Southern District of West Virginia

BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that a Beckley man was sentenced for a federal drug charge.  Jason Calendar, 40, was sentenced to a four-month term of imprisonment, followed by a three-year term of supervised release.  Calendar previously pled guilty in November of 2014, admitted that he sold heroin to a person who was cooperating with law enforcement authorities.  The drug deal took place on Laurel Terrace in Beckley.

This case was investigated by the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and is being prosecuted under the Beckley Pill Initiative directed by the United States Attorney’s Office.    

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.

Defendant was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Irene C. Berger.

BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that another Beckley man was sentenced in federal court for distribution of heroin.  Ronald Greer, 60, was sentenced by United States District Judge Irene C. Berger to a 16-month term of imprisonment, followed by a three-year term of supervised release.  Greer previously pled guilty in November of 2014, admitting that he sold heroin to a person who was cooperating with law enforcement authorities.  The drug deal took place on Adrian Court in Beckley.

This case was investigated by the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force.

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.

Huntington, W. Va.- United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Teresa Lewis, 60, of South Point, Ohio, pleaded guilty in federal court in Huntington to two felony offenses.

Lewis was a billing assistant in the Huntington Retina Center, a medical practice specializing in the treatment of vision disorders, eye injuries, and eye diseases.  From 2012 to 2014, Lewis used her position to gain access to credit cards issued to the practice and an associated physician.  Lewis used the credit cards to buy personal items and pay personal expenses of more than $50,000.

Lewis faces a total of 20 years in prison and up to a $500,000 fine when she is sentenced on June 1, 2015.  As part of her plea agreement, Lewis has agreed to pay $52,317 in restitution.

Chief United States District Court Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the guilty plea.

The United States Postal Inspection Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Huntington Police Department are conducting the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is responsible for the prosecution.

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Ralph Shoemaker, 36, of Gallipolis, Ohio, was sentenced today by Chief United States District Court Judge Robert C. Chambers to 15 months’ imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Shoemaker previously pled guilty in December of 2014 admitting that he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with the West Virginia State Police. Shoemaker also admitted that he and others distributed heroin in the Gallipolis, Ohio, and Mason County, West Virginia areas over a six-month period between the summer of 2012 and March of 2013.

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 heroin and 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 illegal heroin and pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.

The case was investigated by the West Virginia State Police and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney John Frail was responsible for the prosecution.

Huntington, W. Va. -  United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Sandra Ball, 58, of Hurricane, West Virginia pleaded guilty to two felony counts of wire fraud.  Ball was an auditor for Mountaineer 4X4, a small business in Hurricane, West Virginia that provides service and accessories for off-road vehicles.   From 2008 to 2013, Ball transferred money from Mountaineer 4x4’s checking account to her personal credit card to pay for personal items and expenses.  Ball made approximately 500 online transfers resulting in a loss to Mountaineer 4X4 of nearly $450,000.

Ball is scheduled to be sentenced on June 1, 2015.  She faces a total of 40 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $500,000.  As part of her plea agreement, Ball has also agreed to pay restitution of $445,164.  Chief United States District Court Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the plea hearing.

The Hurricane Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are conducting the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is responsible for the prosecution.

BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that William Sykes, 29, of Welch, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to distributing crack cocaine.

Sykes admitted that on June 15, 2011, he sold crack cocaine to a confidential informant. The drug deal took place in front of Sykes’ residence in Welch.

Sykes faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 25, 2015.

The case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Southern Regional Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is handling the prosecution.

###

BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that four men pleaded guilty to federal drug charges in Bluefield.

Joshua Blevins, 30, of Bluefield, pleaded guilty to using a phone to facilitate a felony. He admitted that on Nov. 21, 2014, he was in the Bluewell, West Virginia, area when he had a phone conversation with a confidential informant to help set up a drug deal. Shortly after the call, Blevins distributed oxymorphone to the informant.

Blevins faces up to four years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.

Marcus Edwards, 40, of Bluefield, pleaded guilty to distributing hydromorphone to a confidential informant in Bluefield on Aug. 25, 2014.

Leonard Carey Rucker, 44, of Princeton, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to distributing heroin to a confidential informant on Nov. 4, 2014, in Princeton.

Carl E. Howard, Jr., also known as Preacher, 62, of Princeton, pleaded guilty to distributing hydromorphone to a confidential informant on July 8, 2014, in Princeton.

Edwards, Rucker and Howard each face up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine.

All four men are scheduled to be sentenced on June 25, 2015.

Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the plea hearings.

The cases are being investigated by the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the prosecutions.

The cases are being prosecuted under the Bluefield Pill Initiative, part of the ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the sale of heroin and the illicit sale and misuse of opiate painkillers. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing those who engage in illegal drug trafficking in the Southern District.

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Katie Prater, 24, of St. Albans, West Virginia, was sentenced to five years of federal probation.

In October 2012, Prater pleaded guilty to possession of oxycodone with the intent to distribute. She admitted to having a package of oxycodone delivered to a residence in Charleston, which she then went to pick up May 2, 2012. When Prater took the package, officers with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team approached her, and she admitted the package was hers and contained drugs she intended to sell. The package contained 50 30-mg oxycodone pills, 83 10-mg oxycodone pills and 67 10-mg hydrocodone pills.

United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.

The case was investigated by Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman handled the prosecution.

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Kennele Groom, 36, of Charleston, was sentenced to 58 months in federal prison.

In May 2014, Groom pleaded guilty to distributing heroin in Charleston. On Jan. 14, 2014, officers searched Groom’s residence in the 1200 block of Griffith Drive in Charleston, finding more than $20,000 cash and more than 12 grams of heroin. Another $1,979 cash was found on Groom when he was arrested. Groom admitted that he traveled to Cincinnati to purchase heroin to sell in the Charleston area.

Groom sold heroin to a confidential informant on three separate occasions in Charleston prior to his arrest.

United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.

The case was investigated by Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Steven I. Loew handled the prosecution.

The 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, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Paula Butterfield, owner and pharmacist-in-charge of Trivillian’s Pharmacy, a long-standing Kanawha City retail and compounding pharmacy, pleaded guilty to making a false statement in a healthcare matter. Butterfield also pleaded guilty on behalf of Trivillian’s to one count of health care fraud and one count of misbranding drugs.

Butterfield admitted that Trivillian’s defrauded Medicare and Medicaid by dispensing less expensive compounded drugs while billing for more expensive brand name drugs, dispensing generic drugs while billing for more expensive brand name drugs, billing for drugs that were never dispensed or were expired and dispensing drugs that were compounded outside of a safe and clean environment. The pharmacy also admitted to dispensing compounded drugs under labels and identification numbers associated with brand name drugs.

Butterfield, a Medicare beneficiary, pleaded guilty to submitting false information claims to Medicare on her own behalf, seeking payment for drugs that were never dispensed to her.

Trivillian’s faces a fine of up to $1 million or twice the gross financial gain or twice the gross financial loss resulting from the pharmacy’s conduct, whichever is greater; not less than two years nor more than 10 years of probation; a mandatory special assessment of $800; and an order of restitution.

Butterfield faces up to five years in federal prison; a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross financial gain or twice the gross financial loss resulting from her conduct, whichever is greater; three years of supervised release; a mandatory special assessment of $100; and an order of restitution.

Trivillian’s and Butterfield are scheduled to be sentenced on May 28, 2015.

Goodwin also announced that his office reached a civil settlement with Trivillian’s and Butterfield, recovering $1.1. million on behalf of Medicare and West Virginia Medicaid. The settlement represents more than three times the loss suffered by Medicare and Medicaid.

“Cheating Medicare and Medicaid is really cheating the American taxpayer,” Goodwin said. “Thanks to these prosecutions and this settlement, money that was taken from the taxpayers by fraud can now be used to provide health care to the many people who depend on these programs.”

The investigation is being conducted by United States Health and Human Services, the United States Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigation, West Virginia State Police, West Virginia Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Eumi Choi is handling the prosecution.

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Ronald Barnette, 54, of Holden, West Virginia, was sentenced to three years of probation, including six months of home confinement and a $20,000 fine for lying about paying kickbacks at Arch Coal’s Mountain Laurel mining complex.

In July 2014, Barnette pleaded guilty to making a materially false statement in a federal matter by lying about paying kickbacks to David Runyon, Mountain Laurel’s general manager. Barnette owned and operated Mining Repair Specialist, Inc., which rebuilt mining equipment from Mountain Laurel. Barnette admitted that from 2009-2010, he paid around $300,000 in kickbacks so Runyon would continue hiring his company to do work at the mine. Barnette further admitted to lying to agents when asked about paying cash kickbacks.

Barnette forfeited $400,000 to the Federal Bureau of Investigation in connection with the kickback scheme.

United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.

This case stems from a larger investigation conducted by the FBI, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service and West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith George Thomas handled the prosecution.

###

BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Randolph Ingram, 55, of Detroit; and Rachel Jade Corrigan, 26, of Huntington, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to heroin charges.

Ingram admitted that on Sept. 27, 2014, he used a phone to arrange a heroin sale with a confidential informant in Lewisburg, West Virginia. Corrigan admitted to assisting Ingram by transporting the heroin from Huntington to Lewisburg, and taking the money from the sale back to Huntington.

Immediately following the drug deal, authorities arrested Ingram and Corrigan, and recovered the heroin and money.

Ingram faces up to four years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. Corrigan faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine. Both are scheduled to be sentenced on June 17, 2015.

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the plea hearings.

This case is being 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 as part of the Greenbrier Valley Heroin and Pill Initiative, an ongoing effort by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the sale of heroin and the illicit sale 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 the spread of opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District.

###

BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Demetrice Johnson, 42, of Beckley, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release.

In November 2014, Johnson pleaded guilty to distributing heroin to a confidential informant. The drug deal took place on Robert C. Byrd Drive in Beckley.

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.

The case was investigated by the Beckley Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, and was prosecuted under the Beckley Pill Initiative.

The 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 U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement, 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.

###

BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Richard Pfost, 32, of Beckley, pleaded guilty to using a telephone to commit a felony.

Pfost admitted that on Aug. 12, 2014, he used a telephone in the Beckley area to arrange a sale of oxycodone to a confidential informant.

Pfost faces up to four years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 24, 2015.

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the plea hearing.

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

The 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 opiates. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement, 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.

###

BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Andrea Austin, 42, of Sophia, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to distributing heroin.

Austin admitted that on Aug. 11, 2014, she sold heroin to a confidential informant on East Camellia Street in Sophia.

Austin faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine. She is scheduled to be sentenced on June 17, 2015.

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the plea hearing.

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

The 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 opiates. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement, 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.

###

BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that John W. Shelton, 47, of Daniels, West Virginia, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison.

In October 2014, Shelton pleaded guilty to conspiring to violate the Clean Water Act. He admitted that he, and other employees, tampered with water samples to make them appear within permissible levels. He stated he diluted samples by adding distilled water, and substituted water samples from the “honeyhole,” named such because samples taken from that spot were always within permissible limits. Each time samples were diluted or water was substituted, Shelton allowed excessive pollutants to be discharged from mining operations into adjacent creeks and rivers.

Shelton also admitted that from 2008-2013, he and other Appalachian Laboratory employees failed to place samples on ice as required by law, and instead kept them in their trucks all day, compromising the integrity of the samples. They would  place samples on ice inside coolers on known inspection days to give the appearance it was the regular practice.

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant United States Attorney Blair L. Malkin and Larry R. Ellis handled the prosecution.

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Brandon Davis, 24, from Wytheville, Virginia, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison.

In October 2012, Davis pleaded guilty to his role in robbing Charleston drug dealer Cabell Franklin. He admitted that on Jan. 18, 2012, he and Robert Barcliff committed the robbery, during which Franklin was shot in the leg and stabbed.

This robbery was part of a larger conspiracy among Barcliff and his associates. Beginning in the fall of 2011, Barcliff, Davis, Keith Glenn, Darrell Gillespie, Jamaa Johnson and others conspired and agreed to commit armed home-invasion robberies of drug dealers in West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. The objective of the conspiracy and robberies was to steal drugs, drug proceeds and firearms. The group targeted drug dealers because they believed it unlikely they would call the police.

Barcliff was recently sentenced to 16 years in federal prison. Johnson and Gillespie are scheduled to be sentenced in May 2015

United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnson imposed the sentence.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, South Charleston Police Department and Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman handled the prosecution.

###

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Eric Greer, 39, of Gallipolis, Ohio, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison.

In October 2014, Greer pleaded guilty to his role in a conspiracy to transport heroin from Detroit for distribution in Gallipolis, Ohio, and Mason County, West Virginia. He admitted to participating in the conspiracy from the summer of 2011 to October 2012.

Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.

The case was investigated by the West Virginia State Police and Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney John Frail 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 heroin and 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 illegal heroin and pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District.

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Steven Anthony Major, 50, from Barboursville, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to threatening to murder United States Senator Joseph Manchin, III.

Major made four separate threats to murder Sen. Manchin from Mar. 17-20, 2014. He admitted to making calls to Sen. Manchin’s Charleston and Washington D.C. offices, during which he left messages identifying himself, and making violent threats against the senator and his family.

Major faces up to 10 years in federal prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 27, 2015.

United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the plea hearing.

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Capitol Police and West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is handling the prosecution.

###

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Leroy “B.K.” Wilson, 33, of Lexington, Kentucky, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison.

In November 2014, Wilson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine. He admitted that between 2010 and 2014, he conspired with others to distribute cocaine in Huntington. During that period, Wilson worked as a drug courier for Mark Silverburg transporting cocaine from Lexington to Kenneth Newman in Huntington.

On Jan. 8, 2014, Wilson traveled from Huntington to Lexington with nearly $7,000 to purchase cocaine for Newman. Silverburg placed a brown paper bag in the trunk of Wilson’s vehicle, which was opened by Newman in Huntington to reveal two plastic bags of cocaine.

Wilson also did construction work on rental property owned by George Newman, for which he was paid in cash and heroin. Newman instructed Wilson to pay those working for him in heroin.

Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Greg McVey handled the prosecution.

###

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Anthony M. Barnes, 38, of Detroit, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison.

In November 2014, Barnes pleaded guilty to possession of heroin with the intent to distribute. On April 8, 2014, officers with the Huntington Police Department executed a search warrant in the 900 block of 6th St. in Huntington. Barnes was there when they entered, attempting to conceal heroin by smashing it into the carpet. Officers seized around 18 grams of heroin, which Barnes admitted to possessing for distribution.

Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.

The case was investigated by the Huntington Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution.

###

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Robert Lamar Payne, 31, of Detroit, pleaded guilty to possession of heroin with the intent to distribute.

Payne admitted that from 2012 to 2014, he conspired with other individuals to distribute heroin from Detroit in the Huntington area. He used an apartment in the 1000 block of 12th Avenue in Huntington to store and distribute the heroin. On Feb. 13, 2014, agents with the Huntington Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force searched the apartment, recovering around 41 grams of heroin, two firearms and $2,411 in cash.

That same day, agents also searched a room at the Super 8 Motel on 16th Street Road in Huntington. There, agents found Payne, and accomplice Derrick Goodwin, with more than 200 grams of heroin and $2,915 in cash. Payne and Derrick Goodwin stated they jointly possessed the heroin for the purpose of distribution.

Payne face up to 40 years in federal prison and a $5 million fine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 26, 2015.

Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the plea hearing.

The case is being investigated by the Huntington Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Adams is in charge of the prosecution.

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Terry L. Daugherty, 50, of Nellis, Boone County, West Virginia, was sentenced to 32 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

In November 2013, Daugherty pleaded guilty to arranging the delivery of a package containing methamphetamine to resident of Chris Curry. Curry pleaded guilty to agreeing to the scheme with the reward of receiving a small amount of the drugs, and is scheduled to be sentenced in March 2015.

On March 14, 2014, the package was delivered to Curry’s residence by undercover police officers, who had intercepted it in transit. After Curry accepted the package, officers executed a search warrant for the residence and retrieved the package. Curry provided a statement detailing his involvement with Daugherty, who admitted the package was his when questioned by law enforcement.

United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.

The case was investigated by the West Virginia State Police and Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail handled the prosecution.

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that William Seltzer, 29, of Wytheville, Virginia, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison.

In July 2013, Seltzer pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting armed robbery affecting interstate commerce. He admitted that on April 22, 2012, he, Robert Barcliff, Keith Glenn and Robert Jared Smith carried out an armed home-invasion robbery in Marmet, West Virginia. They believed the victim to be a drug dealer in possession of oxycodone pills or proceeds from drug sales. Seltzer worked with Barcliff to set up the robbery, and provided information to him about the location of the victim. After receiving word from Seltzer that it was time to enter the apartment, Barcliff and Smith entered the apartment brandishing firearms to carry out the robbery. They stole drug proceeds from the victim before fleeing. A firearm was discharged during the robbery.

This robbery was part of a larger conspiracy committed by Robert Barcliff and his associates. Beginning in the fall of 2011, Barcliff, Keith Glenn, Brandon Davis, Darrell Gillespie, Jamaa Johnson and others conspired and agreed to commit armed home-invasion robberies of drug dealers in West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. The objective of the conspiracy and robberies was to steal drugs, drug proceeds and firearms. The group targeted drug dealers because they believed them not likely to call the police.

Barcliff was recently sentenced to 16 years in federal prison. Johnson and Gillespie are scheduled to be sentenced in May 2015.

United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, South Charleston Police Department and Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman handled the prosecution.

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Jermain Santell Hill, 35, of Charleston pleaded guilty to possession of crack cocaine with the intent to distribute.

Hill admitted that on March 2, 2014, he was in possession of crack cocaine that he intended to distribute. He also admitted to possessing a loaded semi-automatic pistol while in possession of the crack cocaine.

Hill faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of $1 million. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 20, 2015.

United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the plea hearing.

The case is being investigated by the Dunbar Police Department and United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is handling the prosecution.

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Alvis Porter, 61, of Holden, Logan County, West Virginia, was sentenced to three years of federal probation and a $2,000 fine.

In July 2014, Porter pleaded guilty to failing to collect, account for and pay over federal employment taxes. He also admitted to paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in kickbacks to David Runyon, general manager of Arch Coal’s Mountain Laurel mining complex in Logan County.

Porter owned and operated Quality Oil, Inc., which did construction work at the Mountain Laurel complex. Porter admitted that he began paying kickbacks to Runyon in 2009, so Runyon would continue to hire Porter’s company to do work at the mine. Porter paid Runyon $5,000 per month initially, with the sum eventually growing to $10,000 per month. Porter estimates he paid Runyon around $400,000 in kickbacks over four years.

Porter also admitted that in 2013, he paid a Quality Oil employee under-the-table cash wages to avoid withholding federal taxes. Failing to collect and pay over federal employment taxes is a crime. Porter paid the employee more than $63,000 in cash.

Porter agreed to forfeit $350,000 to the Internal Revenue Service in connection with the kickback scheme, and $29,851.48 in restitution for his failure to withhold employment taxes.

United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.

This sentence stems from an investigation being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, IRS Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service and West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith George Thomas handled the prosecution.

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Reginald Bennett, 41, of Cedar Grove, West Virginia, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

In August 2014, Bennett pleaded guilty to unlawful concealment of a firearm. He was stopped by the Charleston Police Department for a traffic offense Sept. 12, 2013, during which he was found to be in possession of a .38-caliber Colt revolver. Bennett was prohibited from possessing firearms due to multiple felony convictions in Baltimore.

After being charged with felony possession of the revolver, Bennett moved a Ruger M77 rifle from his home to hide it at another location in South Charleston. It was Bennett’s intent to keep federal authorities from locating the rifle, which was ultimately located and recovered when agents executed a federal search warrant in South Charleston.

Bennett agreed to forfeit both firearms.

United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.

The case was investigated by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes handled the prosecution.

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Seth Grim, 21, of Emmaus, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to two years in federal prison.

In December 2014, Grim pleaded guilty to being an unlawful user of drugs in possession of firearms.

On Aug. 22, 2014, Grim was involved in a single vehicle accident on I-79 near Amma, Roane County, West Virginia.

The Roane County Sheriff’s Department responded to the accident, and once on scene a deputy observed fuses running from cardboard tubes inside a bag. The discovery led to the closure of I-79 in the vicinity of the accident while the explosives were safely removed from Grim’s vehicle.

Further search of the vehicle uncovered three semi-automatic rifles with high-capacity magazines, five explosive devices, a bullet proof vest, a gas mask and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Around five ounces of marijuana were also found, which Grim admitted was for his personal use. As an illegal drug user, Grim was prohibited from possessing firearms.

At the time of the accident Grim was moving from Pennsylvania to Kentucky. His vehicle was doubling as his moving van, and in addition to the drugs, firearms, tactical gear and explosives, he was also transporting all his personal belongings, which included more than 30 chickens and his dog.

United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence.

The case was investigated by the Roane County Sheriff’s Department, West Virginia State Police and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Steven I. Loew handled the prosecution.

###

BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that three men pleaded guilty to federal charges in Beckley.

James Edward Chambers, 44, of Glen White, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to distribution of cocaine. He admitted that on Aug. 28, 2014, he sold cocaine to a confidential informant near Robert C. Byrd Drive in Beckley.

Sean Scott Hafesh, 26, of Trenton, New Jersey, pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin. He admitted that on Sept. 24, 2013, he sold heroin to a confidential informant on Skyline Drive in Beaver.

Chambers and Hafesh both face up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine. They are scheduled to be sentenced on May 20, 2015.

Michael Erwin Basham, 35, of Glen Daniel, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to using a communications device to commit a felony. He admitted that on Aug. 22, 2014, he used a phone to arrange the sale of oxycodone to a confidential informant.

Basham faces up to four years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 24, 2015.

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the plea hearings.

The cases are being investigated by the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit.

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

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Keith I. Glenn, 31, of New York, was sentenced to more than nine years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

In October 2013, Glenn pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm while participating in armed home invasion robberies of drug dealers. He admitted that on March 22, 2012, he, Robert Barcliff, Brandon Davis and Darrell Gillespie robbed someone they believed to be a drug dealer in Bristol, Virginia. They entered the victim’s home brandishing weapons, and stole firearms, ammunition and drugs. The group then returned to South Charleston to divide the spoils.

On March 22, 2012, Glenn also participated in an attempted robbery in Dunbar, West Virginia. He, Davis and Gillespie attempted to rob a drug dealer in the Roxalana Hills apartment complex but failed when the victim resisted. The group was later arrested by police.

Glenn further admitted that on April 22, 2012, he, Barcliff, Robert Jared Smith and William Seltzer carried out an armed home-invasion robbery in Marmet, West Virginia, of drug dealers believed to be from Detroit. A firearm was discharged during the robbery.

Smith, Seltzer and Davis have pleaded guilty to charges related to this investigation, and await sentencing in February. Barcliff was recently sentenced to 16 years in federal prison. Gillespie was convicted by a federal jury and awaits sentencing in May 2015.

Beginning in the fall of 2011, Glenn was part of a group that conspired and agreed to commit armed home invasion robberies of drug dealers in West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. The objective of the conspiracy and robberies was to steal drugs, drug proceeds and firearms. The group targeted drug dealers because they believed the dealers were not likely to call the police.

United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, South Charleston Police Department and Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman handled the prosecution.

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that David Himes, 29, of Cincinnati, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison.

In March 2013, Himes pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting robbery affecting interstate commerce. He admitted that on May 21, 2012, he, Robert Barcliff and Joe Croft carried out an armed home-invasion robbery of a drug dealer believed to have high-quality marijuana or drug proceeds in South Charleston. Himes stated he entered the apartment with a firearm to conduct the robbery.

Croft has pleaded guilty to charges related to this investigation and awaits sentencing in February. Barcliff was recently sentenced to 16 years in federal prison.

Beginning in the fall of 2011, Himes was part of a group that conspired and agreed to commit armed home-invasion robberies of drug dealers in West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. The objective of the conspiracy and robberies was to steal drugs, drug proceeds and firearms. The group targeted drug dealers because they believed the dealers were not likely to call the police.

United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, South Charleston Police Department and Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman handled the prosecution.

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Jeffrey Erra Osborne, 49, of Clendenin, West Virginia, was sentenced to two years in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release.

Osborne was employed by the West Virginia State Police for 21 years, most recently as a forensic analyst.

On Nov. 24, 2014, Osborne pleaded guilty to possession of pictures of prepubescent minors engaged in sexual acts. Osborne admitted that on Jan. 17, 2014, he possessed the images on his personal computer in his residence. As part of Osborne’s plea agreement, he has surrendered possession of computers, hard drives and electronic storage devices seized during the execution of the search warrant.

United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence.

The case was investigated by the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa. G. Johnston was in charge of the prosecution.

The case was prosecuted as part of U.S. Attorney Goodwin’s ongoing initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia.

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Robert L. Barcliff was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison.

Barcliff pleaded guilty in January 2014 to robbery affecting interstate commerce and to brandishing a firearm. On April 22, 2012, Barcliff, along with Keith Glenn, Robert Jared Smith and William Seltzer, carried out an armed home-invasion robbery in Marmet, West Virginia. Their targets were drug dealers that the robbers believed were from Detroit, and would be in possession of oxycodone and proceeds from pill sales.

Barcliff and Smith entered the apartment brandishing firearms to carry out the robbery. They stole money before fleeing the scene. A firearm was discharged inside the apartment during the robbery.

Glenn, Smith and Seltzer have all entered guilty pleas in federal court for charges related to this investigation, and are scheduled to be sentenced in February.

Beginning in the fall of 2011, Barcliff was part of a group that conspired and agreed to commit armed home invasion robberies of drug dealers in West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. The objective of the conspiracy and robberies was to steal drugs, drug proceeds and firearms. The group targeted drug dealers because they believed the dealers were not likely to call the police.

In January 2015, two men were convicted by a federal jury in Charleston for their roles in the conspiracy. Darrell E. Gillespie faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years, and up to life, in federal prison, and Jamaa I. Johnson faces up to 45 years in prison when they are sentenced on May 6, 2015.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, South Charleston Police Department and Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman was in charge of the prosecution.

###

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Curtis Rollins, 34, of Huntington, was sentenced to eight months in federal prison.

In October 2014, Rollins pleaded guilty to using a communication device to facilitate a drug crime.  He admitted that on Dec. 31, 2013, he made a call to known drug dealer Kenneth Newman, during which he stated he had two people needing something. He made multiple calls that day, one in which he requested “two extra things,” referring to cocaine he intended to provide to someone else.

Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and Huntington Police Department were in charge of the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Greg McVey was in charge of the prosecution.

###

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Kenneth Dewitt Newman, 32, of Huntington, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.

In May 2014, Newman, also known as “K-Kutta,” pleaded guilty to possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute. He also pleaded guilty in October 2014 to possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. On Jan. 20, 2014, Drug Enforcement Administration agents conducted a search of Newman’s residence in the 1800 block of Artisan Ave. in Huntington. During the search, agents located and seized cocaine, oxycodone, heroin, MDMA and marijuana, which Newman admitted he intended to sell. He further admitted that from 2010 to 2014, he, with the aid of others, sold drugs from his home, and that he possessed a firearm to help facilitate their distribution.

Newman received five years in federal prison for each charge to which he pleaded guilty, to run consecutively for a total of 10 years.

Newman, his brother George Antonio Newman, their mother Darlene Newman and 12 others were indicted for their various roles in the drug distribution conspiracy. The charges against Newman and his associates arose out of a long-term investigation led by the DEA, Huntington Police Department and Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team.

Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and Huntington Police Department were in charge of the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Greg McVey was 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, 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.

###

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Darius Jerome Perry, 31, of Detroit, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting possession of heroin with intent to distribute.

On Aug. 21, 2013, Huntington Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force agents executed a search warrant at a residence in the 200 block of 8th Ave. in Huntington. Perry admitted to utilizing the residence to distribute heroin. During the search, agents seized 134.8 grams of heroin and $10,431.76. Perry stated he jointly possessed the heroin with another man.

On Aug. 22, 2013, agents executed a second search warrant at the same residence, where they located and seized $3,000 concealed in a television. Perry stated the money seized during both searches was proceeds from heroin distributions.

Perry faces up to 40 years in federal prison and a $5 million fine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 11, 2015.

Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the plea hearing.

The case is being investigated by the Huntington Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Adams is in charge of the prosecution.

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Stacy Erwin Jones, 35, of Detroit, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for aiding and abetting the distribution of heroin.

On March 20, 2014, Jones, also known as “Red,” sold heroin to a confidential informant at a store in the Charleston Town Center Mall. Officers executed a search warrant at Jones’ residence, where they seized around 10 grams of heroin. Jones had more than $3,000 on his person when he was arrested following the warrant execution.

Jones previously served 13 years in prison for a 1999 assault with intent to murder conviction in Detroit.

United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.

The case was investigated by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Networking Team. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks was in charge of 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 communications across the Southern District.

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Steven Adams, 47, of Detroit, pleaded guilty to possession of heroin with the intent to distribute.

Adams admitted that on June 16, 2014, he travelled by Greyhound bus from Detroit to Charleston with heroin intended for delivery to another person. He said he was approached by an individual in Detroit, who offered him money to carry the drugs to someone else in West Virginia. Adams was arrested at the bus station, following an encounter with agents of the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT).

Adams faces up to 20 years in federal prison, and a $1 million fine. He is scheduled to be sentenced May 11, 2015.

United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the plea hearing.

The case is being investigated by MDENT. Assistant United States Attorney John Frail 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 heroin and 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 illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets and curtailing the spread of heroin and opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District.

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Terrance Wilson, 25, of Detroit, pleaded guilty to interstate travel in aid of drug trafficking.

Wilson admitted that he transported heroin from Detroit to Charleston multiple times in November and December 2014, with the intent to carry out an ongoing business enterprise involving the distribution of the drugs in the Charleston area for profit.

On four occasions between Dec. 1-4, 2014, Wilson provided heroin to a confidential informant working with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team.

Wilson faces up to five years in federal prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. He is scheduled to be sentenced May 13, 2015.

United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the plea hearing.

The case is being investigated by MDENT. Assistant United States Attorney Steven I. Loew is in charge of the prosecution.

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Whitney Reanne Kent, 26, of London, Kanawha County, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to possession of oxycodone with the intent to distribute.

On Dec. 5, 2012, investigators with the United States Postal Inspection Service and Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team were conducting a drug interdiction operation at the United States Post Office in Charleston when they executed a search warrant on a package addressed to Kent. The package contained 87 30-mg oxycodone tablets.

The investigators confronted Kent on Dec. 7, when she came to pick up the package. She admitted it contained oxycodone, and she intended to distribute the pills to another individual.

Kent faces up to 20 years in federal prison, and a fine of $1 million. She is scheduled to be sentenced on May 11, 2015.

United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnson presided over the plea hearing.

The case is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and MDENT. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of 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 communications across the Southern District.

###

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced Tuesday that Bryant Donavan Taylor, 35, of Detroit, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting possession of heroin with the intent to distribute.

On August 21, 2013, agents with the Huntington Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at a residence in the 200 block of 8th Ave. in Huntington. The residence was rented by another man, and utilized by Taylor and others to distribute heroin. During the search, Taylor and two other men were present, and agents seized 134.8 grams of heroin and $10,431.76.

Taylor stated that he jointly possessed the heroin with a partner for distribution.

On August 22, 2013, agents executed a second search warrant at the same residence, and seized $3,000 concealed within a television.

Taylor stated the currency seized during both searches was proceeds from heroin distributions.

Taylor faces up to 40 years in federal prison and, a $5 million fine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 4, 2015.

Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the plea hearing.

The case is being investigated by the Huntington Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Adams is in charge of the prosecution.

###

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced Tuesday that Kenneth D. Bowden, 28, of Detroit, pleaded guilty to possession of heroin with intent to distribute.

On April 8, 2014, Huntington Police Department officers executed a search warrant at an apartment in the 900 block of 6th St. in Huntington. Bowden was staying in the apartment at the time of the search warrant. When they entered the apartment, officers observed Bowden and a second individual exiting through the rear bedroom. During the search, officers found a bag containing 113.7 grams of heroin. The HPD Forensic Investigations Unit located a usable print on the bag, and verified it to be Bowden’s right thumb print.

Bowden stated he possessed the heroin for the purpose of distribution.

Bowden faces up to 40 years in federal prison and, a $5 million fine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 11, 2015.

Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the plea hearing.

The case is being investigated by the Huntington Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Adams is in charge of the prosecution.

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Willie Slocum, Jr., 36, of Detroit, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison.

Following a five-day trial in November 2014, Slocum was convicted by a federal jury in Charleston of conspiracy to distribute heroin, conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of tampering with a witness.

Fifteen witnesses who purchased pills and heroin from Slocum, or sold them for him in the Charleston area testified before the jury to his guilt. Slocum ran his drug trafficking organization from Detroit, traveling to West Virginia while still on parole for a 1999 murder conviction in Michigan. It was this conviction, along with convictions for assault with intent to murder and felony possession of firearms, that prohibited Slocum from possessing a firearm.

Slocum used violence and threats of violence to keep his lower level dealers in line. He told Matt Quinn, an addict and low-level dealer, that if he got behind on his money that “he might as well jump in the river.” Going beyond words, Slocum stabbed Chris O’Dell after he found O’Dell had stolen money and heroin from one of Slocum’s dealers.

United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver imposed the sentence.

The case was investigated by the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Steven I. Loew was in charge of 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 communications across the Southern District.

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that James Harry Barker, 63, of Ashford, Boone County, West Virginia, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

In April 2014, Barker, also known as “Firebug,” pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin. On June 6, 2013, officers executed a search warrant at Barker’s residence, and a business he operated. Cash and drug distribution packing material were seized.

Barker stated that the money seized was proceeds from illegal drug distribution. He admitted that he had obtained heroin from a source since June 2012, and distributed hundreds of heroin packets in the Boone County area until summer 2013.

Barker also admitted to supplying his daughter heroin daily while he was distributing. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston, who imposed the sentence, commented that was like giving her a gun and telling her to play Russian roulette.

The case was investigated by the United States 119 Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn was in charge of 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 communications across the Southern District.

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Ajamu Sawandi Osborne, 40, of New York, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison.

In September 2012, Osborne pleaded guilty to possession of oxycodone with the intent to distribute. He was arrested June 2012, in Charleston, with 96 oxycodone pills on his person for distribution. Following the arrest, officers searched his residence and recovered 60 additional oxycodone pills, 10 oxymorphone pills and 30.2 grams of MDMA. Officers also found $14,000 in cash, which Osborne admitted was drug proceeds.

In addition to the items recovered from Osborne in June 2012, he also admitted involvement in other oxycodone distributions in the Charleston area prior to his arrest.

United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.

The case was investigated by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Unit (MDENT). Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman was in charge of the prosecution.

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Stephen B. Herndon, 37, of Holden, Logan County, West Virginia, was sentenced by United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston to five years of federal probation for his role in a multi-million dollar scheme orchestrated at Arch Coal’s Mountain Laurel Mining Complex in Sharples, West Virginia.

In July 2014, Herndon pleaded guilty to structuring a transaction in order to evade federal reporting requirements. He also admitted that he and business partner Scott Ellis paid hundreds of thousands of dollars in kickbacks to David Runyon, Mountain Laurel general manager. The kickbacks were in exchange for business that Runyon directed to Tri-State Mine Service, Inc., a Mountain Laurel vendor in which Herndon was a part owner.

To generate the necessary cash for the kickbacks, Herndon and Ellis structured cash withdrawals from various personal and business accounts for $10,000 or less. This was to avoid triggering the bank’s obligation to file a currency transaction report with the Internal Revenue Service for sums greater than $10,000.

Between April 1, 2011, and September 30, 2013, Herndon and Eillis structured around $183,853. They estimate they used almost all those funds to pay cash kickbacks to Runyon, and in total paid around $237,000 during that period.

Herndon has agreed to forfeit $132,000 to the United States, representing a portion of the funds involved in, and traceable to, the structuring.

This sentence stems from an investigation being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, IRS Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service and West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith George Thomas is in charge of the prosecutions.

###

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Derrick Wayne Goodwin, 25, of Detroit, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the possession of heroin with the intent to distribute.

Derrick Goodwin admitted that between the fall of 2013 and February 2014, he conspired with other individuals to distribute heroin in the Huntington, West Virginia, area. He stated that he and his co-conspirators arranged for the transportation of the heroin from Detroit to Huntington.

Derrick Goodwin utilized an apartment in the 1000 block of 12th Avenue in Huntington to store and distribute heroin. On Feb. 13, 2014, agents with the Huntington Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at the apartment, where they recovered around 41 grams of heroin, two firearms and $2,411.

That same day, agents executed a search warrant at the Super 8 Motel on 16th Street Road in Huntington. Agents found Derrick Goodwin and another man in one of the rooms, with a search uncovering around 203.6 grams of heroin and $2,915. Goodwin stated he jointly possessed the heroin with a partner for the purpose of distribution.

Derrick Goodwin faces up to 40 years in federal prison, and a $5 million fine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 4, 2015.

Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the plea hearing.

The case is being investigated by the Huntington Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Adams is in charge of the prosecution.

###

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Christopher Jermaine Taylor, 29, of Detroit, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin.

Taylor admitted that between the summer of 2012 to February 2014, he conspired with other individuals to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin in the Huntington, West Virginia area. Taylor said he and his co-conspirators arranged for the transportation of the heroin from Detroit to Huntington.

During the conspiracy, Taylor and the others utilized residences in Huntington as locations to distribute heroin. He stated they agreed to provide heroin to the residents’ occupants in exchange for utilizing them for the distributions.

Taylor leased an apartment in the 600 block of 22nd St. in Huntington in February 2013. In April 2013, Huntington Police Department officers seized around 23.6 grams of heroin and $7,380 from the apartment.

In February 2014, agents with the Huntington Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at a residence in Detroit. Agents located Taylor, and seized a firearm.

Taylor faces up to 40 years in federal prison, and a $5 million fine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 4, 2015.

Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the plea hearing.

The case is being investigated by the Huntington Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Adams is in charge of the prosecution.

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Desmond Ra’Keesh White, 26, of St. Albans, West Virginia, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison.

In October 2014, White pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. On July 9, 2014, White was arrested by Charleston Police Department officers following a vehicle stop on Charleston’s West Side. The arrest led to the recovery of a firearm inside White’s car, which he admitted on the scene belonged to him.

White had previously been convicted in the Circuit Court of Kanawha County, West Virginia, in 2007 of armed robbery, grand larceny and three counts of burglary. He was on parole for the robbery conviction when arrested in July. White was sentenced as an armed career criminal, which provided for a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years.

United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.

The case was investigated by the Charleston Police Department, with assistance from the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Rada Herrald and Monica Coleman were in charge of the prosecution.

This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a commitment of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to reduce gun crime by networking existing local programs.

###

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Steven Libertore, 50, of Point Pleasant, West Virginia, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

In October 2014, Libertore pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin. He admitted that he sold heroin to a confidential informant Feb. 27, 2013, in the parking lot of a Dollar General in Point Pleasant. He further admitted to assisting others in distributing heroin in the Mason County area from the summer of 2012 to March 2013.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.

The case was investigated by the West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney John Frail was in charge of 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 heroin and 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 illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets and curtailing the spread of heroin and opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District.

###