a federal gun crime, announced Acting 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. 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.

Ingram faces up to ten years in federal prison when he is sentenced on July 25, 2016.

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

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston heroin dealer pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Joshua Walls, 22, entered his guilty plea to distribution of heroin.

Walls admitted that on March 19, 2015, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with the Charleston Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit. The drug deal took place outside the defendant’s Fairview Drive residence in Charleston.

Walls faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine when he is sentenced on June 15, 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 was brought as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District. 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A South Charleston woman was sentenced today to three years in federal prison for a methamphetamine crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jonda Grandoni, 52, previously pleaded guilty in January 2016 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Grandoni admitted that on October 12, 2012, she arranged to have a package containing methamphetamine shipped via FedEx to an individual who would then deliver the package to Grandoni for distribution. Law enforcement intercepted the package before it was delivered and found that it contained 11.5 grams of methamphetamine. Officers then set up a controlled delivery of the package to Grandoni, who accepted the package and was arrested. In addition to the methamphetamine recovered on October 12, 2012, Grandoni admitted that she was responsible for the distribution of over 520 grams of additional methamphetamine. 

This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., 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 illegal drugs in our communities, including 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 other drugs in communities across the Southern District.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A St. Albans man pleaded guilty today to two federal gun crimes, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Christopher Ayash, 47, entered his guilty plea 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 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. As part of his plea, 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.

When he is sentenced on July 11, 2016, Ayash faces up to five years in prison for possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, and at least five years and up to life in prison for the other gun crime. 

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. 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. 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 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 other drugs in communities across the Southern District.

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Hurricane man pleaded guilty today to a federal arson crime and a federal witness tampering crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jimmie Arnold Harper, Jr., 36, entered his guilty plea to aiding and abetting arson and conspiracy to tamper with a witness.

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 of the wall so that the fire would spread further 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, was facing kidnapping charges. 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 twelve 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.

Harper faces at least 7 years and up to 60 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on August 10, 2016.

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

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Three defendants were sentenced to federal prison today for heroin crimes, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Eddie William Randall, 36, of Detroit, was sentenced to ten years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Krishauna Deshay Brown, 37, of Huntington, was sentenced to a year and three months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute heroin. In a separate drug prosecution, Terrance Donte Hensley, 20, of Huntington, was sentenced to three years and a month in federal prison for distribution of heroin.

From December 2014 until their arrests in 2015, Randall, Brown, and others conspired to distribute heroin that was transported from Detroit to the Huntington area. Brown resided at 209 West 9th Avenue in Huntington, and she allowed Randall to store and distribute heroin from her residence. On February 26, 2015, officers with the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at Brown’s residence and seized heroin, along with other paraphernalia used to sell heroin. Brown admitted that she possessed the heroin at her residence and intended to distribute it.

On June 25, 2015, officers executed search warrants at 2736 Rear 4th Avenue and 1128 25th Street in Huntington. Officers utilized a confidential informant to make several controlled purchases of heroin from Randall in and around those residences leading up to the search. Officers located Randall inside the 4th Avenue residence and seized approximately 40 grams of heroin, a loaded 9mm pistol, and $13,030 in cash. During the search of the 25th Street residence, officers seized approximately 280 grams of heroin and a loaded .45 caliber pistol. Randall admitted that he possessed the heroin from both residences for distribution and that he possessed the pistols in an effort to protect himself from theft or robbery of heroin or cash.

As the result of a separate drug investigation, Terrance Donte Hensley admitted that on five occasions between June 26 and July 9, 2015, he distributed heroin at various locations in Hurricane and Huntington to a confidential informant working with law enforcement.  

The investigation of Brown and Randall was conducted by the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force, the Huntington Police Department, and the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is responsible for the prosecutions of Brown and Randall. The investigation of Hensley was conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, the Huntington Police Department, and the DEA Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is in charge of the prosecution of Hensley. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentences. 

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Jamaican national pleaded guilty today to identity theft, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Roland Jason Duckett, 31, admitted that he used another person’s identity in a fraudulent attempt to obtain a United States passport.

Duckett admitted that he entered the United States from Jamaica in 2007 and then remained in the United States after his visa expired. In August 2015, he paid another individual for the use of identification documents, including that person’s birth certificate and Social Security card. Duckett used these documents to obtain a West Virginia driver’s license in the other individual’s name. Duckett admitted that in November 2015 he mailed a passport application from Charleston in an attempt to obtain a United States passport. His passport application was flagged for fraud by the United States Department of State and Duckett never received a U.S. passport. Agents with the Diplomatic Security Service of the United States Department of State uncovered the fraud and determined Duckett’s true identity.

Duckett faces up to five years in federal prison when he is sentenced on July 8, 2016.

The investigation of this case was conducted by the United States Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, with the assistance of the West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Blaire L. Malkin is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of West Virginia, along with federal, state and local advocates of crime victims’ rights, presented the 2016 Excellence in Victim Advocacy and Justice Award today to Huntington Police Chief Joe Ciccarelli. The presentation took place at an opening ceremony held in Charleston at the Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse as part of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. The purpose of the ceremony was to honor the service of Chief Ciccarelli and to raise awareness about the rights, protections, and services available to crime victims in West Virginia.

Throughout his distinguished public service career, Chief Ciccarelli has worked tirelessly on behalf of crime victims and their families. His dedication has led to significant improvements in how the criminal justice system handles crime victims’ services. His service has had a lasting impact on crime victims’ rights, and the programs he has established to carry on this work reflect his extraordinary advocacy.

Ciccarelli began working with crime victims almost 40 years ago, in October 1977, when he started his career with the Huntington Police Department as a Community Service Officer and Emergency Medical Technician. He was appointed to be a police officer the following year and worked in the Patrol Bureau and Special Investigations Bureau before his appointment as a Special Agent in the FBI in 1984. His 30-year FBI career began with assignments in the St. Louis and Miami areas, and then continued with a return to Huntington in 1998 as the head of the FBI’s Violent Crime and Drug Task Force. In Huntington, Ciccarelli served as the Senior Resident Agent, the Supervisory Senior Resident Agent for Southern West Virginia, and the Team Leader for the FBI’s Northeast Region Child Abduction Rapid Deployment Team. While at the FBI, Ciccarelli helped establish the Special Agents Steering Committee and, most significant, the FBI’s Victim Assistance Program. After retiring from the FBI in 2014, he became an investigator for the West Virginia Supreme Court and, later that same year, was appointed Chief of the Huntington Police Department.

“Chief Joe Ciccarelli’s public service exemplifies the vision and leadership necessary to build trust and restore hope to crime victims. This award represents the gratitude of crime victims, their families, and those of us in the criminal justice system and advocacy community who have been fortunate enough to see how his efforts have made a difference,” stated Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. “I am privileged to have known and worked with Joe for a number of years, as are all of us gathered today to celebrate his service. His commitment to truth and justice has been remarkable, and his determined advocacy has had an incredible impact on crime victims’ rights right here in our community and throughout our entire criminal justice system.”

The event featured officials working in the criminal justice system, agencies and organizations providing services to crime victims, and crime victims themselves who spoke firsthand about their experiences. Many who could not attend sent letters recognizing Chief Ciccarelli’s public service, including United States Attorney General Loretta Lynch.

This ceremony marks the 16th Annual Operation Reach Out event. Operation Reach Out is a collaborative group of federal, state and local agencies and organizations that work to raise awareness about the rights, protections, and services available to crime victims in West Virginia. The event was made possible through the partnership between Operation Reach Out and the Counseling Connection, an organization that provides counseling, therapy, education, and advocacy throughout West Virginia. The staff of Mt. Olive Correctional Complex was also essential to today’s event.

The event was held in conjunction with the nationwide observance of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, which began on April 10 and runs through April 16, 2016, and locally includes the Walk/Run for Justice 5K on Friday, April 15, 2016, at Haddad Riverfront Park in Charleston. Registration is free and starts at 11:00 A.M. The race begins at noon and there will be plaques presented for the top finishers in the women’s and men’s divisions. For more information on the Walk/Run for Justice 5K, please contact Marla Willcox Eddy at 304-340-3676. The theme of National Crime Victims' Rights Week this year is "Serving Victims. Building Trust. Restoring Hope."

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced today to two years in federal prison for a gun crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Richard Howard King II, 21, previously pleaded guilty in January 2016 to possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance.

King admitted that on July 16, 2015, he was carrying a concealed handgun when he was approached by Charleston Police Department officers. After King informed the officers that he was armed, the officers removed a Glock Model 22, .40 caliber pistol from his waistband. King also admitted that he possessed four other firearms from July 5, 2013, through July 16, 2015, one of which was stolen. At the time he possessed the firearms, King admitted that he was a habitual, unlawful user of marijuana.

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. – The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of West Virginia, along with federal, state and local advocates of crime victims’ rights, will host an opening ceremony in recognition of National Crime Victims' Rights Week on Monday, April 11, 2016, at noon in the Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse in Charleston.

The ceremony will feature officials working in the criminal justice system, agencies and organizations providing services to crime victims, and crime victims themselves who can speak firsthand to their experience. As part of the event, there will be a presentation of the 2016 Excellence in Victim Advocacy and Justice Award to Huntington Police Chief Joe Ciccarelli.

This ceremony marks the 16th Annual Operation Reach Out event. Operation Reach Out is a collaborative group of federal, state and local agencies and organizations that work to raise awareness about the rights, protections, and services available to crime victims in West Virginia. This event is being held in conjunction with the nationwide observance of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, which begins on April 10 and runs through April 16, 2016. The theme of National Crime Victims' Rights Week this year is "Serving Victims. Building Trust. Restoring Hope."

WHO:            

• Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto
• Kandi Burns, Crime Victim Survivor
• Elaine and Stephanie Wagner, Crime Victim Survivors
• Huntington Police Chief Joe Ciccarelli, Recipient of the 2016 Excellence in Victim Advocacy and Justice Award
• Operation Reach Out committee members
• Other federal, state and local officials
• Staff representing the United States Attorney's Office, Southern District of West Virginia

WHAT:

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

WHERE:      

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

WHEN:         

• Monday, April 11, 2016, at noon. The ceremony will immediately follow a reception and lunch beginning at noon. 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two heroin dealers appeared in federal court today for drug crimes, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Antoine Joshua Broner, 37, of Charleston, was sentenced to a year and four months in federal prison for distribution of heroin. In a separate prosecution, Lawrence Matthew Garner, 34, of Parkersburg, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin.

Broner admitted that on August 4, 2015, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. Following the drug deal, officers seized $615 from Broner’s house in Charleston, $75 of which was pre-recorded buy money used in the controlled purchase with the confidential informant. Broner further admitted to possessing additional heroin at his residence that he intended to distribute.

In a separate heroin prosecution, Garner admitted that on July 16, 2015, he was arrested by members of the South Charleston Police Department for delivery of a controlled substance. During a search incident to arrest, officers found over 37 grams of heroin in Garner’s possession. Garner faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine when he is sentenced on July 14, 2016.

The investigation of Broner was conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is in charge the prosecution of Broner. The case against Garner was investigated by the South Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is handling the prosecution. The defendants appeared before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A St. Albans man caught with fentanyl, marijuana, several pistols, and three assault rifles pleaded guilty today, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. O’Neil Anthony Peart, 37, entered his guilty plea in federal court to possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking offenses.

On December 4, 2015, drug task force officers executed a search warrant at Peart’s Walnut Street apartment in St. Albans. Among other items, police seized eight firearms, including three “AR”-style assault rifles with high-capacity magazines, approximately 21 grams of fentanyl, approximately 7.5 pounds of marijuana, and more than $5,300 in cash. All but two of the firearms were loaded.

Peart faces at least five years and up to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on June 15, 2016.

The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the St. Albans Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecution. The hearing was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Los Angeles man was sentenced to seven and a half years in federal prison today for a drug crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Terry Cunningham, 32, previously pleaded guilty in December 2015 to distribution of methamphetamine.

Cunningham admitted that on July 14, 2015, he shipped a package containing methamphetamine to an undercover Kanawha County Deputy Sheriff working with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. After the undercover officer picked up the package, Cunningham provided instructions for making payment for the shipment using MoneyGram. Cunningham went to pick up the MoneyGram payment at a Walmart in Los Angeles, and immediately texted the undercover officer that he had received payment. Agents conducting surveillance in Los Angeles arrested Cunningham after observing him collecting the payment.

The investigation was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office. The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.

This case was prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat illegal drugs in our communities, including 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 other drugs in communities across the Southern District.

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Don Blankenship Sentenced on Federal Conspiracy Charge

Acting U.S. Attorney Carol Casto announced that former Massey Energy Chief Executive Officer Don Blankenship was sentenced today to a year in federal prison and ordered to pay a $250,000 fine.  Blankenship was sentenced for conspiracy to willfully violate mine health and safety standards after a jury returned a guilty verdict on the federal crime. 

“This sentence is a victory for workers and workplace safety,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Casto.  “It lets companies and their executives know that you can’t take chances with the lives of coal miners and get away with it.  Putting the former chief executive officer of a major corporation in prison sends a message that violating mine safety laws is a serious crime and those who break those laws will be held accountable.”  

Over the course of the trial, in which jury selection began on Oct. 1, 2015, and the jury returned a guilty verdict on Dec. 3, 2015, the jury heard evidence from 27 witnesses called by the United States.  Many of these witnesses were coal miners who worked at the Upper Big Branch (UBB) mine prior to the 2010 explosion and they testified in detail from their firsthand knowledge of the unsafe working conditions at UBB, violations of U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) regulations and organized efforts to obstruct and interfere with MSHA inspectors.  The jury heard from Bill Ross, former Manager of Technical Services at Massey, who testified that he warned Blankenship about the company’s practice of rampant violations and told the defendant prior to the UBB explosion that Massey’s standard tactic of ignoring or defrauding MSHA could not be sustained without the possibility of a serious accident that could have fatalities.  The evidence also showed that Blankenship received daily updates on safety violations and helped perpetuate them.

“Putting profits over the safety of workers is reprehensible,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Casto.  “The jury acknowledged that with the guilty verdict and the sentence imposed today recognizes that disregarding safety laws has real consequences.  From the beginning, the objective of this investigation and this prosecution was to not only show that those who violate safety laws will be held responsible, but also to deter these violations in the future to make everyone’s workplace safer.”

“Today’s sentence marks the culmination of a comprehensive, joint investigation that took over five years to complete and resulted in five criminal convictions.” said Special Agent in Charge Scott S. Smith of the FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office.  “Along with dedicated prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office and investigators in U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, the FBI is committed to holding those who commit crimes by enabling safety violations and who place profits above the value of human life accountable.”

“Donald Blankenship’s trial and conviction came after an explosion that killed 29 miners at the Upper Big Branch mine,” said Special Agent in Charge John Spratley of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, Office of Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations’ Philadelphia Regional Office.  “His sentencing today reaffirms the responsibility of company executives to ensure they adhere to health and safety standards.  The Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General will continue to work with the Mine Safety and Health Administration and our law enforcement partners to investigate criminal worker safety violations that pose a threat to American workers.”

The prosecution was the result of a comprehensive investigation that, including Blankenship, resulted in five criminal convictions.  In addition to the convictions of individuals, the outcome of the investigation also included a resolution of over $200 million with Alpha Natural Resources after it acquired Massey.  This agreement established a foundation dedicated to mine safety and health research, the first of its kind and set aside nearly $50 million in funding for the foundation.  That funding has provided the resources for some of the best and brightest minds in the country to pursue research that will make mines safer all over the world.

This matter was investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven R. Ruby, Gregory McVey and Gabriele Wohl, as well as former U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin, handled the prosecution and tried the case before a federal jury.

The prosecution is part of a sustained effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to protect the health and safety of West Virginia workers by vigorously prosecuting workplace safety crimes and holding accountable those responsible for dangerous working conditions.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto announced that former Massey Energy Chief Executive Officer Don Blankenship was sentenced today to a year in federal prison and ordered to pay a $250,000 fine. Blankenship was sentenced for conspiracy to willfully violate mine health and safety standards after a jury returned a guilty verdict on the federal crime. 

“This sentence is a victory for workers and workplace safety. It lets companies and their executives know that you can’t take chances with the lives of coal miners and get away with it,” stated Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. “Putting the former chief executive officer of a major corporation in prison sends a message that violating mine safety laws is a serious crime, and those who break those laws will be held accountable.”  

Over the course of the trial, in which jury selection began on October 1, 2015, and the jury returned a guilty verdict on December 3, 2015, the jury heard evidence from 27 witnesses called by the United States. Many of these witnesses were coal miners who worked at the Upper Big Branch (UBB) mine prior to the 2010 explosion, and they testified in detail from their firsthand knowledge of the unsafe working conditions at UBB, violations of U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) regulations, and organized efforts to obstruct and interfere with MSHA inspectors. The jury heard from Bill Ross, former Manager of Technical Services at Massey, who testified that he warned Blankenship about the company’s practice of rampant violations, and told the defendant prior to the UBB explosion that Massey’s standard tactic of ignoring or defrauding MSHA could not be sustained without the possibility of a serious accident that could have fatalities. The evidence also showed that Blankenship received daily updates on safety violations and helped perpetuate them.

“Putting profits over the safety of workers is reprehensible. The jury acknowledged that with the guilty verdict, and the sentence imposed today recognizes that disregarding safety laws has real consequences,” said Casto. “From the beginning, the objective of this investigation and this prosecution was to not only show that those who violate safety laws will be held responsible, but also to deter these violations in the future to make everyone’s workplace safer.”

“Today’s sentence marks the culmination of a comprehensive, joint investigation that took over five years to complete and resulted in five criminal convictions.” said Special Agent in Charge Scott S. Smith of the FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office. “Along with dedicated prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office and investigators in United States Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, the FBI is committed to holding those who commit crimes by enabling safety violations and who place profits above the value of human life accountable.”

"Donald Blankenship's trial and conviction came after an explosion that killed 29 miners at the Upper Big Branch mine. His sentencing today reaffirms the responsibility of company executives to ensure they adhere to health and safety standards. The Department of Labor's Office of Inspector General will continue to work with the Mine Safety and Health Administration and our law enforcement partners to investigate criminal worker safety violations that pose a threat to American workers," said John Spratley, Special Agent in Charge of the Philadelphia Regional Office, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations.

The prosecution was the result of a comprehensive investigation that, including Blankenship, resulted in five criminal convictions. In addition to the convictions of individuals, the outcome of the investigation also included a resolution of over $200 million with Alpha Natural Resources after it acquired Massey. This agreement established a foundation dedicated to mine safety and health research, the first of its kind, and set aside nearly $50 million in funding for the foundation. That funding has provided the resources for some of the best and brightest minds in the country to pursue research that will make mines safer all over the world.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorneys Steven R. Ruby, Gregory McVey, and Gabriele Wohl, as well as former United States Attorney Booth Goodwin, handled the prosecution and tried the case before a federal jury.

The prosecution is part of a sustained effort by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to protect the health and safety of West Virginia workers by vigorously prosecuting workplace safety crimes and holding accountable those responsible for dangerous working conditions.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Malden man pleaded guilty today to a federal heroin crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. James Christian Young, 41, entered his guilty plea to distribution of heroin.

Young admitted that on October 19, 2015, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place at Young’s residence on Georges Creek Drive in Malden in Kanawha County. Young faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine when he is sentenced on June 23, 2016.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two Charleston drug dealers entered guilty pleas today in federal court, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Dushawn D. Williams, 39, pleaded guilty to distribution of crack. In a separate prosecution, Alan Alexander Clark, 33, pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin.

Williams admitted that on July 24, 2015, he sold approximately an ounce of crack to a confidential informant working with law enforcement in exchange for $1,600. The drug deal occurred in the parking lot of the Dollar General store in Cross Lanes. Williams faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine when he is sentenced on July 13, 2016.

In a separate drug prosecution, Clark admitted that on July 29, 2015, he sold approximately half a gram of heroin to a confidential informant. The drug deal took place at the Rite Aid Pharmacy at 406 Washington Street, West, in Charleston. Clark faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine when he is sentenced on July 5, 2016.

The investigations of Williams and Clark were conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is in charge of the prosecution of Williams. The Williams plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston. Assistant United States Attorney Clint Carte is handling the prosecution of Clark. The Clark plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.  

These cases were prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat illegal drugs in our communities, including 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 other drugs in communities across the Southern District.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Lincoln County drug dealer pleaded guilty today to federal crimes associated with selling pain pills, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Timothy Scott Hallam, 34, entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and conspiracy to launder the proceeds of his drug dealing.

Hallam admitted that from May 2012 through May 2014, he obtained oxycodone pills from Lester Taylor, who resided in Florida, for distribution in Lincoln County. After Hallam sold the pills in West Virginia, he and the other co-conspirators deposited the proceeds into Taylor’s bank accounts at various banks in Barboursville and Huntington. Once the money was deposited in West Virginia, Taylor and others would withdraw the money in Florida. Hallam admitted to depositing over $40,000 in drug proceeds as part of the conspiracy.

Taylor was previously sentenced in November 2015 to 10 years in federal prison. Hallam faces up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on July 6, 2016. 

This case was investigated by the West Virginia State Police, the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation division, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, and the Drug Enforcement Agency. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman 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.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man who participated in a heroin distribution conspiracy in 2012 and 2013 pleaded guilty today in federal court, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Edwin G. Simpson, 45, entered a guilty plea to maintaining a residence for the purpose of distributing and using heroin.

Between November 2012 and March 2013, Simpson was the tenant of an apartment at 1231 10th Avenue in Huntington. During that period, Simpson allowed others to store heroin at his apartment after it was transported from Detroit. Simpson also allowed others to distribute heroin from his apartment to various customers. 

On March 8, 2013, agents with the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at Simpson’s apartment. During the search, agents seized heroin, a .32 caliber revolver, ammunition, and other items associated with the sale of heroin.

Multiple defendants have been convicted of drug offenses as a result of this investigation. Those sentenced to federal prison include Kenneth E. Baxter, who was sentenced to seven years and three months; Coty S. Richardson, who was sentenced to five years and ten months; Sean L. Gist, who was sentenced to five years and three months; Ramone L. Wells, who was sentenced to four years; Pricilla Lee Dylan, who was sentenced to two years and nine months; and Dustin S. Barton, who was sentenced to a year and a day. Paul A. Roberts, Jr., was sentenced to five years of probation for assisting the group in securing a residence to conduct drug deals. Warren G. Howard was also sentenced to five years of probation for distributing heroin. 

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

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

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HUNTINGTON, W. Va. - Mr. Fodie Koita entered a guilty plea and was sentenced today for conspiring to transport contraband cigarettes, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Koita, who has been incarcerated since September 23, 2015, was sentenced to credit for time served and placed on supervised release for three years. Upon discharge, Koita is being transferred to Indiana for additional fraud charges that are pending there, along with possible deportation proceedings through the Department of Homeland Security.

Koita, an immigrant from Mali, along with Mr. Yahya Willia, drove from New York City to Huntington to purchase contraband cigarettes in 2010. These cigarettes were purchased from Smokin’ Aces, a storefront that purported to be a discount tobacco store. The Smokin’ Aces store was actually an undercover storefront staffed by law enforcement agents posing as illegal brokers of contraband, including contraband cigarettes. The Smokin’ Aces investigation began in May 2010 and was concluded in March 2011. The contraband cigarettes did not have a tax stamp, meaning the conspirators purchased the cigarettes at a lower price than if they were taxed by the state of West Virginia. When the cigarettes were transported from West Virginia and resold in other states where cigarette taxes are higher, the conspiracy members received a greater profit from the illegal sales. In December 2010, Koita and Willia purchased 2,340 cartons of contraband cigarettes, transported the contraband from West Virginia to New York, and resold the cigarettes in New York. Willia was convicted in 2011 and subsequently deported to Nigeria by the Department of Homeland Security.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Huntington Police Department, and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Erik S. Goes and Meredith George Thomas handled the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.

This case was brought as the result of a significant undercover investigation that targeted criminal activity in the Huntington area, including illegal drugs and firearms crimes. The operation led to a substantial number of prosecutions, and was made public in March 2011 after a federal grand jury returned over 50 indictments.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Culloden woman who, together with her husband and son, sold heroin from their home in 2014 and 2015 was sentenced today to two years in federal prison, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Toni Lynn Cremeans, 41, previously pleaded guilty in December 2015 to distributing heroin.

From early 2014 to May 2015, Toni Cremeans, her husband Sanford Dale Cremeans, and their son, Shawn Cremeans, conspired to sell heroin from their residence at 2246 3rd Street in Culloden. During that time period, Toni Cremeans frequently transported heroin to their residence where she and others would prepare it for distribution.

On December 2, 2014, a confidential informant working with law enforcement contacted Shawn Cremeans to arrange a heroin purchase. The informant traveled to the Cremeans’ residence and met with Shawn and Sanford Cremeans while they waited for Toni Cremeans to arrive with additional heroin. Once Toni Cremeans arrived, the informant paid Shawn Cremeans and received the heroin from Sanford Cremeans. Toni Cremeans admitted that she was responsible for distributing up to 100 grams of heroin during the conspiracy. Sanford and Shawn Cremeans both admitted that they assisted in the sale of heroin from the family residence and were also responsible for the distribution of up to 100 grams of heroin.

Sanford Cremeans was sentenced in January 2016 to three-and-a-half years in federal prison. Shawn Cremeans was sentenced earlier this month to five years of probation.

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

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. – Two men pleaded guilty today to federal drug crimes, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Willie Keaton Goodson III, 22, of Ronceverte, entered his guilty plea to distribution of oxymorphone. In a separate prosecution, David Pfost, 31, of Beckley, pleaded guilty to distributing oxycodone.

Goodson admitted that on October 22, 2015, he distributed oxymorphone pills at his Ronceverte residence to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. During the course of the investigation, authorities seized large quantities of oxymorphone, oxycodone, and heroin. Goodson also agreed to the forfeiture of approximately $103,000 seized by law enforcement. Goodson further admitted that he made the money from selling drugs. The forfeiture proceeding is pending in Greenbrier County Circuit Court. Goodson faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine when he is sentenced on June 30, 2016.

In a separate drug prosecution, Pfost admitted that on February 11, 2015, he distributed oxycodone to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place on Washington Street in Beckley. Pfost faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine when he is sentenced on June 30, 2016. 

The investigation of Goodson was conducted by the Greenbrier Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. The Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit conducted the investigation of Pfost. The plea hearings were held before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger. 

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto announced that a Charleston drug dealer was sentenced today to a year and a day in federal prison for a heroin crime. Thomas Kerr Clements, 53, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin.

Clements admitted that on May 27, 2015, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement authorities. The drug deal took place at the defendant’s residence, located in the Rand area of Charleston. 

This case was investigated by the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, Sheriff’s Tactical Operations Patrol Team. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence.

This case 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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