Southern District of West Virginia

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Darrell Shawton Collins, 36, formerly of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today to nine years in federal prison for selling heroin in Charleston’s East End, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.

In December 2013, a confidential police informant, under the supervision of detectives from the Charleston Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit, purchased heroin from Collins. The drug deal took place at the corner of Washington Street East and Thompson Street in Charleston. At the time of the transaction, Collins was on federal supervised release for a prior drug-trafficking offense.  At today’s sentencing, Collins received eight years’ imprisonment for the distribution conviction, plus another year for violating the terms of his supervised release.

The Charleston Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald 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 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.

BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that two Greenbrier County men pled guilty in federal court in Bluefield, West Virginia to federal drug charges,  Roger Lee Deem, 60, of Ronceverte, pled guilty to using a telephone to facilitate a drug felony.  Deem admitted that on April 25, 2014, he had a telephone conversation with David Eldon Williams to make arrangements for the purchase of oxycodone pills.  Williams, 54, of Lewisburg, also pled guilty to using a telephone to commit a drug felony, admitting that on the same day, he had a conversation with Deem about buying oxycodone pills.  These conversations took place while the men were in Greenbrier County.  On April 26, 2014, the two men traveled to Princeton, West Virginia to obtain 375 30 milligram oxycodone pills from a confidential informant, where they were arrested by authorities.  Deem and Williams face up to four years in prison and a $250,000 fine when they are sentenced on December 16, 2014. 

The investigation was conducted by the Greenbrier Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force under the Greenbrier County Heroin and Pill Initiative.  The Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force provided assistance.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney John File.

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

Huntington, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that two Detroit, Michigan men were sentenced to federal prison today for their roles in conspiracies to distribute heroin in the Huntington, West Virginia area. Daniel M. Flowers, 44, and Cecil Rice, 34, appeared before Chief Judge Robert C. Chambers who imposed the sentences. 

Flowers previously pleaded guilty in May of 2014 to distributing heroin.  Flowers admitted that between August of 2008 and April of 2013, he participated with others to transport heroin from Detroit to Huntington for distribution in Huntington and the surrounding area.  Flowers and his co-conspirators used multiple residences around Huntington to store, prepare and distribute the heroin.

On April 10, 2013, a confidential informant (CI) working with law enforcement, contacted Flowers and arranged to buy some heroin. The CI subsequently met with Flowers at an apartment in the 1000 block of 12th Avenue in Huntington, where Flowers sold him heroin in exchange for $150.

The FBI Huntington Violent Crimes Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution.

In the second case, Cecil Rice was sentenced for his role in the distribution of heroin shipped from Detroit to Huntington,  Rice, who pleaded guilty in May of 2014 to possession with intent to distribute heroin, admitted that between August of 2008 and September of 2013, he participated in the transportation of heroin, cocaine base and oxycodone from Detroit to Huntington.  Like Flowers, Rice and his co-conspirators used various residences in the Huntington area to store, prepare and distribute the illegal drugs.

On September 19, 2013, Rice was arrested after leaving a motel located on 16th Street in Huntington. When officers went to arrest Rice, they discovered two packs of heroin  concealed in his mouth.  Rice was in the process of selling the heroin at the time of his arrest.  Officers also conducted a search of the motel room from which Rice had exited just prior to his arrest and found more heroin and cocaine base.

The FBI Huntington Violent Crimes Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department conducted this investigation with assistance from the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams also handled this prosecution.

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 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 opiates, including heroin, in communities across the Southern District.

Defendant Managed Drug Conspiracy While Imprisoned in Ohio

Charleston, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Mack Brooks, age 41, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today to the maximum statutory sentence of 20 years imprisonment for his role in a conspiracy to distribute illegal drugs.  Brooks was previously convicted of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and oxymorphone, highly addictive pain medications, following a three-day jury trial in July of 2013.  During the course of the conspiracy that spanned more than two years, Brooks, while incarcerated in Ohio for a previous drug conviction, arranged the delivery of prescription pills from Detroit to West Virginia.  Trial testimony established that Brooks and his organization were responsible for distributing over $1,000,000 worth of illegal pills in southern West Virginia.   The sentence imposed today will run consecutive to the sentence Brooks is serving in Ohio. 

The successful prosecution of Brooks and others in his organization was due to the cooperative efforts of agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Wood County Sheriff’s Department.

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. 

Defendant was previously convicted of sexually assaulting two minor girls

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. –  John D. Hayes, a 66-year-old Cabell County resident, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison followed by 10 years of supervised release for possession and attempted distribution of child pornography, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today.  The sentence was handed down by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers in Huntington.

Following a bench trial in March of 2014, Hayes was found guilty of knowingly possessing child pornography and attempting to distribute child pornography.  Between March 17 and April 28, 2012, authorities discovered that child pornography was being shared via a peer-to-peer network called Frostwire.  Authorities traced the computer used to share the child pornography to Hayes’ Huntington residence.  Computer evidence seized from Hayes’ home, including a portable USB drive, was examined by authorities and found to contain thousands of pornographic images and videos of children.  The examination also revealed that one of the computers in Hayes’ possession contained the Frostwire program and had a unique user identification number (known as a GUID) that matched the GUID linked to the child pornography shared in March and April of 2012. 

In 1979, Hayes was convicted in the Circuit Court of Putnam County, West Virginia for two counts of second degree sexual assault of female children ages 10 and 12.

U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said, “When criminals like John Hayes download and trade child pornography, they perpetuate the exploitation and abuse of innocent children.  Every successful child pornography prosecution makes our communities and our children safer.” 

The investigation of Hayes was conducted by the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, with the assistance of the Huntington Police Department and the West Virginia State Police.  Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Rada Herrald and Lisa Johnston were in charge of the prosecution.   

This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood.  In February 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims.

Charleston, W. Va. – A 45-year old Mingo County man faces up to 25 years in federal prison after pleading guilty today to extortion and tax evasion, U. S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced.   Former Mountain Laurel Mining Complex General Manager David E. Runyon, of Delbarton, West Virginia, entered a guilty plea in federal court in Charleston.

Runyon admitted that as general manager of the mining complex, he participated in and benefitted from a number of extortion schemes in which he and other Arch Coal employees received cash kickbacks from complicit Mountain Laurel vendors in exchange for continuing to hire those vendors.  The cash kickbacks to Arch Coal employees totaled more than $1.8 million dollars between 2006 and 2013.

“This kind of pay-to-play scheme hurts honest vendors in the coal industry—business people who refuse to pay bribes as a way to get customers,” said U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. “The corrupt way that this defendant did business should be a thing of the past. It’s bad for the economy and, ultimately, bad for consumers.”

Runyon admitted receiving kickbacks from numerous vendors who did work for Mountain Laurel. His schemes included:

• The Rebuild Kickback Scheme, in which Runyon and others received kickbacks from companies performing rebuild jobs at Mountain Laurel.  These companies included Tri-State Mine Service, Inc., owned by Scott Ellis and later joined by Stephen Herndon after he left employment at Arch Coal, and Carter Sales and Service and Apex Mining Construction and Repair, Inc., owned by Donald Carter.  Ellis, Carter, and later Herndon understood that they would be excluded from being vendors if they stopped paying kickbacks.

• The Miner/Bolter Repair Kickback Scheme, where Runyon and others received kickbacks from Ronald Barnette, who owned Mining Repair Specialist, Inc. (“MRS”), which performed rebuild and repair work on mining equipment at Mountain Laurel.  Barnette understood if he did not pay the kickbacks, MRS would no longer be permitted to perform rebuild work at Mountain Laurel.

• The Construction Work Kickback Scheme, where Runyon received kickbacks from Alvis Porter, who operated Quality Oil, Inc., which was doing business at Mountain Laurel as Southern Construction of Logan.  Porter’s company performed a variety of construction services at Mountain Laurel, and Porter paid the kickbacks to keep that work.

• The Contract Labor Kickback Scheme, where Runyon received kickbacks from David Herndon.  David Herndon owned and operated MAC Mine Service, Inc., which provided contract labor at Mountain Laurel. David Herndon paid the kickbacks because he believed that he would lose the business at Mountain Laurel if the kickbacks were not paid.

Runyon admitted that he received approximately $1 million as a result of his participation in these kickback schemes.  He also admitted that he owed $426,122 in federal taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Runyon is scheduled to be sentenced on November 19, 2014, in Charleston.

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

Click here to hear an audio clip from U.S. Attorney Goodwin.

Defendant possessed images of child pornography including ones he took himself

CHARLESTON, W.Va. –  United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Stephen Wayne Laton, Jr., 40, of Charleston, W.Va., was sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment followed by 20 years of supervised release for possession of child pornography. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., in Charleston.

Laton admitted to possessing sexually explicit photographs of a minor under the age of 12, including photos that he took of himself engaging in sexual contact with the child.  He kept the pornographic images on a computer and USB drive at his residence in Charleston.

“This defendant’s crimes are horrific,” said U.S. Attorney Goodwin. “Adults who prey on and victimize children in this most horrible way must be identified, arrested, prosecuted and punished.  We will not stand by and allow this kind of perversion to go undetected or unpunished.  This conviction and the imposition of the sentence today is a victory for justice and for the safety of our children.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald handled 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.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Marmet, West Virginia woman who pawned a stolen firearm was sentenced today to two years in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced.  Kristie Jo Dorado, 29, previously pleaded guilty in April of 2014 to being a felon in possession of a firearm.  On October 8, 2013 Dorado pawned a Glock, Model 23, .40 caliber pistol at a Charleston, West Virginia pawn shop.  

The Marmet Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks handled the prosecution.  The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.

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

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A felon convicted in 2003 to unlawful wounding was sentenced today to eight years in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced.  Dorsey Woolwine, Jr., 63, of Belle, West Virginia previously pleaded guilty in January of 2014 to being a felon in possession of firearms.

On March 24, 2012, investigators from the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) searched Woolwine’s Simmons Creek Road residence and seized 29 firearms including a sawed-off rifle.  On May 15, 2013, members of the West Virginia State Police executed a search warrant at Woolwine’s residence and seized 52 firearms, methamphetamine, and scales.  Two of the firearms had been reported stolen.  Woolwine told investigators that he had been selling methamphetamine from the residence for approximately six years. 

MDENT and the WVSP conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks handled the prosecution.  The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.

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

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two members of a heroin distribution ring operating in Washington County, Ohio and Wood County, West Virginia pleaded guilty today to federal drug charges, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Cordaro “Chops” Johnson, 22, and Zinia Wakefield, 27, pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston in Charleston.  Both Johnson and Wakefield admitted selling heroin to an informant in Parkersburg in October of 2013.  They each face up to 20 years in federal prison when they are sentenced on November 18, 2014.

This case is being prosecuted as part of an investigation by the Parkersburg Police Department into a drug trafficking organization with ties to Marion, Ohio and Chicago, Illinois.  Daquarri Coats, 21, of Marion, OH, pleaded guilty in March 2014.  Keith Irons, 23, of Marion, OH and Marion Felder, 30, of Upper Sandusky, OH pleaded guilty in May of 2014.

Assistant United States Attorney, Joshua C. Hanks 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 pills 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 heroin and 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 Gregory Lindsey, 23, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced in federal court in Huntington, West Virginia to four years and nine months in prison for possession with intent to distribute oxymorphone pills. Lindsey previously pled guilty in April of 2014, to possessing more than 50 oxymorphone pills, commonly known as “Opana,” that he intended to distribute at a home on Bailes Drive, in Nitro, West Virginia.   At the time of his arrest, Lindsey was in the Bailes Drive home with the oxymorphone pills and a High Point 380 caliber semiautomatic pistol.

The case was investigated by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT).  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 pills 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 heroin and 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 that Ricky Williams, 23, of Charleston, West Virginia plead guilty today in federal court in Charleston, to distribution of heroin.  During his guilty plea, Williams admitted that in September of 2013, he sold heroin in Charleston to an individual who was working as a confidential informant (CI) for the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT).  In return for the heroin, Williams received $100.  Williams also admitted that he had sold heroin to the CI in Charleston on two other occasions.

Williams faces up to 20 years imprisonment when he is sentenced on October 23, 2014.

This case was investigated by MDENT.  Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman 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 pills 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 heroin and 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 two Ronceverte men appeared in federal court in Beckley before the Honorable Irene C. Berger.  Jeffrey S. Walton, 48, was sentenced to 10 months in prison for abusive sexual contact with a female federal inmate.  Walton pled guilty in April of 2014, admitting that in May or June of  2013, he touched the breasts of an inmate at the Federal Prison Camp at Alderson.  At the time of the incident, Walton was employed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and was acting as the inmate’s work supervisor.  Walton is no longer a Bureau of Prisons employee. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

Adam Ray Smith, 26, pled guilty to distribution of heroin.  Smith admitted that on August 30, 2013, he distributed heroin to a person cooperating with law enforcement authorities.  The transaction took place near Ronceverte.  Smith further admitted that he distributed about 1000 packets of heroin, totaling about 48 grams, in Greenbrier County between May 2013 and August 2013.  Smith faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine when he is sentenced on November 13, 2014.  This case was investigated by the Greenbrier Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force under the Greenbrier County Heroin and Pill Initiative.  That initiative is part of an 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 of prescription drugs in communities across the Southern District.  Assistant United States Attorney John File handled both cases.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Troy Lawrence, 45, of Charleston, West Virginia, pleaded guilty in federal court in Charleston to aggravated identify theft.  Lawrence admitted that he used a dead person’s name and driver’s license to purchase pseudoephedrine from a Rite Aid store in Charleston.  Lawrence faces a mandatory two years’ imprisonment when he is sentenced on November 13, 2014.

This case was investigated by the West Virginia State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Huntington, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Connie Lynn Whitley, 51, of Proctorville, Ohio, was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment by Judge Robert C. Chambers in Huntington, West Virginia.  Whitley worked for Uptowner Inns as the manager for their United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) apartments and checking accounts.  The money in these accounts was to be used by the Uptowner Inns to pay a portion of the rent for its HUD apartments for qualifying tenants.  Over the course of four years, Whitley stole more than $150,000 in federal funds from the HUD accounts and deposited the money into her personal checking account.  She concealed the fraud by entering false information into the check ledger indicating that the money was spent on maintenance and other items for the apartments.  Whitley previously pleaded guilty to embezzling money from an organization receiving federal funds in April of 2014.

The investigation was conducted by the West Virginia State Police, the United States Department for Housing and Urban Development, and with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Huntington, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Kamel Auntae Burris, 31, of Huntington, West Virginia was sentenced today to five years in federal prison for using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.  In November of 2013, Burris, who was wearing a mask, robbed a known drug dealer at gun point.  The robbery occurred at the drug dealer’s apartment on 10th Street in Huntington. 

This case arose out of a joint law enforcement investigation of Kenneth Dewitt Newman and his organization for the distribution of illegal drugs in the Huntington area.  The Newman organization was responsible for the distribution of cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, prescription pills, MDMA (a street drug akin to Ecstasy) and marijuana.  The investigation led to the indictment of 15 defendants, including Burris, for their various roles in the conspiracy.  Burris has been described as an enforcer for the Newman organization. 

The investigation was conducted by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Huntington Police Department, Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  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 heroin.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District. 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Shannon Collins, 41, of Logan, West Virginia, plead guilty today in federal court in Charleston to defrauding the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR).  In 2009, Collins, also known as Shannon Varney, worked as a case worker for the DHHR office in Logan County.  Using the social security number of two deceased individuals, Collins set up bogus accounts upon which she made claims for benefits, and had the checks mailed to her. Collins also obtained Mountain State Cards (formerly known as the food stamp program), which she used from April to December of 2009.  The total combined loss was in excess of $58,000.

Collins faces a maximum penalty of 30 years confinement and a potential fine of up to $500,000.  Sentencing has been scheduled for October 29, 2014.

The investigation was conducted by the West Virginia DHHR, assisted by the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the United States Offices of Inspector General for the Department Health and Human Services, the Social Security Administration and the Department of Agriculture.  Assistant United States Attorney Erik  S. Goes is in charge of the prosecution. 

BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that three Beckley area men were sentenced in federal court in Beckley.  Melvin Brooks, age 42, of Beaver, West Virginia, was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment.  Brooks previously pled guilty in March 2014 to distribution of a quantity of oxycodone to a person cooperating with law enforcement authorities.  The drug deal took place on Beaver Avenue in Beckley. 

Ronnie Tolliver, age 57, of MacArthur, West Virginia, was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment.  Tolliver previously pled guilty in March 2014 to distribution of a quantity of hydromorphone to a person cooperating with law enforcement authorities.  The drug deal took place on Bethel Road in MacArthur.     

Joseph Underwood, age 39, of Stanaford, West Virginia, was also sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment.  Underwood previously pled guilty in April 2014 to distribution of a quantity of oxycodone to a person cooperating with law enforcement authorities.  The drug deal took place on Cunningham Avenue in Stanaford.   

All three cases were investigated by the Beckley Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and are being prosecuted under the Beckley Pill Initiative directed by the United States Attorney’s Office.     

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

All three defendants were sentenced by United States District Court Judge Irene C. Berger.

BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that a Beckley-area man pled guilty to a drug charge in federal court in Beckley.  Tyrone Amar, age 37, of Crab Orchard, pled guilty to distribution of oxycodone.  Amar admitted that in October of 2013, he distributed a quantity of oxycodone to a person cooperating with law enforcement authorities.  The drug deal took place on Cunningham Avenue in Stanaford, Raleigh County, West Virginia.  Amar faces a sentence of up to twenty years and a $1,000,000 fine.  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. 

United States District Court Judge Irene C. Berger set Amar’s sentencing for November 6, 2014.

BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that a Beckley man pled guilty to a drug charge in federal court in Beckley. Jason Kaylor, age 31, pled guilty to distribution of heroin.  Kaylor admitted that in October of 2013, he distributed a quantity of heroin to a person cooperating with law enforcement authorities.  The drug deal took place on Cunningham Avenue in Stanaford, Raleigh County, West Virginia.  Kaylor faces a sentence of up to twenty years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.  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. 

United States District Court Judge Irene C. Berger set the sentencing for October 30, 2014. 

Stephen Herndon and Scott Ellis admit to structuring currency transactions to generate cash for kickbacks

CHARLESTON, West Virginia – Stephen B. Herndon, 37, and Scott Ellis, 44, both of Holden, West Virginia, each face up to five years in prison after pleading guilty on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, to structuring a transaction in order to evade federal reporting requirements, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. Herndon and Ellis also admitted to paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in kickbacks to the general manager of Arch Coal’s Mountain Laurel mining complex, located in Logan County. The men entered their pleas before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.

Ellis admitted that he owned Tri-State Mine Service, Inc., which was a vendor at Mountain Laurel that performed rebuilds.  Ellis gave Herndon a half interest in Tri-State in approximately March 2011, after Herndon left his position at Mountain Laurel as the warehouse manager.  To ensure that Tri-State received rebuild work from Mountain Laurel, Ellis, later joined by Herndon, participated in a bid-rigging scheme where, in exchange for a guaranteed winning bid on certain jobs, vendors had to pay cash kickbacks to a person identified in other court documents as David Runyon.

Ellis initially delivered the cash to Herndon, while he worked at Mountain Laurel, or Runyon. Herndon admitted that while he was the warehouse manager at Mountain Laurel, from approximately 2006 through March 2011, he served as a facilitator of kickback payments by vendors at Mountain Laurel to Runyon.

To generate the necessary cash, Ellis, later joined by Herndon, structured cash withdrawals from various personal and business accounts in amounts of $10,000 or less.  They conducted the cash withdrawals in that manner to avoid triggering the bank's obligation to file a currency transaction report with the Internal Revenue Service, had they withdrawn cash in sums greater than $10,000.

Between early 2009 and approximately March 2011, Ellis structured approximately $163,521.25 in cash transactions. Ellis estimates that almost all of those funds were used to pay cash kickbacks to Runyon, and that he paid approximately $187,000 in cash kickbacks during that time.   Between April 1, 2011, and September 30, 2013, Herndon and Ellis, working together, structured approximately $183,853. They estimate that they used almost all of those funds to pay cash kickbacks to Runyon and that they paid approximately $237,000 in cash kickbacks during that period.

Ellis has agreed to forfeit $215,355.85 and Herndon has agreed to forfeit $132,000 to the United States, representing a portion of the funds involved in and traceable to structuring.

Ellis and Herndon are scheduled to be sentenced on October 27, 2014 in Charleston.

Today’s charges stem from an investigation being conducted by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the West Virginia State Police.  Assistant United States Attorney Meredith George Thomas is in charge of the prosecutions.

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man who participated in a conspiracy to distribute heroin in Huntington in 2013 pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Steven Edward Lewis, also known as “Rico,” 27, pleaded guilty before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers to conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

Beginning in the summer of 2013, Lewis participated in a conspiracy with Christopher Lamarr-Shawn Harris, Denzel Lamar Bunkley, Jakaiser Wesley Jackson, Brandon S. Keaton and others, to distribute heroin primarily in West Huntington.  As part of his guilty plea, Lewis admitted he was recruited by Harris to travel from Detroit to Huntington to assist in heroin distributions.  Lewis also admitted to distributing heroin in West Huntington, transporting heroin between various locations, and transporting cash proceeds from heroin distributions from Huntington to Detroit.

On December 31, 2013, officers with the Huntington Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit executed a search warrant at an apartment located at 1416 Jefferson Avenue in West Huntington.  Officers seized approximately 413 grams of heroin and $12,349 in cash during the search.  Officers also arrested Lewis, Harris and Bunkley, who were located inside the apartment.

Harris, Bunkley and Jackson, all of Detroit, previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy and will be sentenced in October 2014.  Keaton, of Huntington, was sentenced yesterday to 15 months in federal prison for his role.

Lewis faces five to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on October 14, 2014.

The Huntington Police Department Special Investigations Unit, the West Virginia State Police, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Marshals Service all participated in 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 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 opiates, including heroin, in communities across the Southern District. 

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A West Huntington man was sentenced today to 15 months in federal prison for his role in a heroin distribution conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Brandon S. Keaton, 28, pleaded guilty in April 2014 to conspiracy to distribute a quantity of heroin before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers in Huntington.

Beginning in the summer of 2013, Keaton participated in a conspiracy along with Christopher Lamarr-Shawn Harris, Denzel Lamar Bunkley, Jakaiser Wesely Jackson, and others, to distribute heroin primarily in West Huntington.  On December 30, 2013, Keaton distributed heroin to a confidential informant in the 1400 block of Jefferson Avenue in West Huntington.  After the distribution, Keaton was observed entering an apartment located at 1416 Jefferson Avenue. 

On December 31, 2013, officers with the Huntington Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit executed a search warrant at the Jefferson Avenue apartment.  Officers seized approximately 413 grams of heroin and $12,349 in United States currency during the search.  Keaton was arrested on January 26, 2014, and admitted to officers that he participated with others in the conspiracy by distributing heroin in West Huntington from the apartment over a six-month period.

Harris, Bunkley, and Jackson all previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy and are scheduled to be sentenced in October 2014.

The Huntington Police Department Special Investigations Unit, the West Virginia State Police, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Marshals Service all participated in the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams 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 pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiates, including heroin, in communities across the Southern District. 

CHARLESTON, W. Va. – Ronald Barnette, 53, of Holden, West Virginia, and  Gary Griffith, 62, of Oceana, West Virginia, both pleaded guilty today to making a materially false statement in a federal matter, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced.  Barnette and Griffith now each face up to five years in prison.  Barnette admitted to lying about paying kickbacks to the general manager of Arch Coal’s Mountain Laurel mining complex, located in Logan County, while Griffith admitted to lying about receiving kickbacks as an employee of Arch Coal.

Barnette owned and operated Mining Repair Specialist, Inc., which did rebuild work on miners and bolters at the Mountain Laurel complex for several years. From 2009 through sometime in 2010, Barnette admitted that he paid approximately $300,000 in kickbacks to a high level Arch employee, who is identified in other court documents as mine general manager David Runyon, so that Runyon would continue hiring Barnette’s company to do rebuild work at the mine. Barnette further admitted that he lied to agents regarding paying cash kickbacks.  When asked by Internal Revenue Service agents, along with investigators from the West Virginia State Police (WVSP), whether Barnette had ever paid cash kickbacks to Runyon, Barnette falsely stated that he did not. 

Barnette has agreed to forfeit $400,000 to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in connection with the kickback scheme.

Griffith, the former maintenance manager at Mountain Laurel, admitted that since 2002 he received cash kickbacks in the amount of at least $250,000 on behalf of himself and Runyon from an individual associated with the North American Rebuild Company, Inc. (NARCO).  NARCO provided shuttle cars to Arch Coal’s Ben Creek mine and the Mountain Laurel mining complex.  Griffith admitted that an individual, on behalf of NARCO, paid kickbacks to Griffith and Runyon for each shuttle car ordered at the mines.  When Griffith was asked by federal agents about receiving kickbacks either personally or on behalf of Runyon, he denied it.

Griffith has agreed to pay $250,000 in restitution to Arch Coal, Inc., in connection with the kickback scheme.

Barnette and Griffith entered their guilty pleas before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.  Both are scheduled to be sentenced on October 20, 2014, in Charleston.

Today’s guilty pleas stem from an investigation being conducted by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the WVSP.  Assistant United States Attorney Meredith George Thomas is in charge of the prosecution.

Alvis Porter admits to paying kickbacks; pleads guilty to tax crime

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that two defendants pleaded guilty to drug charges before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger. Amanda Nicole Canaday, 26, of White Sulphur Springs, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin, admitting that on August 31, 2013, she possessed 56 packets of heroin in her apartment in White Sulphur Springs. Canaday further admitted that she intended to sell the heroin packets. She faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine when she is sentenced on October 30, 2014.

Joshua Daniel Osborne, 31, of Lima, Ohio, pleaded guilty to traveling in interstate commerce to facilitate an unlawful activity. Osborne admitted that on September 1, 2013, he traveled by car from Alderson, West Virginia, to Columbus, Ohio, obtained a quantity of heroin, and returned with it to Alderson, where he placed quantities of heroin into capsules, intending to sell them. He further admitted that he had made other trips to Columbus to obtain heroin, which he then sold in Alderson. Osborne faces up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000 when he is sentenced on October 30, 2014. 

These cases were investigated by the Greenbrier Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. The prosecutions are being handled by Assistant United States Attorney John File. The cases are being prosecuted under the Greenbrier County 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 the distribution of heroin.

Alvis Porter admits to paying kickbacks; pleads guilty to tax crime

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A 61-year-old Logan County man faces up to five years in prison after pleading guilty today to failing to collect, account for, and pay over federal employment taxes, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. Alvis Porter, of Holden, West Virginia, also admitted to paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in kickbacks to the general manager of Arch Coal’s Mountain Laurel mining complex, located in Logan County.

Porter owned and operated a company called Quality Oil, Inc., which did construction work at the Mountain Laurel complex for several years. In 2009, Porter admitted, he began paying kickbacks to Mountain Laurel’s general manager, who is identified in other court documents as David Runyon, so that Runyon would continue hiring Porter’s company to do construction work at the mine. Initially, Porter paid Runyon $5,000 a month in kickbacks, a sum that later grew to $10,000 a month. Porter estimates that over four years, he paid Runyon approximately $400,000 in kickbacks.

Porter also admitted that in 2013, he paid a Quality Oil employee cash wages, under the table, so that Porter could avoid withholding federal income, Social Security and Medicare taxes for that employee. Porter paid the employee more than $63,000 in cash for half of 2013. Failing to collect and pay over federal employment taxes is a crime.

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

Porter entered today’s guilty plea before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston, who is scheduled to sentence Porter on October 16, 2014, in Charleston.
Today’s plea 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 prosecution.

Eight more guilty plea hearings are scheduled for other defendants associated with the Arch kickback scheme:

United States v. Gary Griffith, scheduled for 1:30 p.m., July 14, 2014; United States v. Ronald Barnette, scheduled for 3:00 p.m., July 14, 2014; United States v. Scott Ellis, scheduled for 10:00 a.m., July 16, 2014; United States v. Scott Herndon, scheduled for 10:30 a.m., July 16, 2014; United States v. David Herndon, scheduled for 10:30 a.m., July 17, 2014; United States v. Chadwick Lusk, scheduled for 10:30 a.m., July 21, 2014; United States v. James Evans III, scheduled for 10:30 a.m., August 4, 2014; and
United States v. David Runyon, scheduled for 10:00 a.m., August 7, 2014.

Pill Dealer Gets 12 Years in Federal Prison

Beckley, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that two defendants appeared before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger on drug charges in federal court in Beckley.  Michael Harshaw, 38, of Hinton, was sentenced to 10 years in prison after previously pleading guilty to using a telephone on October 3, 2012 to set up a transaction in which he distributed five oxycodone pills to a person cooperating with authorities.  He also admitted that on October 10, 2012, he possessed a quantity of pills containing alprazolam, also known as xanax.  Both offenses occurred in Hinton.  Harshaw received an additional 2 years in prison for violating the conditions of supervised release imposed in connection with a previous federal drug conviction.  His case was investigated by the West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John File.

Tiffany Rose Arbogast, 24, of Lewisburg, pled guilty to distributing heroin in Lewisburg to a person cooperating with authorities on December 15, 2012.  Arborgast also admitted that she had distributed between five and ten grams of heroin over a period of time.  She faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to  $1,000,000 when she is sentenced on October 23, 2014.  This case was investigated by the Greenbrier Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force in connection with the Greenbrier County Heroin and Pill Initiative.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney John File.

These cases are part of an ongoing effort 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 the distribution of heroin in southern West Virginia. 

Charleston, W.Va. - Lucas R. Lynch, 31, of St. Albans, West Virginia was sentenced to 30 months in prison for being a felon in possession of firearms, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today.  Lynch, who is prohibited from possessing guns because of a 2003 felony conviction, conspired with Keary Drake of Charleston to sell stolen firearms and split the proceeds.        

On September 8, 2013, Drake and Lynch drove to a St. Albans home where Mr. Lynch picked up two guns he had placed there previously.  While driving through St. Albans, a St. Albans Patrolman attempted to pull over Drake for a traffic violation.  Both guns--a rifle and a shotgun--were in Drake’s car at the time beside Lynch.  Drake did not immediately pull over. During the chase, Lynch jumped from Drake’s car around Rock Lake, South Charleston and was injured when Drake drove over Lynch’s ankle.  Drake continued to drive away from police at high speed until his car engine stalled in South Charleston.  Drake previously pled guilty and was also sentenced as a minor participant in the scheme. The firearms were returned to the lawful owner.

The St. Albans Police Department conducted the investigation, assisted by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms and Tobacco Enforcement.  Erik S. Goes and Jennifer Rada prosecuted the matter on behalf of the United States.  Judge Thomas Johnston, United States District Judge was the presiding judge.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A 52-year-old Logan County man faces up to three years in prison after admitting today to filing false tax returns, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. Gary Roeher, of Holden, West Virginia, entered a guilty plea before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.

Roeher admitted that on his 2010 and 2011 federal tax returns, he illegally claimed business-expense deductions for kickbacks that he paid to an Arch Coal official at the company’s Mountain Laurel Mining Complex.

Roeher and the official receiving the kickbacks stole money from Arch through a dummy invoice scheme. In the scheme, Roeher would submit bills to Arch for non-existent supplies that Roeher had purportedly provided to the company. The Arch official on the other end of the scheme would then falsely certify that the supplies had been received, so that Arch’s accounting department would pay the false bills that Roeher had submitted. After he got paid by Arch, Roeher would then pay the Arch official a kickback in exchange for his participation in the scheme. It was these kickback payments that Roeher falsely claimed as legitimate business expenses on his 2010 and 2011 tax returns.

Between 2010 and 2011, Roeher paid the Known Person $35,170.60 in kickbacks. In accordance with his plea agreement, Roeher has agreed to forfeit that amount to the Internal Revenue Service.

Arch’s Mount Laurel Mining Complex is located in Sharples, Logan County, West Virginia.

Roeher also admitted he deducted approximately $43,000 as a business expense for his company, CM Supply, when Roeher actually used those funds to install an in-ground swimming pool at his residence.

Roeher is scheduled to be sentenced on October 15, 2014, at 2:00 pm, in Charleston.

Nine more guilty plea hearings are scheduled for other defendants associated with the Arch kickback scheme:

United States v. Alvis Porter, scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on July 10, 2014; United States v. Gary Griffith, scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on July 14, 2014; United States v. Ronald Barnette, scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on July 14, 2014; United States v. Scott Ellis, scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on July 16, 2014; United States v. Scott Herndon, scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on July 16, 2014; United States v. David Herndon, scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on July 17, 2014; United States v. Chadwick Lusk, scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on July 21, 2014; United States v. James Evans III, scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on August 4, 2014; and
United States v. David Runyon, scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on August 7, 2014.

Today’s charge stems from an investigation being conducted by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the West Virginia State Police.  Assistant United States Attorney Meredith George Thomas is in charge of the prosecution.

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Two Detroit men who participated in a conspiracy to distribute heroin in Huntington in 2013 and 2014 pleaded guilty today to federal drug charges, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Denzell Lamar Bunkley, also known as “Chotty” and “King,” 21, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, and Jakaiser Wesley Jackson, also known as “J” and “Jigga,” 21, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. Both pleas were entered before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

On December 31, 2013, officers with the Huntington Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit executed a search warrant at an apartment located at 1416 Jefferson Avenue, in West Huntington.  Officers seized approximately 413 grams of heroin and $12,349 in cash during the search.  Officers also arrested  Bunkley, Christopher Lamarr-Shawn Harris and another individual.  Bunkley admitted to possessing the heroin seized for distribution and further admitted that the apartment was utilized by Harris and others as a location to prepare and distribute heroin.

On April 2, 2014, officers executed a search warrant for two rooms at the Red Roof Inn Hotel located on Route 60 in Huntington.  Officers seized approximately 192 grams of heroin along with $3,000 in cash during the search.  Jackson was present at the hotel just prior to the search.  Jackson admitted that he was recruited by Harris in January 2014 to assist with heroin distributions in Huntington.  Jackson also admitted that he, along with Harris, arranged to transport the heroin from Detroit in the days prior to the search. 

Harris, also of Detroit, also pleaded guilty today to his role in the conspiracy.

Bunkley and Jackson each face five to 40 years in federal prison when they are sentenced on October 6, 2014.

The Huntington Police Department Special Investigations Unit, the West Virginia State Police, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Marshals Service all participated in 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 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 opiates, including heroin, in communities across the Southern District. 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Joseph James Salmons was sentenced to two years in federal prison and two other men, Richard A. Mullins and John Freddie Joe Johnson, were sentenced to three years’ probation on charges relating to the distribution of oxycodone in Lincoln County. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentences.

Salmons, 24, of Hamlin, previously pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the distribution of oxycodone, admitting that on February 13, 2013, he and Mullins sold a confidential information five 30 mg oxycodone pills. Salmons also admitted to other drug sales in Lincoln County.

Mullins, 49, of West Hamlin, previously pleaded guilty to distributing oxycodone. Mullins admitted that on January 13, 2013, he sold 5 30 mg oxycodone pills to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. Mullins met the informant in the parking lot of the Blossom Junction flower shop in West Hamlin and conducted the drug deal from his car. Mullins also admitted during his plea hearing to other drug sales in Lincoln County.

Johnson, 37, also of West Hamlin, previously pleaded guilty to assisting Mullins and Salmons in selling oxycodone to a confidential informant outside of Johnson’s residence in West Hamlin, Lincoln County, in February 2013.

The Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman 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 communities across the Southern District.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Johnny Richard Rowe, of Bluewell, Mercer County, West Virginia, was sentenced today to eight years and a month in prison for a federal child pornography offense, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Rowe, 61, previously pleaded guilty in January to possessing child pornography.  Rowe’s sentence was handed down by Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber. 

An investigation conducted by the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force revealed that Rowe possessed 728 images and 14 videos of child pornography.  The images depict prepubescent minors and minors engaged in sexual acts.  The child pornography was discovered on Rowe’s computer and on a flash drive located at his residence in Bluewell.  The investigation also revealed that Rowe received and shared child pornography by using a file sharing network that allows users to download files from other people’s computers around the world.    

U.S. Attorney Goodwin stated, “The exploitation of innocent children is a heinous crime.  Child pornography has a highly destructive impact on the most vulnerable segment of society and my office will work diligently to ensure that criminals like Mr. Rowe are prosecuted to the fullest extent.”

The West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department, and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Johnston handled the prosecution. 

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

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that a federal inmate was sentenced to fifteen additional months in federal prison for possessing a weapon while incarcerated. Billy Williams, 25, pleaded guilty last March, admitting that in October 2013, he possessed a homemade knife, commonly called a shank, while he was serving time at the Federal Correctional Institution at McDowell. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence and ordered that it run consecutively to the 120-month sentence that Williams is already serving for, among other offenses, assault with intent to kill while armed.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John File.

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man who led a conspiracy with other individuals to distribute heroin in Huntington in 2013 and 2014 pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Christopher Lamarr-Shawn Harris, also known as “C” and “Caesar,” 27, pleaded guilty before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers to conspiring to distribute a kilogram or more of heroin.

From at least the summer of 2013 to April 2, 2014, Harris led a conspiracy along with others, including Denzell Lamar Bunkley, Jakaiser Wesley Jackson, and Brandon S. Keaton, to distribute heroin, primarily in West Huntington.  Harris recruited co-conspirators and frequently arranged for the transportation of heroin from Detroit, Michigan, to Huntington.  Harris utilized multiple locations to store, prepare and distribute heroin, including the Red Roof Inn Hotel located on Route 60 in Huntington and an apartment located at 1416 Jefferson Avenue in West Huntington.  In addition to Bunkley, Jackson, and Keaton, Harris also recruited local residents to assist with drug distribution.

On December 31, 2013, officers with the Huntington Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit executed a search warrant at the Jefferson Avenue apartment.  Officers seized approximately 413 grams of heroin and $12,349 in cash during the search.  Officers also arrested Harris, Bunkley, and another individual who were located inside the apartment.

Harris was again arrested on February 20, 2014, in Ohio by the Ohio State Highway Patrol while travelling from Huntington to Detroit.  During his arrest, officers seized a total of $24,930 in cash from Harris.

Harris was arrested for a third time on April 2, 2014, after officers received information that he was again present at the Red Roof Inn in Huntington distributing heroin.  Officers executed a search warrant for two rooms at the hotel and seized approximately 192 grams of heroin along with $3,000 in cash.  Harris, along with Jackson, had arranged for the transportation from Detroit of the heroin seized in the days prior to the search. 

As part of his guilty plea, Harris admitted to arranging for the distribution of over one kilogram of heroin, primarily in West Huntington, during the conspiracy.  Harris also admitted to serving as a manager and organizer of the conspiracy and maintaining a residence for the purpose of distributing heroin.

Keaton, of Huntington, previously pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy.  Bunkley and Jackson, both of Detroit, also entered guilty pleas today.

Harris faces 10 years to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on October 6, 2014.

The Huntington Police Department Special Investigations Unit, the West Virginia State Police, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Marshals Service all participated in 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 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 opiates, including heroin, in communities across the Southern District. 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Jonathan Kennedy, 33, pleaded guilty today in federal court to two drug felonies – one related to his travel between Detroit, Michigan and Charleston, West Virginia, in aid of distributing heroin, and the second based on his use of a communication facility, his cellular telephone, in committing the crime of distribution of crack cocaine -- both in Charleston, West Virginia, where he resides.  In June 2014, Kennedy was indicted by a grand jury on one count of distributing heroin,  one count of distributing crack cocaine, one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin, one count of conspiracy to distribute oxymorphone and oxycodone, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of tampering with a witness.  Kennedy faces up to nine years’ imprisonment when he is sentenced on October 14, 2014.

This case was investigated by the Charleston Police Department. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston conducted today’s guilty plea hearing.

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

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington woman was sentenced today to 12 months and 1 day in federal prison for her role in a heroin distribution conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Alanna Lynn Mattison, 32, previously pleaded guilty in January 2014 to making an apartment available for use for storing and distributing heroin and oxycodone before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers in Huntington.

Between February 2013 and August 15, 2013, Mattison rented an apartment located at 522 14th Street West, in Huntington, and permitted Bobby Nelson Gulley to utilize her apartment to store and distribute heroin and oxycodone.  As part of her plea agreement, Mattison admitted her involvement in a conspiracy with Gulley and Helen Louise Adkins which resulted in the transportation of heroin and oxycodone from Detroit, Michigan, to Huntington for distribution.  Mattison also admitted to distributing heroin on behalf of Gulley during the conspiracy.   

In August 2013, agents executed search warrants at multiple locations tied to Gulley and Mattison, recovering over 140 grams of heroin, 974 oxycodone tablets and $12,000 cash.  Gulley previously pleaded guilty in connection with his involvement in the conspiracy and was sentenced in May 2014 to 63 months in federal prison.  

The Drug Enforcement Administration 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.  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 in communities across the Southern District. 

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington woman was sentenced today to 12 months and 1 day in federal prison for her role in a heroin distribution conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Alanna Lynn Mattison, 32, previously pleaded guilty in January 2014 to making an apartment available for use for storing and distributing heroin and oxycodone before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers in Huntington.

Between February 2013 and August 15, 2013, Mattison rented an apartment located at 522 14th Street West, in Huntington, and permitted Bobby Nelson Gulley to utilize her apartment to store and distribute heroin and oxycodone.  As part of her plea agreement, Mattison admitted her involvement in a conspiracy with Gulley and Helen Louise Adkins which resulted in the transportation of heroin and oxycodone from Detroit, Michigan, to Huntington for distribution.  Mattison also admitted to distributing heroin on behalf of Gulley during the conspiracy.   

In August 2013, agents executed search warrants at multiple locations tied to Gulley and Mattison, recovering over 140 grams of heroin, 974 oxycodone tablets and $12,000 cash.  Gulley previously pleaded guilty in connection with his involvement in the conspiracy and was sentenced in May 2014 to 63 months in federal prison.  

The Drug Enforcement Administration 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.  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 in communities across the Southern District. 

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man was sentenced today to 12 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of firearms and distributing heroin, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today. Antonio Smith, 32, will also serve three years’ supervised release after his prison term, under a sentence imposed by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers. Smith previously pleaded guilty to the two charges on March 31, 2014. 

On September 24, 2013, Smith used two firearms to shoot six individuals in the Northcott neighborhood of Huntington. Smith had previously been convicted of two violent felonies and thus could not legally possess the firearms that he used in the shootings. Separately, Smith sold heroin in Huntington to a confidential informant who, unbeknownst to Smith, was cooperating with investigators. Smith was later arrested in New York and returned to West Virginia for prosecution.   

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Huntington Violent Crime/Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Agency and the Huntington Police Department.  Special Assistant United States Attorney Sharon M. Frazier 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 opiates, including heroin, in communities across the Southern District. 

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man was sentenced today to 12 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of firearms and distributing heroin, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today. Antonio Smith, 32, will also serve three years’ supervised release after his prison term, under a sentence imposed by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers. Smith previously pleaded guilty to the two charges on March 31, 2014. 

On September 24, 2013, Smith used two firearms to shoot six individuals in the Northcott neighborhood of Huntington. Smith had previously been convicted of two violent felonies and thus could not legally possess the firearms that he used in the shootings. Separately, Smith sold heroin in Huntington to a confidential informant who, unbeknownst to Smith, was cooperating with investigators. Smith was later arrested in New York and returned to West Virginia for prosecution.   

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Huntington Violent Crime/Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Agency and the Huntington Police Department.  Special Assistant United States Attorney Sharon M. Frazier 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 opiates, including heroin, in communities across the Southern District. 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Former Mingo County prosecuting attorney C. Michael Sparks was sentenced today to a year in federal prison, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. The sentence comes after Sparks admitted his role in a scheme to coerce a Mingo County drug defendant, George White, into firing his defense counsel. According to Sparks, he and other Mingo officials, including former county commissioner David Baisden and former sheriff Eugene Crum, learned that White was prepared to testify that then-Sheriff Crum had been involved in criminal activity. In order to protect Crum from the impact of White’s allegations, including possible investigation, Baisden, Sparks, Crum, and former Mingo circuit judge Michael Thornsbury carried out a plan to pressure White into firing his defense attorney and replacing him with another attorney handpicked by the conspirators. After switching lawyers, White dropped his allegations against Crum and was sentenced to up to fifteen years in state prison.

The United States Constitution entitles criminal defendants to counsel of their choosing. By using their official authority to coerce White into firing his chosen lawyer and replacing him with the lawyer that they wanted, Sparks and the others involved violated that right. Using public authority to violate a person’s constitutional rights is a federal crime.

In the midst of the White scheme, federal investigators approached Sparks for information about wrongdoing by him and other Mingo officials. Sparks agreed to cooperate with authorities, becoming the first of a group of corrupt Mingo officeholders to assist federal agents. The information that Sparks provided laid the groundwork for a successful investigation of wrongdoing among those officials. To date, that investigation has led to federal prison terms for former Mingo County circuit judge Michael Thornsbury, former Mingo County commissioner David Baisden, and former Mingo County chief magistrate Dallas “Big Dal” Toler. In addition to their prison sentences, each of those officials has resigned his office as a result of the federal investigation, and Thornsbury and Sparks have lost their licenses to practice law.

Because of Sparks’ early and valuable participation in the investigation, Goodwin’s office sought a one-year prison sentence in Sparks’ case—significantly shorter than the sentences imposed on his fellow former officials.

“This sentence strikes an appropriate balance,” said U.S. Attorney Goodwin. “It punishes wrongdoing while encouraging officials involved in public corruption to come forward, admit what they’ve done, and help federal authorities. What Sparks did was indefensible, and he deserves prison time. But his early cooperation was vital to our investigation in Mingo County. This sentence underscores that telling the truth at the beginning of an investigation is always a wise decision.”

Today’s sentence was imposed by United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston, who last month sentenced Thornsbury to 50 months in prison for his role in the same scheme in which Sparks was involved and in March sentenced Toler to 27 months in prison for election fraud. In sentencing Sparks, Judge Johnston focused on the importance of Sparks’ early and truthful cooperation with federal officials.

In January, after pleading guilty in an extortion scheme, Baisden was sentenced to 20 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.

The investigation of corruption in Mingo County is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the West Virginia State Police. Counsel to the United States Attorney Steven R. Ruby and Assistant United States Attorney C. Haley Bunn are in charge of the prosecutions.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Former Mingo County prosecuting attorney C. Michael Sparks was sentenced today to a year in federal prison, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. The sentence comes after Sparks admitted his role in a scheme to coerce a Mingo County drug defendant, George White, into firing his defense counsel. According to Sparks, he and other Mingo officials, including former county commissioner David Baisden and former sheriff Eugene Crum, learned that White was prepared to testify that then-Sheriff Crum had been involved in criminal activity. In order to protect Crum from the impact of White’s allegations, including possible investigation, Baisden, Sparks, Crum, and former Mingo circuit judge Michael Thornsbury carried out a plan to pressure White into firing his defense attorney and replacing him with another attorney handpicked by the conspirators. After switching lawyers, White dropped his allegations against Crum and was sentenced to up to fifteen years in state prison.

The United States Constitution entitles criminal defendants to counsel of their choosing. By using their official authority to coerce White into firing his chosen lawyer and replacing him with the lawyer that they wanted, Sparks and the others involved violated that right. Using public authority to violate a person’s constitutional rights is a federal crime.

In the midst of the White scheme, federal investigators approached Sparks for information about wrongdoing by him and other Mingo officials. Sparks agreed to cooperate with authorities, becoming the first of a group of corrupt Mingo officeholders to assist federal agents. The information that Sparks provided laid the groundwork for a successful investigation of wrongdoing among those officials. To date, that investigation has led to federal prison terms for former Mingo County circuit judge Michael Thornsbury, former Mingo County commissioner David Baisden, and former Mingo County chief magistrate Dallas “Big Dal” Toler. In addition to their prison sentences, each of those officials has resigned his office as a result of the federal investigation, and Thornsbury and Sparks have lost their licenses to practice law.

Because of Sparks’ early and valuable participation in the investigation, Goodwin’s office sought a one-year prison sentence in Sparks’ case—significantly shorter than the sentences imposed on his fellow former officials.

“This sentence strikes an appropriate balance,” said U.S. Attorney Goodwin. “It punishes wrongdoing while encouraging officials involved in public corruption to come forward, admit what they’ve done, and help federal authorities. What Sparks did was indefensible, and he deserves prison time. But his early cooperation was vital to our investigation in Mingo County. This sentence underscores that telling the truth at the beginning of an investigation is always a wise decision.”

Today’s sentence was imposed by United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston, who last month sentenced Thornsbury to 50 months in prison for his role in the same scheme in which Sparks was involved and in March sentenced Toler to 27 months in prison for election fraud. In sentencing Sparks, Judge Johnston focused on the importance of Sparks’ early and truthful cooperation with federal officials.

In January, after pleading guilty in an extortion scheme, Baisden was sentenced to 20 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.

The investigation of corruption in Mingo County is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the West Virginia State Police. Counsel to the United States Attorney Steven R. Ruby and Assistant United States Attorney C. Haley Bunn are in charge of the prosecutions.

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Ceredo woman was sentenced today to 18 months in federal prison for her role in a heroin distribution conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Helen Louise Adkins, 43, previously pleaded guilty in January 2014 to distribution of heroin before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers in Huntington.

On  January 18, 2013, Adkins met with an undercover agent in the parking lot of a grocery store in Huntington and distributed approximately two grams of heroin.  As part of her plea agreement, Adkins admitted her involvement in a conspiracy with Bobby Nelson Gulley and Alanna Lynn Mattison that resulted in the transportation of heroin and oxycodone from Detroit, Michigan, to Huntington for distribution.  Between January and August 2013, Adkins rented an apartment located at 522 14th Street West, in Huntington, from which she permitted Gulley to conduct drug distributions.  Adkins also made heroin distributions at Gulley’s direction.    

In August 2013, agents executed search warrants at multiple locations tied to Gulley and Adkins, recovering over 140 grams of heroin, 974 oxycodone tablets and $12,000 in cash.  Gulley previously pleaded guilty in connection with his involvement in the conspiracy and was sentenced in May 2014 to 63 months in federal prison. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration 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.  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 in communities across the Southern District. 

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Ceredo woman was sentenced today to 18 months in federal prison for her role in a heroin distribution conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Helen Louise Adkins, 43, previously pleaded guilty in January 2014 to distribution of heroin before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers in Huntington.

On  January 18, 2013, Adkins met with an undercover agent in the parking lot of a grocery store in Huntington and distributed approximately two grams of heroin.  As part of her plea agreement, Adkins admitted her involvement in a conspiracy with Bobby Nelson Gulley and Alanna Lynn Mattison that resulted in the transportation of heroin and oxycodone from Detroit, Michigan, to Huntington for distribution.  Between January and August 2013, Adkins rented an apartment located at 522 14th Street West, in Huntington, from which she permitted Gulley to conduct drug distributions.  Adkins also made heroin distributions at Gulley’s direction.    

In August 2013, agents executed search warrants at multiple locations tied to Gulley and Adkins, recovering over 140 grams of heroin, 974 oxycodone tablets and $12,000 in cash.  Gulley previously pleaded guilty in connection with his involvement in the conspiracy and was sentenced in May 2014 to 63 months in federal prison. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration 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.  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 in communities across the Southern District. 

Charleston, W.Va. – The owner of a trucking company in southern West Virginia pleaded guilty today for failing to collect and pay federal employment taxes announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Richard L. Bailey, Jr., of Fayetteville, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to two federal tax charges.

Bailey owned and operated Duster Trucking Company, LLC, a coal hauling business in the Fayetteville area.  Bailey was required to deduct income taxes, social security taxes, and Medicare taxes from his employees’ wages, and to pay these taxes to the federal government.  In 2009, Bailey failed to collect and pay employment taxes in the amount of $16,170.23.  In 2010, Bailey again failed to collect and pay employment taxes of $9,155.99.

Bailey is scheduled for sentencing on October 1, 2014.  For each offense, Bailey faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.

Beckley, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that two area men pled guilty to drug charges in federal court in Beckley.  Tommy Ray Prater II, 34, of Beaver, pled guilty to traveling in interstate commerce to facilitate unlawful activity.  He admitted that on April 9 and 10, 2013, he and another person drove from Shady Spring, West Virginia to Camden, New Jersey, where they obtained heroin, and returned to Shady Spring where the heroin was sold.  Prater admitted that he had made this same trip for heroin  on other occasions.  He faces a sentence of up to five years and a $250,000 fine.  The case was investigated by the West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, and the FBI.

Christopher Miller, 32, of Alderson, pled guilty to distribution of heroin.  Miller admitted that in August of 2013, he distributed two packets of heroin to a person cooperating with law enforcement authorities.  The drug deal took place in the Alderson area.  Miller faces a sentence of up to twenty years and a $1,000,000 fine.  His case was investigated by the Greenbrier County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and is being prosecuted under the Greenbrier Heroin and 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. 

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger set sentencings in both cases for October 23, 2014.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Chapmanville, West Virginia, man was sentenced to eight months’ home confinement and three years’ probation for distribution of oxymorphone, a powerful painkiller often sold under the brand name Opana, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today.  Carl Tomblin, 50, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of oxymorphone on March 25, 2014. Today’s sentence was imposed by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.

Tomblin sold oxymorphone to a confidential police informant on five separate occasions in December 2013 and January 2014. Tomblin also admitted that he purchased and distributed oxymorphone for approximately eight months prior to January 2014.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. 119 Task Force and the West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn handled the prosecution.

The prosecution is part of an ongoing effort 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 pill and heroin in communities across the Southern District.

Former Sheriff’s Department Employee Created False Records to Hide Theft

Charleston, W.Va. – A 44-year old Fayette County woman faces up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty today to mail fraud, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced.  Cheryl Gray of Hilltop, West Virginia, entered a guilty plea before United States District Court Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. in Charleston.

Gray is a former employee of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department.  While at the Sheriff’s Department, Gray was charged with collecting application fees for concealed weapon permits, recording fees paid, and transmitting a list to the West Virginia State Police of permits issued each month.  For over six months, from October of 2012 through June of 2013, Gray kept cash payments for permits and failed to record the names of persons who paid cash on the State Police report.  To disguise her theft, Gray created a false set of receipt books.  The fraud resulted in losses to the State Police and Fayette County Sheriff’s Department of approximately $40,000. 

Gray is scheduled to be sentenced on September 23, 2014 in Charleston.

The West Virginia State Police, Fayette County Sheriff’s Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Blaire L. Malkin is in charge of the prosecution.

Bluefield, W.Va. – A 50-year old Mercer County man faces up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty today to possession of child pornography, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced.  Charles Edward Lawrence of Princeton, West Virginia, entered a guilty plea before Senior United States District Court Judge David A. Faber in Bluefield.

Following an undercover operation, law enforcement authorities executed a search warrant on Lawrence’s home on October 10, 2013.  Authorities seized videos from the home that depicted prepubescent minors having sex or performing sexual acts.  Lawrence maintained the child pornography on a USB flash drive.  Lawrence is scheduled to be sentenced on October 27, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. in Bluefield.

The West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department, the Southern Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office 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.

Bluefield, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Antonio Quintero, 36, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution at McDowell, pled guilty in federal court in Bluefield to possession of a weapon.  On March 7, staff members at the prison were escorting Quintero when they saw him throw something into a trash can.  When they searched the trash can, they recovered a homemade knife commonly referred to as a “shank.”

Quintero faces up to 33 months’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.  Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber has scheduled the sentencing for October 27, 2014.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons conducted the investigation, and the prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney John File.

Charleston, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Donald Covington, 44, of Dunbar, West Virginia entered a guilty plea to distribution of heroin on Tuesday, June 17, 2014.  On December 5, 2013, detectives with the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department STOP team used a confidential informant (“CI”) to buy heroin from Covington from his apartment at 405 11th Street in Dunbar.  Covington also sold heroin to the CI from his apartment on December 3, 2013, and on December 12, 2013.  Following the December 12, 2013 drug deal, police searched Covington’s apartment where they found three firearms, additional heroin, crack cocaine, and cocaine. 

Covington faces up to 20 years imprisonment when he is sentenced by Judge Thomas J. Johnston on October 1, 2014.

The case was investigated by the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department STOP Team.  Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman 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 United States 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 prescription pills and heroin in communities across the Southern District.