Southern District of West Virginia

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin launched a series of public service announcements (PSAs), a website, and a new smartphone app today to highlight additional resources in the fight against drug addiction in West Virginia.

“While we continue to tackle the supply of these drugs coming into our community, we have to do something about the demand. We know this is an epidemic, but unlike epidemics where you can tell someone is sick just by looking at them, we might not notice or be aware of people who are affected. They look like you and me,” said U.S. Attorney Goodwin at a press conference today. “Unlike those wearing all red featured in the PSAs, an addict is probably not dressed head to toe in red, so they are not easy to spot. Chances are that here in West Virginia, you have encountered not just one or two, but many each day who are suffering from addiction.”

The PSAs focus attention on the challenge of spotting someone suffering from addiction, and provide resources for people to take action. The PSAs urge the friends and family of those struggling with addiction, as well as addicts themselves, to connect with appropriate local services. Viewers of the PSAs are encouraged to download The Call WV app, visit makethecallwv.com, or call the West Virginia state hotline at 1-844-HELP4WV (1-844-435-7498).

“One of the most frequent questions we hear is, when someone is ready to seek help for addiction or the addiction of a loved one or friend, where do they turn? One recent positive development is the state hotline. Another development we are here to introduce today is the launch of a new website and smartphone app to permit folks struggling with addiction to quickly and easily find resources in their immediate area. The website is makethecallwv.com and the app is known as The Call WV,” announced Goodwin. “The website is up and the app is available right now for Apple and Android smartphones. It uses the location function in your phone to show you the resources that exist in your immediate area. We are also working to integrate it with the state HELP4WV hotline.”

The Call WV app is a one-stop-shop for addiction recovery resources at the state and local level. The map feature of the app can provide assistance finding the nearest place to get help with addiction. The app also compiles information on facilities and organizations that can help someone find recovery housing, residential and non-residential treatment options, meetings and events in the local area, and resources available to prevent drug use in the first place. The purpose of the app is to empower individuals to get the answers they need about how to fight addiction, for themselves and for their loved ones, in their moments of need.

These initiatives were made possible through local partnerships in the public and private sectors. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia partnered with the Huntington Police Department to complete these projects. Trifecta Productions, a Huntington business, created the PSAs, and Syntech Creative, also a Huntington business, built and will continue to update the smartphone app. The Huntington Mayor’s Office of Drug Control Policy also provided essential support for these initiatives.

The PSAs will be available to view at makethecallwv.com, and will be running on local television stations throughout the media markets of Southern West Virginia. The Call WV app is available for free download at the iTunes Store or on Google Play.

The PSAs and The Call WV app are part of a comprehensive strategy 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 law enforcement and public and private sector partners, is committed to aggressively pursuing and prosecuting those responsible for the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin, and also to providing resources to those impacted by drug addiction in communities across the Southern District.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

CHARLESTON, W.Va. –  A Parkersburg man was sentenced today in federal court in Charleston, West Virginia, to two years and six months in federal prison for distribution of heroin and crack, as well as two years for a violation of his supervised release, announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin. The sentences are to run consecutively for a total of four years and six months. William C. Barber, II, 45, of Parkersburg, previously entered a guilty plea to the federal drug charge.

Barber admitted that on September 18, 2014, he sold heroin and crack to an informant working with the Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force. The drug deal took place outside of Barber’s residence in Parkersburg. At the time of the drug deal, Barber was on federal supervised release for possession with intent to distribute crack.

The Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess handled the prosecution.

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

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Two men who participated in a heroin conspiracy between 2012 and 2014 were sentenced today in federal court in Huntington, West Virginia, announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin. Kenneth E. Baxter, 25, of Detroit, was sentenced to seven years and three months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to distributing heroin. Coty S. Richardson, 24, of South Point, Ohio, was sentenced to five years and ten months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to attempting to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.  

From November 2012 to December 8, 2014, Baxter led a conspiracy that involved the transportation of heroin from Detroit to Huntington for distribution. Once in Huntington, Baxter provided heroin to others, including Richardson, for distribution from multiple residences in the Huntington area. Baxter was also personally engaged in the drug deals, and sold heroin to confidential informants on four separate occasions between April and December of 2014.

One of the residences secured by the group was at 403 Homestead Place in Huntington. Richardson arranged for the lease of the residence, and the residence was used to prepare and distribute heroin. On December 6, 2014, a postal inspector with the United States Postal Inspection Service intercepted a package addressed to the residence containing approximately 230 grams of heroin. Agents delivered the package that day and executed a search warrant at the residence after the package was accepted. Upon entering the residence, agents observed Richardson throwing the package from a second floor window. When Richardson was arrested, agents seized heroin, paraphernalia used to package and distribute heroin, and firearms from the residence.

Multiple defendants have been convicted of federal drug charges due to this investigation, including Paul A. Roberts, who pleaded guilty to maintaining a residence for the distribution of heroin in March 2015, Dustin S. Barton, who pleaded guilty to distributing heroin in August 2015, and Sean L. Gist, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin in September 2015. This investigation has also resulted in prison sentences for additional defendants for their roles in this conspiracy, including Ramone L. Wells, who was sentenced to four years in federal prison, and Pricilla Lee Dylan, who was sentenced to two years and nine months in federal prison.

The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force, United States Postal Service, West Virginia State Police, and Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution.

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.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A South Point, Ohio, man, who shot himself in the foot with a firearm while driving on Interstate 64, pleaded guilty today to a federal gun charge, announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin. Bradney Allen Adkins, 31, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Huntington, West Virginia, to unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

On February 5, 2015, Adkins was traveling westbound on Interstate 64 in Barboursville while in possession of two handguns, a Glock 21SF .45 caliber pistol and a Walther PPK/S .380 caliber pistol. While driving, Adkins accidently shot himself in the foot with one of the handguns. Adkins went to Cabell Huntington Hospital to seek treatment for the gunshot wound. Troopers with the West Virginia State Police responded to the hospital, arrested Adkins, and recovered both handguns from the hospital’s dumpster.

Adkins was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of six previous felony convictions. In 2011, he was convicted in the Court of Common Pleas in Lawrence County, Ohio, of operating a vehicle under the influence, two counts of receiving stolen property, complicity to burglary, and grand theft of an automobile. Additionally, in 2012, Adkins was convicted in the Circuit Court of Delaware County, Indiana, of theft.  

Adkins faces up to 10 years in federal prison, and is scheduled to be sentenced in federal court in Huntington on February 29, 2016.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is in charge of the prosecution.

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

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - A Huntington man who possessed and sold oxycodone was sentenced today to three years and one month in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin. Tracey Lee Gibson, 36, previously pleaded guilty in August 2015 in federal court in Huntington, West Virginia, to possession with intent to distribute oxycodone.

On March 26, 2013, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration executed a search warrant at Gibson’s residence at 1608 Madison Avenue in Huntington. During the search, agents recovered 43 oxycodone pills that Gibson intended to sell. Agents also seized over $10,000 in cash proceeds from Gibson’s drug deals. Prior to the search, Gibson was also involved as a supplier in the sale of oxycodone to a confidential informant on three occasions. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution.

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.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man who was caught with heroin pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin. Andre Robert Womble, II, 26, pleaded guilty in federal court in Huntington, West Virginia, to possession with intent to distribute heroin.

On December 11, 2014, officers with the Huntington Police Department responded to a complaint on the 300 block of Marcum Terrace in Huntington. An officer observed Womble and noted that he matched the description of the suspect in the complaint. When the officer attempted to approach, Womble began running from the police. The officer chased Womble and observed him throw a cigarette box on top of the Olive Street Market. The cigarette box was found by law enforcement to contain approximately 53 grams of heroin. Officers caught and arrested Womble, at which point they found an additional 20 bags of heroin in his pocket. Womble admitted that he intended to distribute all of the heroin.

Womble faces up to 20 years in federal prison, and is schedule to be sentenced in federal court in Huntington on February 29, 2016.

The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force and Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is in charge of the prosecution.

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

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin will launch public service announcements (PSAs) to highlight additional resources in the fight against drug addiction in West Virginia. Goodwin will also introduce a new smartphone app to assist in quickly connecting individuals with local services focused on substance abuse treatment.

The launch of these PSAs and the smartphone app will take place at a press conference in the U.S. Marshal’s Office, located in the Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse in Charleston, on Tuesday, December 1, 2015, at 12:30 p.m.

WHO:

• United States Attorney Booth Goodwin

WHAT:

• Press conference to launch PSAs and introduce a new smartphone app in the fight against drug addiction

WHERE:

• Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse
• U.S. Marshal’s Office – Suite 3600
• 300 Virginia Street, East
• Charleston, WV  25301

WHEN:         

• Tuesday, December 1, 2015, at 12:30 p.m.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Dr. Jose Jorge Abbud Gordinho, M.D., was indicted on multiple federal drug charges by a Grand Jury sitting in Beckley, West Virginia. Gordinho was arrested on November 12, 2015, at which time the West Virginia State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant at his medical office on George Street in Beckley. Gordinho has been held in custody in the Southern Regional Jail since the date of his arrest.

The 21 count indictment includes allegations that Gordinho conspired to distribute pain medications such as oxycodone and morphine, not for legitimate medical purposes in the usual course of medical practice and beyond the bounds of medical practice. The indictment further alleges multiple counts of distribution of oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, and morphine not for legitimate medical purposes in the usual course of medical practice and beyond the bounds of medical practice, as well as two counts of distributing controlled substances not within Gordinho’s capacity as a medical doctor.

Each of the 21 counts carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine. Gordinho is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment on November 30, 2015, in federal court in Beckley. At that time, the court will also consider a motion filed by the United States to detain Gordinho pending his trial.

The charges are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The case against Gordinho was investigated by the West Virginia State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A woman who brought a concealed weapon into the federal building in Huntington, West Virginia, was sentenced today in federal court in Huntington to seven months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin. Whitney H. Borders, 34, of Huntington, previously pleaded guilty in August 2015 to unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

On May 28, 2015, Borders passed through the Fifth Avenue entrance of the Sidney L. Christie United States Courthouse and Federal Building in Huntington and approached the security post to be screened for entry into the building. While Borders was being screened, security officers found a Jennings .22 caliber pistol in her purse. Borders is prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2004 felony conviction in Cabell County Circuit Court for forgery.

The United States Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution.

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

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that a White Sulphur Springs man pleaded guilty today to a drug charge in federal court Charleston, West Virginia. Darin Timothy Hoke, 21, admitted that on July 28, 2015, he distributed an oxymorphone pill to a confidential informant in White Sulphur Springs. Hoke further admitted that he distributed a total of over 600 oxymorphone pills, as well as 120 stamps of heroin.

Hoke faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1,000,000 fine when he is sentenced on March 2, 2016.

This matter was investigated by the Greenbrier Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the prosecution. 

This case is being 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 other drugs in communities across the Southern District.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that a Mexican national residing in Madison, West Virginia, pleaded guilty today to a drug charge in federal court in Charleston. Leonel Vivian Castellanos, 28, from Vera Cruz, Mexico, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine, admitting that between May 12 and May 19, 2015, he distributed approximately 500 grams of methamphetamine to informants in Kanawha and Boone Counties.

In addition to the drugs Castellanos distributed to informants, law enforcement later found more methamphetamine during the course of the investigation. On May 21, 2015, police arrested Castellanos and found him in possession of another 50 grams of methamphetamine at his home in Madison. That same day, during the execution of a search warrant in Nitro, law enforcement seized approximately 500 grams of additional methamphetamine that Castellanos admitted to distributing.

Castellanos faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1,000,000 fine when he is sentenced on February 23, 2016.

The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, Homeland Security Investigations, the Kanawha Bureau of Investigation, and the South Charleston Police Department conducted the investigation in this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is handling the prosecution.

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

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

BLUEFIELD, W.Va. –  United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that a Princeton man pleaded guilty today to a drug charge in federal court in Bluefield, West Virginia. Albert Delorso, 51, pleaded guilty to distribution of hydromorphone, admitting that on June 30, 2015, he sold three hydromorphone pills to an informant near Bluewell. Delorso faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1,000,000 fine when he is sentenced on March 1, 2016. 

The Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force conducted the investigation in this matter. Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the prosecution.

This case was prosecuted as part of the Bluefield Pill Initiative, a collaborative, multi-agency regional law enforcement effort designed to halt prescription drug trafficking in Mercer, McDowell, and Wyoming counties. The Bluefield Pill Initiative is led by the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, which includes the West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation; the Mercer, McDowell and Wyoming County Sheriff’s Departments; and the Bluefield and Princeton Police Departments.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Antoine Maurice Brown, 32, of Charleston, West Virginia, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Charleston to distribution of heroin, announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin. Brown admitted that on June 26, 2013, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place in the parking lot of the 7-Eleven on Washington Street, East, in Charleston. Brown faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine when he is sentenced on February 17, 2016.

The investigation of this case was conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team.

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.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Anton R. Courts, 40, of Charleston, West Virginia, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Charleston to distribution of both crack and heroin, announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin. Courts admitted to selling quantities of cocaine base, also known as “crack,” and heroin in April 2015 to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deals took place in the Wertz Avenue area of Charleston. Courts faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1,000,000 fine when he is sentenced on February 18, 2016.

The investigation was conducted by the Charleston Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit.

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.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Joseph Cremeans, 28, of Chesapeake, Ohio, was sentenced today in federal court in Huntington, West Virginia, to three years and one month in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and oxymorphone, announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin. Cremeans, who previously pleaded guilty to the federal conspiracy charge in August 2015, admitted to travelling to Georgia on four occasions with other individuals to unlawfully obtain prescription medications. Cremeans then transported the illicit prescriptions back to West Virginia to be sold for profit in Huntington. On each trip, Cremeans admitted to obtaining and transporting more than 100 thirty milligram oxycodone pills.

The successful prosecution of Cremeans and his criminal associates was the result of the investigative efforts of the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force.

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.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Blain Salmons, Jr., 40, of Alum Creek, West Virginia, entered a guilty plea in federal court in Charleston to being a felon in possession of a firearm. On October 29, 2015, Salmons was arrested by the Boone County Sheriff’s Department. At the time of his arrest, police determined that Salmons had been hunting out of season and was in possession of a Glenfield Model 30A, 30-30 rifle. Salmons was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 1997 felony conviction in Kanawha County Circuit Court for kidnapping and aggravated robbery.

Salmons faces up to ten years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000 when he is sentenced on February 29, 2016.

This case was investigated by the Boone County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of the prosecution.

The prosecution is 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.  

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Lloyd Ellis Rapp, 44, of Ivydale, West Virginia, entered a guilty plea in federal court in Charleston to being a felon in possession of a firearm. On June 15, 2015, Rapp was fleeing from the West Virginia State Police on his motorcycle. The pursuit ended with Rapp wrecking his motorcycle and being arrested. After the wreck, the West Virginia State Police found that Rapp was in possession of a Hi-Point Model C-9, 9mm semiautomatic handgun. Rapp was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2008 felony conviction in United States District Court, Southern District of West Virginia, for distribution of methamphetamine.

Rapp faces up to ten years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000 when he is sentenced on February 16, 2016.

This case was investigated by the West Virginia State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of the prosecution.

The prosecution is 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.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Florida man was sentenced today in federal court in Charleston, West Virginia, to 10 years in federal prison and a $10,000 fine for participating in an oxycodone distribution and money laundering conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin. Lester W. Taylor, 46, of Daytona Beach, Florida, previously entered his guilty plea to conspiracy charges concerning distribution of oxycodone and laundering the proceeds of his criminal activities.

From January 2010 through May 2014, Taylor was involved in trafficking pills from Florida to West Virginia using a variety of illicit methods. Taylor sent several packages containing oxycodone pills to Lincoln County for illegal distribution. Law enforcement intercepted one of those packages on January 8, 2011, which contained 1,000 30mg oxycodone pills. Taylor also 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.

After distributing the pills, Taylor’s co-conspirators deposited the proceeds in West Virginia bank accounts bearing Taylor’s name. Taylor would then withdraw the money in Florida in an effort to conceal the source of the cash and the pills.

The West Virginia State Police, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman handled the prosecution.

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

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington woman was sentenced today in federal court in Huntington, West Virginia, to two years and nine months in federal prison for participating in a heroin distribution conspiracy in 2012 and 2013, announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin. Pricilla Lee Dylan, 21, had previously entered a guilty plea to maintaining a residence for the purpose of distributing and using heroin.

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

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

The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is responsible for the prosecution.

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

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man who sold heroin to undercover agents on multiple occasions in March of 2015 was sentenced today in federal court in Huntington, West Virginia, to two years and three months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin. Bryant D. Long, II, 29, of Detroit, previously pleaded guilty to distributing heroin.

On March 13, 2015, Long agreed to meet with undercover Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents in Huntington, where he sold them 8.5 grams of heroin for $1,200. During the meeting, Long also made arrangements with the agents for future heroin sales. The heroin distributed by Long was confirmed through laboratory testing to contain heroin and Fentanyl, a schedule II painkiller that is particularly dangerous when mixed with heroin. On March 23, 2015, Long met with agents again, and sold an additional 9.8 grams of heroin in exchange for $1,250.

On March 30, 2015, Long was arrested after agents executed a search warrant at 504 Marcum Terrace in Huntington. Agents seized additional heroin during the search and Long admitted that he had been in Huntington for the prior month distributing heroin and crack cocaine.   

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is responsible for the prosecution.

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

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man who murdered a witness against him pleaded guilty today, announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin. Marlon Dewayne Dixon, 39, entered his guilty plea in federal court in Charleston, West Virginia, to witness tampering by killing.

At approximately 3:00 a.m. on July 12, 2014, Dixon lured Branda Mae Delight Basham, the murder victim, to a secluded section of railroad track in Charleston near the 700 block of Breece Street. At gunpoint, Dixon forced Basham to admit working with police to make undercover purchases of heroin from him. He then repeatedly shot Basham with a 9 mm pistol, killing her. She was 22 years old. After the murder, Dixon went to a nearby residence on Madison Street where he cleaned himself and disposed of his clothing. The next day, police interviewed a local woman who identified the Madison Street residence where she had seen Dixon shortly before the time of the murder.

Detectives from the Charleston Police Department executed a search warrant at the Madison Street residence. Police seized video from a surveillance camera that recorded Dixon wiping down the front door of the residence and carrying away several bags. Detectives also seized a pair of Dixon’s shoes found at the residence. Basham’s DNA was recovered from bloodstains on the shoes.

On July 17, 2014, Dixon surrendered to Charleston Police. He waived his Miranda rights and confessed to killing Basham. He admitted that he intended to retaliate against Basham for cooperating with law enforcement and to prevent her from testifying against him.

At the time of the murder, Dixon had been previously convicted of several felony offenses. These included federal drug trafficking convictions in 1999 and 2006, and a Kanawha County conviction of malicious wounding in 2007.

Dixon faces a mandatory sentence of life in federal prison when he is sentenced on March 17, 2016.

“The murder of Branda Basham is another tragic reminder of the horrible impact that heroin and opioid trafficking has had on our community. I want to join the prosecutors and law enforcement involved in this investigation to express my deepest condolences to the Basham family,” said U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. “My office remains committed, along with our partners in law enforcement, to aggressively prosecuting violent drug dealers like Marlon Dixon and to supporting treatment and recovery for those suffering from opioid addiction. I also want to commend the bravery of those citizens who came forward and provided invaluable information that led to the arrest and successful prosecution of Dixon. Their willingness to cooperate with this investigation has made it possible for justice to be served.”

This case was investigated by the Charleston Police Department, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecution.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by working with existing local programs targeting gun violence. This cases 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 drug trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and other drugs in communities across the Southern District.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin, joined by Charleston Police Chief Brent Webster, Charleston Fire Department Captain Mark Strickland, Kanawha-Charleston Health Department Executive Director/Health Officer Dr. Michael Brumage, and other local officials will be recognizing the drug overdose prevention efforts of Charleston Police Department Patrolmen Seth Johnson and Nick Castleman and the Charleston Fire Department at a press conference at Charleston City Hall on Friday, November 6, 2015, at 12:30 p.m.

Patrolmen Johnson and Castleman are the first Charleston Police Officers to use Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, a medication that can reverse the effects of opioid overdose. The two officers recently responded to an overdose call and upon arrival, they used their training to quickly assess the situation and administer Narcan to stop a heroin overdose. The actions of Patrolmen Johnson and Castleman were largely made possible by the work of the Charleston Fire Department to forge partnerships and conduct overdose prevention training with local law enforcement and first responders.

This event will serve to commend the lifesaving actions of these individuals and acknowledge the commitment of local agencies to have their personnel trained in the use of Narcan as a powerful tool in the fight against drug abuse.

WHO:            

• United States Attorney Booth Goodwin
• Charleston Police Chief Brent Webster
• Charleston Fire Department Captain Mark Strickland
• Kanawha-Charleston Health Department Executive Director/Health Officer Dr. Michael Brumage
• Other local officials

WHAT:  

• Press conference to recognize the drug overdose prevention efforts of Charleston Police and Firefighters

WHERE:    

• Charleston City Hall – Third Floor, A/V Room (adjacent to City Council Chambers)
• 501 Virginia Street, East, Charleston, WV  25301

WHEN:       

• Friday, November 6, 2015, at 12:30 p.m.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Jonathan Belcher, 37, of Mt. Gay, West Virginia, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Charleston to distributing oxycodone. Belcher admitted to selling oxycodone to a confidential informant at his residence on August 25, 2014. He further admitted to having sold oxycodone pills for approximately two years prior to his arrest. Belcher faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1,000,000 fine when he is sentenced in federal court in Charleston on February 22, 2016.

This case was investigated by the U.S. 119 Drug Task Force. The 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.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that three defendants were sentenced on drug charges in federal court in Bluefield, West Virginia.

Aree Lumpkins, 20, of Princeton, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for using a telephone to arrange for the distribution of hydromorphone. Lumpkins pleaded guilty in July, and admitted that on October 30, 2014, he used a telephone in Bluefield to help set up a drug deal with an informant. Later that day Lumpkins completed the drug deal, and Lumpkins admitted that he distributed drugs to the informant on several other occasions.

Craig Arnold Young, 42, of Lashmeet, was sentenced to one year and one month in federal prison for using a telephone to arrange a drug deal involving hydromorphone. He pleaded guilty in July, admitting that on December 16, 2014, he used a telephone in or near Lashmeet to help carry out a drug transaction with an informant. Shortly after that telephone conversation, Young met with the informant to finish the drug deal. Young further admitted that he had distributed a total of 255 hydromorphone pills over time.

Lumpkins and Young were investigated by the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force under the Bluefield Pill Initiative. Assistant United States Attorney John File handled the prosecution of these cases. The Bluefield Pill Initiative is a collaborative, multi-agency regional law enforcement effort designed to halt prescription drug trafficking in Mercer, McDowell, and Wyoming counties. The Bluefield Pill Initiative is led by the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, which includes the West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation; the Mercer, McDowell and Wyoming County Sheriff’s Departments; and the Bluefield and Princeton Police Departments.

Another defendant, Antonio Padgett, 36, of Welch, was sentenced to two years and three months in federal prison for crack distribution. Padgett pleaded guilty in July, admitting that on March 16, 2011, he distributed about five grams of crack to an informant in Welch. Padgett further admitted that he was involved in additional crack deals. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, the West Virginia State Police, and the McDowell County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney John Frail handled the prosecution.

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

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Gene Autry Brinager, Jr., 52, of Delbarton, Mingo County, West Virginia pleaded guilty today in federal court in Charleston to lying on a form when  purchasing a firearm from a federally licensed firearms dealer. In April of 2010, Brinager purchased two firearms from Williamson Gun and Archery, a federally licensed firearms dealer in Williamson, and he filled out a Department of Justice form required for anyone who purchases a firearm from a federally licensed dealer. On that form, Brinager falsely stated that he was not an unlawful user of, or addicted to a depressant, stimulant, narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance. At the time he filled out the form, Brinager knew that he was an unlawful user of and addicted to opiate pills, a controlled substance and a narcotic. Brinager faces up to five years in federal prison when he is sentenced on February 4, 2016.

This case was investigated by the West Virginia State Police. The prosecution is 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.   

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews

BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Lawrence Ray Bennett, Jr., 31, of Los Angeles, California, pleaded guilty in federal court in Bluefield, West Virginia, to conspiracy to distribute hydromorphone. Bennett admitted that from July 2014 to September 2015, he and a co-defendant used the mail to ship and receive hydromorphone. Bennett mailed the drugs from California to his co-defendant, who then sold the pills in and around Bluefield and Princeton, and mailed the proceeds back to Bennett in California. During the investigation of the case, agents seized over 2,500 hydromorphone pills and approximately $19,000 in cash.

Bennett faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. The sentencing is scheduled for February 17, 2016, in federal court in Bluefield.

The Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and the United States Postal Service conducted the investigation.

This case was prosecuted as part of the Bluefield Pill Initiative, a collaborative, multi-agency regional law enforcement effort designed to halt prescription drug trafficking in Mercer, McDowell, and Wyoming counties. The Bluefield Pill Initiative is led by the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, which includes the West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation; the Mercer, McDowell and Wyoming County Sheriff’s Departments; and the Bluefield and Princeton Police Departments.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man found in possession of heroin in April 2015 pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Cordell Lopasker McCarrall, Jr., 21, pleaded guilty in federal court in Huntington, West Virginia, to possession with intent to distribute heroin.

On April 2, 2015, agents with the DEA Task Force executed a search warrant at a residence located at 2017 9th Avenue, Apartment 1, in Huntington. When agents executed the warrant, McCarrall ran from the residence and was quickly apprehended. During a search of the residence, agents located approximately 90 grams of heroin, $6,700 in cash, paraphernalia used in the distribution of heroin, and a magnetic concealment box commonly used to transport heroin. McCarrall admitted at his plea hearing that he possessed the heroin that agents seized in the search, and intended to sell it. McCarrall also admitted that he conspired with others to distribute heroin from November 2014 to April 2015 and that he was responsible for the distribution of up to 700 grams of heroin.

McCarrall faces up to 20 years in federal prison, and is schedule to be sentenced on February 1, 2016.

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is in charge of the prosecution.

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

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man found with heroin and oxycodone pills in Huntington in 2013 was sentenced today to six years and eight months in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. David Darrell Walker, 37, previously pleaded guilty in federal court in Huntington, West Virginia, to possession with intent to distribute heroin.

On August 8, 2013, members of the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at 1301 15th Street in Huntington. Officers found Walker in the residence and seized approximately 35 grams of heroin, 42 oxycodone pills and two guns. Walker admitted as part of his guilty plea that he intended to distribute the heroin and pills from the residence. 

The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force and Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation with assistance from the Ohio Highway Patrol. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution.

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.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Chesapeake, Ohio, man who conspired with others to distribute heroin in 2014 and 2015 pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Alan R. Nolan, 35, pleaded guilty in federal court in Huntington, West Virginia, to distributing heroin.

On March 3, 2015, a confidential informant working at the direction of the Drug Enforcement Administration contacted Roger Lee Black to arrange the purchase of heroin. Black and Nolan met the informant in a parking lot of a car dealership near Hal Greer Boulevard in Huntington, where Nolan distributed approximately 10 grams of heroin to the informant in exchange for $1,200. As part of his plea, Nolan admitted that he conspired with Black and others to distribute heroin from November 2014 to April 2015. Nolan also admitted that he was responsible for the distribution of up to 700 grams of heroin.

Nolan faces up to 20 years in federal prison, and is schedule to be sentenced on February 1, 2016. Black, a co-defendant in this case, who pleaded guilty in federal court last week to distribution of heroin, also faces up to 20 years in federal prison, and is scheduled to be sentenced on January 25, 2016.

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is in charge of the prosecution.

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

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews 

BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Paula K. Green, 42, of Columbus, Ohio, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Beckley to passing counterfeit $100 bills. Green admitted to passing the counterfeit money in Beckley and Charleston, West Virginia.  In Beckley, Green passed the counterfeit bills at the Crossroads Mall and the K-Mart at the Plaza Mall located off Robert C. Byrd Drive.  In Charleston, Green passed the bills at K-Mart on MacCorkle Avenue.

As a result of her plea to three felony counts, Green faces a penalty of up to 60 years in federal prison and a fine of $750,000. Sentencing has been scheduled for February 11, 2016 at the federal courthouse in Beckley.

In related cases, three other women, O’wynn Rogers, of Beckley, Kenyata Smith, of Beckley, and Nyteria Green, of Columbus, Ohio, previously pled guilty to passing counterfeit $100 bills. Smith was sentenced to two years of supervised probation on October 21, 2015. Rogers and Green are both scheduled to be sentenced on December 2, 2015, at the federal courthouse in Beckley.

The investigation in all of these matters was conducted by the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney Eric Bacaj is handling the prosecution.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Ron Perdue, 54, of Mt. Hope, West Virginia, plead guilty today in federal court in Beckley to distributing oxycodone.  Perdue admitted that on October 22, 2014, he sold oxycodone to a person who was cooperating with law enforcement authorities.  The drug deal took place on Ewart Avenue in Beckley, West Virginia.

Perdue faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.  United States Magistrate Judge R. Clarke VanDervort scheduled the sentencing for February 11, 2016.

The Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit conducted the investigation.

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 opiates.  The United States 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.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Betty Jo Tudor, 35, of Alkol, West Virginia, was sentenced today in federal court in Charleston to five years of probation for obtaining hydrocodone by fraud. Tudor, a former nurse at Sweetbriar Assisted Living in Dunbar, West Virginia, previously pled guilty and admitted that in June of 2013 she stole hydrocodone intended for patients for her own personal use and falsified records to cover up the theft.  

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Department of Health and Human Services.  Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald handled the prosecution.

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

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Matthew Watts, II, 31, of Charleston, West Virginia, was sentenced in federal court in Charleston to three years of supervised probation for distribution of heroin. As a condition of the probation, Watts is required to serve eight months on home confinement, perform 400 hours of public service, and participate in an AA program.

Watts pleaded guilty to distributing heroin on July 30, 2015, in federal court in Charleston. Watts admitted that on September 17, 2014, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement authorities. The drug deal took place in Charleston at the 7-Eleven parking lot located on Washington Street, West.

The investigation was conducted by the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess handled the prosecution.

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.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that effective immediately, Assistant United States Attorney Clint Carte will be the primary contact for media inquiries concerning the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. AUSA Carte will serve as the Public Information Officer, in addition to his duties as a criminal Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District’s Charleston Office.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews 

BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that multiple defendants from southern West Virginia plead guilty to federal drug charges. Two defendants from Beckley and one defendant from Oak Hill entered their guilty pleas in federal court in Beckley, West Virginia. These crimes involved the unlawful distribution of drugs and the illegal facilitation of drug sales.

Shawn Haines, 43, of Beckley, plead guilty to distributing oxycodone. Haines admitted that on October 28, 2014, he sold oxycodone to a person cooperating with law enforcement on Christopher Drive in Beckley, West Virginia. Haines faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1,000,000 fine.  

Another defendant from Beckley, Jamal Johnson, 25, plead guilty to distributing cocaine. Johnson admitted that on June 22, 2015, he sold cocaine to a confidential informant on Industrial Drive in Beckley. Johnson faces a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1,000,000 fine.

Jason Treadway, 33, of Oak Hill, also plead guilty to using a telephone to twice arrange heroin deals. Treadway admitted that on March 12, 2015, and on May 6, 2015, he used a telephone to set up heroin deals on Robert C. Byrd Drive in Beckley with a person cooperating with law enforcement authorities. Treadway faces up to 8 years in federal prison and a $500,000 fine.

These defendants are all scheduled to be sentenced in federal court in Beckley on February 11, 2016.

The Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit conducted the investigations of these crimes.

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 opiates. The United States 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.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Jennifer Napier, 39, of East Bank, West Virginia was sentenced today in federal court in Charleston to one year and one day, as well as three years supervised release, for straw purchasing a firearm for a person she knew to be a convicted felon.  In October of 2011, Napier purchased a firearm from the Trading Post, a federally licensed firearms dealer, in Marmet, West Virginia, and she filled out a Department of Justice form required for anyone who purchases a firearm from a federally licensed dealer.  On that form, Napier falsely stated that she was the transferee/buyer of the firearm, when she knew that the true transferee of the firearm was her convicted drug felon boyfriend who was prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms because of his felony conviction.  Napier, a former teacher, agreed to voluntarily surrender her permanent professional teaching certificate and not reapply to get her certificate back until her federal sentence, including any term of supervision, has expired.

This case was investigated by the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is 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.   

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

CHARLESTON, W. Va. -  Maria Martin, 64, of Chapmanville, West Virginia, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Charleston to preparing fraudulent tax returns, announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Martin admitted that from 2011 through 2013, she prepared 43 fraudulent tax returns from her Logan County home. Specifically, Martin admitted that she claimed tax credits for her clients to which she knew they were not entitled, knowing that the improper credits would increase their tax refunds. Martin filed the fraudulent returns electronically and directed that the inflated refunds be deposited in bank accounts that she designated. Upon receipt of the refunds, Martin split the money with her clients. As a result of the fraudulent returns, the United States paid $188,665 in refunds to Martin and her clients to which they were not entitled. As part of her plea agreement, Martin has agreed to pay $188,655 in restitution.

Martin faces up to three years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.  Sentencing is scheduled for February 18, 2016.

 The Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is responsible for the prosecution.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Culloden man who sold heroin and assisted others in selling heroin from his home pleaded guilty today in federal court in Huntington, announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Sanford Dale Cremeans, 45, pleaded guilty to distributing heroin, admitting that on December 2, 2014, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working at the direction of the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force. The drug deal took place at Cremeans’ home at 2246 3rd Street in Culloden, West Virginia.  Cremeans also admitted that he assisted in the sale of heroin from his home on numerous other occasions and was responsible for the distribution of up to 100 grams of heroin.

Cremeans faces up to 20 years in federal prison, and is schedule to be sentenced on January 25, 2016.

The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force and Cabell County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is in charge of the prosecution.

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

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Barboursville man who conspired with others to distribute heroin in the Huntington area in 2014 and 2015 pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Roger Lee Black, 34, pleaded guilty to distributing heroin and admitted that on February 26, 2015, a confidential informant working at the direction of the Drug Enforcement Administration contacted him to buy heroin. Black met the informant and drove the informant to Black’s home at 21 Vincent Street in Barboursville, West Virginia.  Inside the home, Black sold the informant approximately 10 grams of heroin for $1,200.  Black also admitted that he was part of a heroin distribution conspiracy from November of 2014 to April of 2015, and that during the conspiracy, he possessed multiple firearms and was responsible for the distribution of up to 700 grams of heroin.

Black faces up to 20 years in federal prison, and is schedule to be sentenced on January 25, 2016.

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is in charge of the prosecution.

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

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Belpre, Ohio man who organized a large-scale drug trafficking ring in and around Washington County, Ohio and Wood County, West Virginia was sentenced today to eight years in federal prison, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced.  Brent Jason Sidwell, 33, of Belpre, Ohio previously pleaded guilty in April of 2015 to conspiracy to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana.  The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.

In the fall of 2013 members of the Parkersburg Narcotics and Violent Crimes Task Force and the Washington County (Ohio) Major Crimes Task Force began working with an informant to purchase marijuana and cocaine from Sidwell and his associates in Belpre and Parkersburg.  Many of the transactions occurred at the former 5th Street Pub in Parkersburg.  The pub was owned by Sidwell and operated by him and several associates.  Investigators eventually obtained a wiretap of Sidwell’s phone.  In April 2014, task force personnel executed search warrants at numerous locations including Sidwell’s residence, several “stash houses” used by the organization, and an apartment and rented storage unit in Mineral Wells, West Virginia where they seized drugs, scales, cash, and other evidence.

Sidwell admitted to obtaining and distributing up to 3,000 kg of marijuana over the course of the conspiracy from the fall of 2010 until April 2014.  The marijuana was obtained on consignment from out-of-state sources.  After selling the drugs to local dealers, Sidwell and other members of the organization made payment in the form of bulk cash deliveries, wire transfers, preloaded debit cards, and by depositing money in the local branch of a large bank where it would be immediately withdrawn at another branch.  Sidwell’s organization primarily supplied dealers in marijuana and cocaine.  In turn, the dealers distributed the drugs in and around Washington County, Ohio and Wood County, West Virginia.

Numerous other individuals were prosecuted as part of this investigation. Timothy Fields, 38, of Vienna previously pleaded guilty to distribution of marijuana and cocaine.  He was sentenced in January 2015 to six years in federal prison.  Dustin Jarvis, 34, of Mineral Wells, West Virginia pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine.  He was sentenced in August 2015 to 8 years in federal prison.  Christopher Paul Johnson, 43, of Parkersburg, West Virginia pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.  He was sentenced to 7 years in federal prison in May 2015.  Joshua Neal McVey, 32, of Parkersburg, West Virginia pleaded guilty on October 14, 2015 to possession with intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamine.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on January 14, 2016. David Aaron Naylor, 29, of Vienna, West Virginia pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute marijuana and cocaine.  He will be sentenced on October 21, 2015.  Other individuals have been prosecuted by state authorities in Washington County, Ohio and Wood County, West Virginia.

This case represents the ongoing cooperation between the Parkersburg Narcotics and Violent Crimes Task Force, the Washington County Major Crimes Task Force, the Wood County, West Virginia Prosecuting Attorney, the Washington County, Ohio, Prosecuting Attorney, the Ohio Organized Crime Commission and the Internal Revenue Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the federal prosecution.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

Charleston, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Randall Walker, 39, of Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of firearms.  In June of 2014, officers with the Charleston Police Department were called to the Greyhound bus station to respond to a complaint about an individual with two firearms.  At the bus station, officers made contact with Walker, who admitted that he had two guns in his bag.  A search of the bag revealed a Taurus, model Ultra-Light, .38 caliber revolver, and a Glock, model 30, .45 caliber pistol.  Walker had previously been convicted in Horry County, South Carolina of Second Degree Burglary, Possession of Crack Cocaine, and Possession of Cocaine, all felony offenses punishable by terms of imprisonment of more than one year.  These convictions preclude Walker from possession of any firearm.   

The investigation was handled by the Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman was in charge of the prosecution.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A West Virginia man who filed numerous false federal tax returns was sentenced today to 19 months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin. Michael Jarrell, 40, of Hurricane, West Virginia, previously pleaded guilty on July 8, 2015, to one count of filing a false tax return in the name of a family member without authorization. At the plea hearing, Jarrell also admitted that he had filed false tax returns from 2007 through 2011 in the names of 11 other relatives, neighbors and friends without their authorization. In total, Jarrell filed 12 false tax returns, seeking tax refunds of nearly $120,000.  Jarrell was paid $67,968 in tax refunds to which he was not entitled. In addition to the prison term, Jarrell was ordered to pay restitution to the Internal Revenue Service for the full amount of the fraudulent tax refunds he received.

The Internal Revenue Service conducted the investigation as part of its Stolen Identity Refund Fraud initiative.  Assistant United States Attorney Eumi Choi handled the prosecution.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

Bluefield, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Scotty Edward Blankenship was sentenced in federal court in Bluefield yesterday to 27 months in federal prison for using a telephone to facilitate the sale of hydromorphone.  Blankenship, 54, of Princeton, pled guilty in June of 2015, admitting that on October 17, 2014, he used a telephone to set up a drug deal, and that shortly after that conversation he sold two hydromorphone pills to an informant.  Blankenship also admitted that he distributed ten additional pills during the course of the investigation.

The case was investigated by the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force under the Bluefield 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.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Peter B. McKinley, Jr., 32, of Princeton, West Virginia, plead guilty in federal court in Bluefield to conspiracy to distribute hydromorphone.  McKinley admitted that from  July of 2014 to September of 2015, he and a co-defendant used the mail to ship and receive hydromorphone.  McKinley received the drugs in packages mailed from Los Angeles, California.  He then sold the pills in and around Bluefield and Princeton, West Virginia.  After the sales, McKinley admitted that he mailed packages containing drug proceeds back to California.  During the investigation of the case, agents seized over 2,500 hydromorphone pills and approximately $19,000 in cash.    

McKinley faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.  United States District Judge David A. Faber scheduled the sentencing for February 17, 2015.

The Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and the United States Postal Service conducted the investigation.

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 opiates.  The United States 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.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – A 31-year old Mercer County man received eight years and one month in federal prison, after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography,  U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. Lindsey Dale Bowling, of Princeton, West Virginia was sentenced before Senior United States District Court Judge David A. Faber in Bluefield.  After Bowling is released from prison, he will be on supervised release for 20 years.

Bowling admitted that on November 21, 2013, he possessed images and videos of prepubescent minors engaged in sexual acts. The images were on his personal computer located at his residence in Princeton, West Virginia.  The investigation further revealed that defendant was using a peer-to-peer file sharing program to download child pornography and that he transferred some of the child pornography images and videos to discs. 

The West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston is in charge of the prosecution.

This case is being brought as part of U.S. Attorney Goodwin’s ongoing initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

Charleston, WV  – A Charleston man pleaded guilty today to illegally possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. John Stanley Ford, 25, pleaded guilty in federal court in Charleston.

Ford admitted that on February 26, 2014, he possessed a firearm that he threw in the bushes when he was approached by Charleston Police Department officers. Ford was previously convicted of Wanton Endangerment in Kanawha County Circuit Court, and his rights to possess a firearm had not been restored.  Ford faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced on January 12, 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.

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.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

Beckley, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that a White Sulphur Springs woman pled guilty to a federal drug charge in federal court in Beckley. Paula Kay Butts, 50, pled guilty to using a communication facililty to facilitate a felony drug offense, admitting that on June 27, 2015, she used a telephone to help set up a drug deal with a confidential informant.  Later that day Butts completed the deal, distributing methamphetamine to the informant.  When Butts used the telephone, she was in or near White Sulphur Springs.

She faces up to four years in prison and a $250,000 fine when she is sentenced on January 28, 2016. This case was investigated by the Greenbrier Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force 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 sale and use of heroin and illicit prescription drugs.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down drug trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of heroin and other opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District.  Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the prosecution.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

Beckley, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that a Lewisburg man pled guilty to a federal drug charge in federal court in Beckley.  Miles Gregory, 41, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute oxycodone and hydrocodone, admitting that on July 2, 2015, he possessed about 25 oxycodone pills and 279 hydrocodone pills in a car he was driving in Lewisburg, and that he intended to distribute the pills.  Law enforcement authorities seized the pills during a search of Gregory’s vehicle.  He faces up to 20 years in prison and a one million dollar fine when he is sentenced on January 28, 2016.

The case was investigated by the Greenbrier Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force 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 sale and use of heroin and illicit prescription drugs.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down drug trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of heroin and other opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District.  Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the prosecution.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews  

CHARLESTON, W.Va. –  Pursuant to the Court’s directive in the case of United States v. Blankenship, all government exhibits admitted into evidence and published to the jury will be made available to the press and the public no later than 9:00 a.m., the day after admission and publication of the exhibits.  The exhibits will be posted to a link on the website of United States Attorney Booth Goodwin at http://www.justice.gov/usao-sdwv.

CHARLESTON, W. Va. -  United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that William A. Cracraft, 52, of Oak Hill, West Virginia was sentenced to twelve months and one day in federal prison for Possession of Child Pornography.  Cracraft’s incarceration will be followed by 25 years of supervised release, and he will be required to register as a sex offender.  As part of his plea agreement, Cracraft agreed to forfeit his computers and cell phones that contained child pornography for destruction.  He was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $18,500 to victims of his crime.

The investigation established that Cracraft was in possession of more than 600 photographs and videos of child pornography on his computers and cell phones, including sexually explicit depictions of prepubescent minors.  Some of the images showed sadistic or masochistic conduct, while others depicted violence toward the minor children.

The Department of Homeland Security and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes was responsible for the prosecution.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/wvs/PSCpage.html.

• Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews