Southern District of West Virginia

Huntington, W.Va. - United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today’s sentencing of Brandon Golson for possession with intent to deliver heroin.  Chief Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed a sentence of 87 months for Golson’s role in a drug conspiracy that included transporting heroin and oxycodone from Detroit, Michigan for sale in Huntington.  Golson pleaded guilty on October 7, 2013 to possession with intent to deliver heroin.

In April of 2013, members of the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at 416 30th Street in Huntington, a place Golson shared with Cory Lynn McCourt.  During the search, agents found 10.9 grams of heroin.  Golson admitted that the heroin belonged to him and he planned to sell it.  Golson told agents that from January of 2010, to April of 2013, he received regular deliveries of heroin and oxycodone pills from Detroit that he sold in Huntington.   Golson also reported that he sold crack cocaine during this same period.   

Agents also found and seized multiple handguns and rounds of ammunition during the April search.  Golson admitted that he used the weapons for his protection during drug deals.

Assistant Greg McVey handled the prosecution.  This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs.  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. - United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today’s sentencing of Brandon Golson for possession with intent to deliver heroin.  Chief Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed a sentence of 87 months for Golson’s role in a drug conspiracy that included transporting heroin and oxycodone from Detroit, Michigan for sale in Huntington.  Golson pleaded guilty on October 7, 2013 to possession with intent to deliver heroin.

In April of 2013, members of the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at 416 30th Street in Huntington, a place Golson shared with Cory Lynn McCourt.  During the search, agents found 10.9 grams of heroin.  Golson admitted that the heroin belonged to him and he planned to sell it.  Golson told agents that from January of 2010, to April of 2013, he received regular deliveries of heroin and oxycodone pills from Detroit that he sold in Huntington.   Golson also reported that he sold crack cocaine during this same period.   

Agents also found and seized multiple handguns and rounds of ammunition during the April search.  Golson admitted that he used the weapons for his protection during drug deals.

Assistant Greg McVey handled the prosecution.  This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs.  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. - U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Helen Louise Adkins, of Ceredo, pleaded guilty today in federal court to distributing heroin to an undercover Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Agent.

In January of 2013, Adkins sold two grams of heroin to an undercover DEA agent in the parking lot of a Huntington grocery store.  When confronted, Adkins admitted that she was involved in a drug conspiracy with Bobby Nelson Gulley and Alanna Lynn Mattison to transport heroin and oxycodone from Detroit, Michigan for distribution in Huntington.  Between January and August of 2013, Adkins allowed Gulley to sell the drugs from her apartment at 522 14th Street West in Huntington.

In August of 2013, agents searched multiple locations associated with the drug conspiracy.  During the search, agents recovered over 140 grams of heroin, 974 oxycodone tablets and $12,000 in cash.  Gulley pleaded guilty on January 21, for his involvement in the conspiracy.

Adkins faced up to 20 years in federal prison.  Sentencing is scheduled for April 28, 2014.  DEA and the Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is in charge of the prosecution. 

This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs.  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. - U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Helen Louise Adkins, of Ceredo, pleaded guilty today in federal court to distributing heroin to an undercover Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Agent.

In January of 2013, Adkins sold two grams of heroin to an undercover DEA agent in the parking lot of a Huntington grocery store.  When confronted, Adkins admitted that she was involved in a drug conspiracy with Bobby Nelson Gulley and Alanna Lynn Mattison to transport heroin and oxycodone from Detroit, Michigan for distribution in Huntington.  Between January and August of 2013, Adkins allowed Gulley to sell the drugs from her apartment at 522 14th Street West in Huntington.

In August of 2013, agents searched multiple locations associated with the drug conspiracy.  During the search, agents recovered over 140 grams of heroin, 974 oxycodone tablets and $12,000 in cash.  Gulley pleaded guilty on January 21, for his involvement in the conspiracy.

Adkins faced up to 20 years in federal prison.  Sentencing is scheduled for April 28, 2014.  DEA and the Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is in charge of the prosecution. 

This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs.  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. – A Charleston pill dealer who illegally purchased powerful prescription painkillers in April 2012 was sentenced yesterday to six months in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  William Lewis Thornhill, II, 31, previously pleaded guilty in October to possession with intent to distribute oxymorphone, also known as “Opana.”  Thornhill’s sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. in Charleston.  On April 4, 2012, Thornhill purchased approximately 50 40-milligram Opana tablets.  Thornhill told police that he intended to sell the prescription pain tablets.  The illegal transaction occurred in and around Kanawha City.     

The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks 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.

Defendants charged as part of Charleston’s West Side Drug Market Intervention initiative 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two Charleston men each face up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty today to federal drug charges, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. Deandre D. Coleman, 22, pleaded guilty to distribution of crack cocaine.  In a separate hearing, defendant Jamaal D. Davis, also known as “DT,” pleaded guilty to heroin distribution.  Both men pleaded guilty in front of United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. in Charleston federal court.   

Davis and Coleman were prosecuted as part of the Charleston area’s Drug Market Intervention (DMI) initiative. The defendants were designated members of the DMI A-list, which comprises the most serious offenders identified in the initiative. 

On July 9, 2013, Coleman sold crack cocaine to a confidential informant working in cooperation with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) in exchange for $100.  A lab test determined that the crack cocaine weighed .52 grams. 

Davis, 22, sold heroin to a police informant on June 13, 2013 in exchange for $180.  The illegal drug transaction took place on Roane Street in Charleston.    

The Charleston Police Department and other law enforcement agencies, including MDENT, have conducted undercover operations and completed investigations culminating in federal charges being filed against thirteen individuals.  

The DMI initiative was launched in February 2012 by U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin and Charleston Police Chief Brent Webster, in collaboration with other federal, state, local law enforcement agencies and leaders representing several West Side community development organizations. A continuation of the DMI initiative was announced last month in Charleston. 

The DMI strategy also included a staged community intervention that was held at the New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church on Charleston’s West Side.  The community intervention meeting offered a rare second chance for five low-level, non-violent offenders to end their criminal activity and avoid being prosecuted, if a strict set of guidelines set by law enforcement are obeyed.  The Dec. 12 community intervention call-in meeting was attended by offenders’ relatives, concerned citizens, and faith-based leaders from the West Side community.  The call-in meeting was coordinated and attended by federal, state and local law enforcement officials. 

Davis and Coleman are scheduled to be sentenced on April 22, 2014.

Assistant United States Attorney John Frail is in charge of the prosecutions. 

Seven defendants charged to date in ongoing fraud investigation at Massey legacy mines

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A total of six individuals have been sentenced for their roles in a major false billing scheme involving sourcing agents at former Massey Legacy Mines (“Massey”) -- now Alpha Natural Resources (“Alpha”) -- and certain companies that provided supplies, equipment, and services to Alpha, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today. Donald Bryan Steele, the former owner of M&S Hydraulics, a major Alpha supplier, was sentenced today to 18 months in federal prison. Steele, 43, of Barboursville, previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aiding and abetting in connection with the fraud scheme. 

When approached by law enforcement in February 2013, Steele admitted to investigators that during the scheme, he illegally provided cash and other things of value to former Massey sourcing agents Joey R. Phalin, Edward Ellis Mullins, and Nicholas R. Coleman, in exchange for bogus invoices for payment that M&S Hydraulics knowingly had not provided.  Between at least July 2007 through 2012, Steele falsely billed, through the sourcing agents, approximately $1.3 million for goods and services that were not provided. 

The sourcing agents, who were generally responsible for ordering goods and services for mining operations from Alpha suppliers, participated in the illegal scheme to obtain goods for their own personal benefit. The sourcing agents hid numerous illegal transactions by creating false invoices. 

Phalin, 36, of Crab Orchard, W.Va., was sentenced today to five years’ probation, the first three months of which are to be served on home confinement.  Mullins, 41, of Peytona, W.Va., was sentenced yesterday to five years’ probation, the first ten months of which are to be served on home confinement.  Coleman, 29, of Lester, W.Va. was sentenced yesterday to five years’ probation for his role in the scheme.

Through his cooperation, Steele identified other sourcing agents involved in the scheme.  Last week, former sourcing agent Ricky R. Smith, of 49, Glen Daniels, was sentenced to 1 ½ years in federal prison.  James Rodger Long II, 34, of Beckley, also a sourcing agent, was sentenced to 1 ½ years in prison. 

Harold Wayne Brown, II, a former Alpha underground maintenance chief, previously pleaded guilty to making a false statement to federal authorities regarding benefits he had received from the false billing scheme.  Brown, II, 41, of Madison, W.Va. is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 21, 2014.  

The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the West Virginia State Police with cooperation from Alpha Natural Resource’s internal security team.  Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Ryan is in charge of the prosecutions. 

In June 2011, Alpha Natural Resources finalized the purchase of Massey, including the mining divisions located along WV Route 3 in Boone and Raleigh counties. 

Defendant Kermit Ware III charged as part of Charleston’s West Side Drug Market Intervention initiative 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man who used a cell phone to commit a drug crime in July 2013 entered a guilty plea in Charleston federal court today, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced.  On July 10, 2013, Kermit Ware, III, used his cell phone to facilitate an illegal heroin transaction.  Ware, 25, pleaded guilty today before United States District Court Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.   

Ware is scheduled to be sentenced on April 14, 2014.  The defendant is being prosecuted as part of the Charleston area’s Drug Market Intervention (DMI) initiative.  Ware was designated a member of the DMI A-list, which comprises the most serious offenders identified in the initiative. 

The Kanawha Bureau of Investigation and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecution. 

The DMI initiative was launched in February 2012 by U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin and Charleston Police Chief Brent Webster, in collaboration with other federal, state, local law enforcement agencies and leaders representing several West Side community development organizations. A continuation of the DMI initiative was announced last month in Charleston. 

Over the past several months, the Charleston Police Department and other law enforcement agencies have conducted undercover operations and completed investigations culminating in federal charges being filed against thirteen individuals.  

Drug Market Intervention, first implemented in High Point, North Carolina, and replicated with success in several other cities, including Huntington, W.Va., is a strategic problem-solving initiative aimed at closing down drug markets that breed crimes of violence and disorder. 

The DMI strategy also included a staged community intervention that was held in December 2013 at New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church on Charleston’s West Side.  The community intervention meeting offered a rare second chance for five low-level, non-violent offenders to end their criminal activity and avoid being prosecuted, if they obey a set of strict guidelines established by law enforcement.  The Dec. 12, 2013 community intervention call-in meeting was attended by offenders’ relatives, concerned citizens, and faith-based leaders from the West Side community.  The call-in meeting was organized and attended by federal, state and local law enforcement officials. 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston felon who illegally possessed a firearm and ammunition in July 2012 was sentenced today to five years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Thirty-three-year-old Marcus J. Kenner, also known as “Cheese,” previously pleaded guilty in September 2013 to being a felon in possession of a firearm.  The sentence was handed down by United States District Court Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. in Charleston.   

On July 14, 2012, Kenner possessed a 9-millimeter pistol and ammunition in Charleston.  Kenner was previously convicted in January 2006 of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance in the Circuit Court of Kanawha County.  The defendant did not have his rights to possess a firearm restored. 

The investigation was conducted by the Charleston Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney John Frail handled the prosecution. 

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

BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Shady Spring man who stole a high-powered rifle from a Raleigh County residence last year was sentenced yesterday to four years and nine months in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Cameron Martin Taylor, 25, of Shady Spring, Raleigh Co., W.Va., previously pleaded guilty in September 2013 to stealing a firearm.  Taylor’s sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Irene C. Berger in Beckley. 

On April 24, 2013, Taylor stole an AR-50 rifle from a residence located near White Oak, Raleigh Co., W.Va. 

The investigation was conducted by the West Virginia State Police.  Assistant United States Attorney John File handled the prosecution. 

The 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.

BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – A federal inmate was sentenced today to three years and one month in prison for attempting to escape the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) at McDowell, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Jason Dunlap, an inmate at FCI McDowell, 35, previously pleaded guilty in September 2013.  Dunlap’s sentence was imposed by Senior United States District Court Judge David A. Faber in Bluefield.

On May 7, 2013, Dunlap attempted to escape at FCI McDowell by climbing to the top of the first of two perimeter fences at the prison.  Dunlap was immediately apprehended by prison officials. 

The Court ordered the sentence to run consecutive to the defendant’s current prison term.  Dunlap is currently serving a 188-month sentence on his convictions in federal court in California of bank robbery, armed bank robbery and interstate transportation of stolen motor vehicles. 

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

 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin today issued the following statement regarding his office’s investigation into the release of a potentially dangerous chemical into the southern West Virginia water supply:

“As the immediate water crisis begins to ease and West Virginians regain access to drinkable water, I want to make three things clear. One, my office will continue working as quickly as possible to find out exactly what happened here, including the complete timeline of the release and what was done---or not done---before and after it. Two, if our investigation reveals that federal criminal laws were violated, we will move rapidly to hold the wrongdoers accountable. And three, companies whose facilities could affect the public water supply should be on notice: if you break federal environmental laws, you will be prosecuted. Our drinking water is not something you can take chances with, and this mess can never be allowed to happen again.”

Click here to listen to an audio sound bite from U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington felon faces up to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to a federal firearm possession charge, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today.  Jerry T. Kinney, 29, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.  On September 5, 2013, Kinney illegally possessed a .45 caliber pistol near Huntington. 

Kinney was previously convicted of possession of a controlled substance in November 2002 in the Third Judicial Circuit Court in Detroit, Michigan.  Kinney also was previously convicted of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person in October 2010 in the Circuit Court of Cabell County, West Virginia.  He did not have his rights to possess a firearm restored.

Kinney is scheduled to be sentenced on April 14, 2014 by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.   

The investigation was conducted by the Huntington Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force.  Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey is in charge of the prosecution. 

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

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man was sentenced to five years in federal prison today in connection with a heroin distribution scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Durrell Desean Lucas, also known as “D,” of Huntington, previously pleaded guilty in September 2013 to conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.  Lucas’ sentence was handed down by Chief United States District Court Judge Robert C. Chambers in Huntington. 

Between January 2013 and July 1, 2013, Lucas, 40, participated in a heroin distribution scheme in and around the Huntington area. Lucas told police that he and several associates made trips from Detroit to Huntington to sell heroin.  During the scheme, Lucas also made phone calls to an undercover DEA agent to arrange two separate heroin transactions on June 30 and July 1, 2013.  The two heroin transactions took place in Huntington.     

DEA agents obtained a search warrant for an apartment located in the Prichard Building in Huntington.  Mr. Lucas, who was inside of the apartment at the time the search warrant was executed, told police that he threw approximately 12 grams of heroin out the window.  Officers were able to find the heroin.      
Mr. Lucas told police that he was responsible for selling a total of approximately 150 to 250 grams of heroin in and around Huntington. 

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

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Columbus man who had heroin and oxycodone during an August 2013 traffic stop pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Antoine Walker, 27, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin and oxycodone before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers in Huntington.  

On August 7, 2013 Walker’s vehicle was stopped by members of the Ohio Highway Patrol.  During the traffic stop, police found approximately 300 grams of heroin and 498 oxycodone pills inside of Walker’s vehicle.    

Walker told police that he was en route to Huntington and intended to deliver the heroin and oxycodone to an associate. 

Walker faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 14, 2014. 

The Huntington Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey is in charge of the prosecution. 

This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs.  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. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin today issued the following statement regarding yesterday’s release of a potentially dangerous chemical into the southern West Virginia water supply:

“Yesterday’s release of a potentially dangerous chemical into our water supply has put hundreds of thousands of West Virginians at risk, severely disrupted our region’s economy, and upended people’s daily lives. My office and other federal law enforcement authorities have opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the release. We will determine what caused it and take whatever action is appropriate based on the evidence we uncover.”

Click here to listen to an audio sound bite from U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin

Police found a total more than 3,700 wrapped doses of heroin and cocaine during traffic stop

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A 28-year-old man who had thousands of individually wrapped doses of heroin and cocaine during a June 2013 traffic stop in Charleston was sentenced today to four years and nine months in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced.  William Charles Landon, IV, of Charleston, previously pleaded guilty in October 2013 to possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine.  The sentence was handed down by United States District Court Judge Thomas E. Johnston in Charleston. 

On June 16, 2013, police conducted a traffic stop of Landon’s vehicle along Interstate 79 in Charleston.  Landon later consented to a search of the vehicle.  During the search, police seized approximately 3,747 individually wrapped doses of heroin and nearly 100 grams of cocaine.  Landon told police that the cocaine and heroin belonged to him. 

This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team.  Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks handled the prosecution. 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Wayne County felon who illegally possessed a firearm was sentenced today to two years in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced.  Keith Brian Clark, 47, of East Lynn, W.Va., previously pleaded guilty in October 2013 to being a felon in possession of a firearm.  The sentence was handed down by United States District Court Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. in Charleston.   

On June 18, 2012, Clark illegally possessed a 9-millimeter pistol near Harts, Lincoln County, W.Va.  Clark was previously convicted in August 2004 of second degree robbery in the Circuit Court of Wayne County.  The defendant did not have his rights to possess a firearm restored.   

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn handled the prosecution. 

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

RHODE ISLAND PILL DEALER SENTENCED TO FEDERAL PRISON

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Rhode Island pill dealer who had hundreds of oxycodone pills and thousands in cash inside of a rented Charleston-area hotel room in May 2012 was sentenced today to two years and eight months in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced.  Benjamin Steven Campopiano, 29, of Cranston, Rhode Island, previously pleaded guilty in September 2013 to possession of oxycodone with intent to distribute.  On May 22, 2012, law enforcement agents obtained a search warrant for an Embassy Suites hotel room that was rented at the time by Campopiano.  During the execution of the search warrant, police seized approximately 298 30-milligram oxycodone tablets, $7,820 in cash and marijuana. 

Campopiano told police that he distributed oxycodone to individuals in and around Charleston. The defendant also told police that the cash seized from his rented hotel room was proceeds collected from illegal pill transactions. 

The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks handled the prosecution. 

The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston. 

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

BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – A 60-year-old Mercer County pedophile faces up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty yesterday to possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced.  Johnny Richard Rowe, of Bluewell, W.Va., entered a guilty plea on Jan. 6 before Senior United States District Court Judge David A. Faber in Bluefield. 

On June 19, 2013, Rowe possessed pictures of prepubescent minors having sex or performing sexual acts. Rowe possessed the images depicting child pornography on his personal computer.

Rowe is scheduled to be sentenced on May 12, 2014. 

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

ILLEGAL CASH STRUCTURING SCHEME

BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – A former mining supply businessman was sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty earlier this year to structuring thousands of dollars in bank transactions, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Michael J. Prasatek, Sr., 67, of Bluefield, was sentenced yesterday to 16 months in prison.  The sentence was handed down by Senior United States District Court Judge David A. Faber. Prasatek, a former businessman who managed several supply companies in and around southern West Virginia since 1978, knowingly provided a coal mine operator with bogus invoices in a scheme known as “selling cash.”

During the scheme, in exchange for fake supply invoices, Prasatek received a check in the amount of the fictitious invoice and later deposited the money into his personal bank account. Prasatek then returned the cash to his associate for a fee.  Prasatek knew that the false invoice could be used for unlawful purposes such as filing a false tax deduction. 

To further his scheme, Prasatek opened up checking accounts at two McDowell County banks using the names “Michael Prasatek DBA Prestige Paving & Sealing” and “Michael Prasatek DBA Quality Services” and routinely structured cash withdrawals.  “Structuring” involves the breaking down of cash transactions in amounts of $10,000 or less for the purpose of avoiding a financial institution’s reporting requirements to the IRS.

Prasatek admitted that beginning in May 2010 until December 20111, he structured several cash transactions totaling approximately $55,000, to intentionally avoid the mandatory financial reporting requirements.

The Court also sentenced Prasatek to three years’ supervised release and ordered him to pay a $3,000 fine.

The investigation was conducted by the IRS.  Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Ryan handled the prosecution.

  

BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – A Mercer County man who falsified mandatory mine safety reports while employed at several West Virginia mining operations was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today. Craig Belcher, 37, of Bluefield, W.Va., previously pleaded guilty in July to providing a false statement, representation and certification in a Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) document.  Belcher’s sentence was handed down today by Senior United States District Court Judge David A. Faber in Bluefield.

In January 2009, Belcher was hired to work as an underground mine foreman at Spartan Mining Company’s Road Fork No. 51 mine located in Wyoming County.  Also in February 2009, Belcher was hired to perform mine foreman duties at Frasure Creek’s Mine No. 15 located in Fayette County.  Belcher also performed similar foreman duties in May 2009 at Pay Car’s Mine No. 58 in McDowell County, and, in July 2010 at Double Bonus’s Mine No. 65 in Wyoming County.

Between January 27, 2009 and July 13, 2010, Belcher signed pre-shift and on-shift reports which indicated that he had properly examined particular sections at each mine.  Belcher was not certified as a foreman when he completed the mine reports.  Belcher also falsified information on pre-shift and on-shift reports by using foreman’s numbers that did not belong to him.  

The investigation was conducted by MSHA.  Assistant United States Attorney Blaire Malkin handled the prosecution.  

Defendants posed as family members and clergymen to rip off Good-Samaritan victims

*Audio clip included*

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Three individuals who participated in an alleged scheme that netted more than $60,000 in one week from senior citizens in West Virginia and elsewhere have been indicted on multiple federal fraud charges, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today. According to a 12-count indictment unsealed today, Kacey K. Moise, 38, of Elmont, N.Y., Charnita E. Ryland, 21, of Montgomery, Md., and Sheray J. McKay, 21, of Suitland, Md., have been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud.  Kacey Moise was arrested today in Elmont, N.Y. The indictment describes the defendants’ fraudulent tactics, which included posing as family members of their elderly victims and pretending to be clergymen. After establishing their victims’ trust, the defendants claimed to be facing a financial emergency and asked the victims to wire money right away.

"Scams to steal from older West Virginians are downright shameful,” U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said. “Protecting our state’s senior citizens is one of my top priorities, and in 2014, we’re going to work harder than ever to catch criminals who cheat seniors.”

According to the indictment, beginning in or about November 7, 2012, and continuing through November 13, 2012, Moise, Ryland and McKay allegedly participated in a scheme to solicit money from 18 elderly individuals who resided in West Virginia and other states.  As part of the scheme, numerous elderly individuals were called at their homes and asked for money under false pretenses.  It was a part of the scheme that the callers, posing as family members or clergymen of the elderly citizens, or lawyers for the so-called family members or clergymen, often falsely stated that they had been in car accidents, had been arrested for driving while intoxicated, and needed money to get out of jail, pay attorney’s fees, and make reimbursement for the damage allegedly caused by their accidents.  The callers then provided specific instructions to wire the requested funds – including how much to wire and where to send the wire transfers.  In many instances, the elderly individuals made several wire transfers at the repeated requests of the callers – despite their limited funds.  The defendants charged in the indictment picked up the funds from the wire transfers in Maryland and New York.  The victims targeted in the alleged scheme ranged in age from 70 to 95 years old. 

Ryland and McKay were previously arrested in Maryland in December 2013, and are each scheduled to appear before United States Magistrate Judge Dwayne L. Tinsley this week to be arraigned. 

Moise is expected to appear before Judge Tinsley on January 23, 2014, for arraignment.

Each defendant faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. 

Today’s charges are part of U.S. Attorney Goodwin’s work to protect West Virginia’s senior citizens.  Over the past few years, Goodwin has visited senior center locations in nearly twenty West Virginia counties to offer tips to protect seniors in their homes and help them avoid financial scams like this one. Additional information regarding this initiative can be found at: http://www.justice.gov/usao/wvs/safe-seniors.html

Note: The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Click here to view a copy of the indictment

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

Defendant Antonio Wade set fire to apartment stairway; the residence was occupied by his acquaintance and a child

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A 29-year-old man who in August 2013 deliberately set fire to clothing located beneath the entrance of a Charleston apartment where his acquaintance and a child resided at the time pleaded guilty to a federal arson charge, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today.  Antonio LeJune Wade, of Beckley, pleaded guilty today in front of United States District Court Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. in Charleston.  Wade was charged in a one-count indictment in October. 

On August 25, 2013, Wade intentionally set fire to clothing that he placed beneath a wooden staircase, causing the steps connected to a 6th Avenue apartment in Charleston to catch fire.  The staircase served as the sole entrance and exit to the residence.  Wade told police that he knew the apartment was occupied by his acquaintance and a toddler at the time he set the blaze. 

Members from the Charleston Police Department and the Charleston Fire Department responded to the scene and contained the fire.  The individuals who were inside of the apartment at the time were uninjured.  

Wade faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison when he is sentenced on April 2, 2014. 

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Charleston Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Blaire Malkin is in charge of the prosecution. 

Defendant William Richmond charged as part of Charleston’s West Side Drug Market Intervention initiative 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man faces up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty today in federal court to crack cocaine distribution, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced.  Thirty-one-year-old William Edward Richmond sold crack cocaine to a police informant on June 7 in exchange for cash.  The illegal drug transaction took place near the intersection of Park Avenue and Central Avenue on Charleston’s West Side. 

Richmond is scheduled to be sentenced on March 27, 2014, by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. 

Richmond is being prosecuted as part of the Charleston area’s Drug Market Intervention (DMI) initiative. 

The defendant was designated a member of the DMI A-list, which comprises the most serious offenders identified in the initiative. 

The Charleston Police Department Special Enforcement Unit conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecution. 

The DMI initiative was launched in February 2012 by U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin and Charleston Police Chief Brent Webster, in collaboration with other federal, state, local law enforcement agencies and leaders representing several West Side community development organizations. A continuation of the DMI initiative was announced earlier this month in Charleston. 

Over the past several months, the Charleston Police Department and other law enforcement agencies have conducted undercover operations and completed investigations culminating in federal charges being filed against thirteen individuals.  

Drug Market Intervention, first implemented in High Point, North Carolina, and replicated with success in several other cities, including Huntington, W.Va., is a strategic problem-solving initiative aimed at closing down drug markets that breed crimes of violence and disorder. 

The DMI strategy also included a staged community intervention that was held earlier this month at New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church on Charleston’s West Side.  The community intervention meeting offered a rare second chance for five low-level, non-violent offenders to end their criminal activity and avoid being prosecuted, if they obey a set of strict guidelines established by law enforcement.  The Dec. 12 community intervention call-in meeting was attended by offenders’ relatives, concerned citizens, and faith-based leaders from the West Side community.  The call-in meeting was organized and attended by federal, state and local law enforcement officials. 

Defendant Brandon “Fresh” Solomon charged as part of Charleston’s West Side Drug Market Intervention initiative  

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man faces up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty today in federal court to distribution of heroin, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. Brandon Christopher Solomon, also known as “Fresh,” was charged with three counts contained in an indictment returned in October.  Solomon, 19, admitted that he sold heroin to a police informant in exchange for cash. 

Solomon is being prosecuted as part of the Charleston area’s Drug Market Intervention (DMI) initiative.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 19, 2014 by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. Solomon was designated a member of the DMI A-list, which comprises the most serious offenders identified in the initiative. 

The Charleston Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is in charge of the prosecution. 

The DMI initiative was launched in February 2012 by U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin and Charleston Police Chief Brent Webster, in collaboration with other federal, state, local law enforcement agencies and leaders representing several West Side community development organizations. A continuation of the DMI initiative was announced earlier this month in Charleston. 

Over the past several months, the Charleston Police Department and other law enforcement agencies have conducted undercover operations and completed investigations culminating in federal charges being filed against thirteen individuals.  

Drug Market Intervention, first implemented in High Point, North Carolina, and replicated with success in several other cities, including Huntington, W.Va., is a strategic problem-solving initiative aimed at closing down drug markets that breed crimes of violence and disorder. 

The DMI strategy also included a staged community intervention that was held last week at the New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church on Charleston’s West Side.  The community intervention meeting offered a rare second chance for five low-level, non-violent offenders to end their criminal activity and avoid being prosecuted, if a strict set of guidelines set by law enforcement are obeyed.  The Dec. 12 community intervention call-in meeting was attended by offenders’ relatives, concerned citizens, and faith-based leaders from the West Side community.  The call-in meeting was coordinated and attended by federal, state and local law enforcement officials. 

Attempted theft at mining waste treatment site caused a substantial chemical leak, prompted shelter-in-place for nearby eastern Kanawha residents

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two men who participated in a scheme to steal anhydrous ammonia from an eastern Kanawha County mining waste water treatment site in October 2008 in order to make methamphetamine were sentenced yesterday to federal prison, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced.  Jason Hudnall, of Malden, W.Va. was sentenced to three and a half years in prison.  Hudnall, 36, previously pleaded guilty in September to conspiracy to steal anhydrous ammonia and negligent release of anhydrous ammonia into the air.  Hudnall’s co-defendant John Wesley Tucker, 48, of Georges Creek, W.Va., was sentenced to one year in prison and fined one thousand dollars after pleading guilty in October to conspiracy to steal anhydrous ammonia to be used to manufacture methamphetamine.  Both sentences were handed down by United States District Court Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. in Charleston. 

Anhydrous ammonia, an extremely hazardous chemical, is ammonia in a gaseous form that does not contain water.  The chemical is generally used to treat mining runoff in waste water ponds.  Anhydrous ammonia has also been sought by individuals as a component in the illegal production of methamphetamine.

During the scheme, Tucker, Hudnall and two other co-conspirators, used tools, including a battery-powered saw, to cut a security lock on a 1000-gallon storage tank containing anhydrous ammonia. 
The co-conspirators also brought portable tanks onto the property to store and transport the stolen anhydrous ammonia.  Tucker, Hudnall and two associates split a theft-prevention valve cover which caused anhydrous ammonia to leak into the air.  As a result of the chemical exposure, the co-conspirators fled the scene and left the anhydrous ammonia storage tank valve open.  Approximately 500 gallons of anhydrous ammonia leaked into the air.  Emergency service units, including the Belle and Chesapeake Fire Departments, DuPont Chemical Company’s Hazardous Material Team, members of the West Virginia State Police, employees from Penn-Virginia Resources, and employees from Republic Mining, responded to the unsuspected leak. 

The anhydrous ammonia leak also prompted the Kanawha County Office of Emergency Services to issue a shelter-in-place safety procedure as a precaution for nearby eastern Kanawha County residents.
Penn-Virginia Resources, owner of the damaged storage tank, lost approximately 2500 pounds of anhydrous ammonia at a cost of $1,725.  The company also paid Mallard Environmental approximately $3,325 to clean up the area surrounding the damaged tank.  DuPont Emergency Response Group also incurred approximately $1,800 in expenses as a result of the chemical leak.  

Co-conspirator Mitchell Ray Workman, 34, of Chelyan, Kanawha County, W.Va., was previously sentenced in April to 2 ½ years in prison for his role in the conspiracy to steal anhydrous ammonia. 

A fourth co-conspirator, Jason Brown, 34, of Malden, W.Va., previously pleaded guilty in April for his role in theft scheme—driving the other three conspirators to the mine site.  Brown was sentenced in October to three years of supervised release with the first six months to be served in community confinement.  Brown’s supervised release term also called for six months to be served home confinement, which included an electronic monitoring device.   

Each defendant was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $6,850 for the damage caused by the leak.   The anhydrous ammonia tank has since been removed from the site.

The Environmental Protection Agency and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorneys Erik S. Goes, William King and Blaire Malkin handled the prosecutions. 

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg man was sentenced yesterday to two and a half years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release for failing to update his sex offender registration as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced.  Dwaine Allen Collins, also known as “Dwaine Allen Cline,” 54, previously was convicted after a bench trial in September. 

“Just last week, I joined fellow law enforcement officials in Beckley to announce the results of a blitz that netted 54 sex offenders who were out of compliance with the law,” U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said. “Our message was straightforward: If you are out of compliance, we will track you down and we will bring you to justice.” Goodwin added, “This sentencing helps underscore that sex offender registration is not optional.” 

On July 8, 1998, Collins was convicted of two counts of indecent liberties with a child in the Cumberland County Superior Court, in Cumberland, North Carolina.  As a result of this sex offense conviction, Collins was required to register as a sex offender for 15 years under federal law. 
An investigation conducted by the United States Marshals Service revealed that Collins registered as a sex offender in Ohio on August 22, 2001. 

The investigation further revealed that on or after February 23, 2011, Collins traveled from Ohio to West Virginia, where he resided in Parkersburg, Wood County, W.Va.  Collins was found to have not his sex offender registration in West Virginia as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.       

As a result of three law enforcement-led regional sweeps, a combined total of more than 1000 sex offender compliance checks have completed over the past year.  

The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act is part of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-248). SORNA provides a comprehensive set of minimum standards for sex offender registration and notification in the United States.

The United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada handled the prosecution.  The sentence was imposed by Chief United States District Court Judge Robert C. Chambers.     

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

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg man was sentenced yesterday to two and a half years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release for failing to update his sex offender registration as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced.  Dwaine Allen Collins, also known as “Dwaine Allen Cline,” 54, previously was convicted after a bench trial in September. 

“Just last week, I joined fellow law enforcement officials in Beckley to announce the results of a blitz that netted 54 sex offenders who were out of compliance with the law,” U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said. “Our message was straightforward: If you are out of compliance, we will track you down and we will bring you to justice.” Goodwin added, “This sentencing helps underscore that sex offender registration is not optional.” 

On July 8, 1998, Collins was convicted of two counts of indecent liberties with a child in the Cumberland County Superior Court, in Cumberland, North Carolina.  As a result of this sex offense conviction, Collins was required to register as a sex offender for 15 years under federal law. 
An investigation conducted by the United States Marshals Service revealed that Collins registered as a sex offender in Ohio on August 22, 2001. 

The investigation further revealed that on or after February 23, 2011, Collins traveled from Ohio to West Virginia, where he resided in Parkersburg, Wood County, W.Va.  Collins was found to have not his sex offender registration in West Virginia as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.       

As a result of three law enforcement-led regional sweeps, a combined total of more than 1000 sex offender compliance checks have completed over the past year.  

The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act is part of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-248). SORNA provides a comprehensive set of minimum standards for sex offender registration and notification in the United States.

The United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada handled the prosecution.  The sentence was imposed by Chief United States District Court Judge Robert C. Chambers.     

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

Defendant Tina Richmond stole a doctor’s script pad that was used to illegally obtain oxycodone tablets

BECKLEY, W.Va. – A former Beckley-area physician’s office employee pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally obtaining the powerful prescription painkiller oxycodone.  Tina Marie Richmond, 41, of Beckley, W.Va., committed a federal felony by aiding and abetting the acquiring and obtaining a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception and subterfuge.  Richmond pleaded guilty today in front of United States District Court Judge Irene C. Berger in Beckley.  

"Prescription drug abuse damages continues to take a toll on communities all over southern West Virginia," said U.S. Attorney Goodwin. "I'm committed to doing everything possible to get this problem under control."

Prior to August 2, 2013, during her employment at a Beckley doctor’s office, Richmond stole a prescription pad belonging to her former employer, a Beckley doctor.  The prescription pad contained the Drug Enforcement Administration registration number assigned to the doctor.  Richmond told police that on August 2, 2013, she took the script pad without authorization, forged the doctor’s signature on the script pad and then gave it to a known acquaintance in exchange for money. 

An investigation determined that the forged script, written for 90 30-milligram oxycodone pills, was filled at a Beckley pharmacy.

Richmond faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine when she is sentenced on April 17, 2014. 
The Beckley Police Department is in charge of the investigation.

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

Total of more than $1.5 million has been seized from pill mill operators

WILLIAMSON, W.Va. – A Williamson-based office building that formerly housed Mountain Medical Care Clinic, a notorious pill mill, along with more than $340,000 in cash proceeds forfeited by one of its operators now will belong to the West Virginia State Police, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin today announced. 

Goodwin, joined by U.S. Marshal John Foster, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Senior Supervisory Resident Agent in Charge Chris Courtright and other members of law enforcement, presented West Virginia State Police Superintendent Col. C.R. “Jay” Smithers with a check in amount of $341,937.61 today in front of the former West Third Avenue pill mill, shut down in 2010 following an extensive federal investigation that ended with several criminal convictions.     

“This pill mill did enormous harm across a wide swath of Mingo County and beyond,” U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said. “Now we’ve put its operators in prison and hit them in the pocketbook, to the tune of more than $1.5 million.” 

Goodwin continued, “A few years back, I made a commitment to go after pill dealers, along with the proceeds generated from their illegal activities.  Today’s announcement is a result of that commitment.  Every time we put a pill mill out of business, it’s a big step toward getting this district’s biggest crime problem under control.”

A final order of forfeiture was entered in federal court in Charleston on Oct. 23 in the civil forfeiture case against Myra Miller, which concluded all forfeiture cases linked to Mountain Medical.  

Myra Sue Miller, a former office manager at Mountain Medical, agreed to forfeit her interest in the clinic’s two commercial buildings valued at approximately $610,000, along with $475,823.75 in cash seized from her residence.  Miller, 50, of South Williamson, Ky., previously pleaded guilty in March 2013 to misusing a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration number that belonged to her former boss, Mingo County doctor William F. Ryckman. Miller, who gave out prescriptions for powerful narcotics in exchange for cash from individuals at Mountain Medical, was sentenced in September 2013 to six months in federal prison. 

Dr. Ryckman, 66, was previously convicted in March 2012 for his role in the conspiracy.  Ryckman was sentenced to six months in prison followed by one year of supervised release for conspiracy to misuse his DEA registration number. From February 17, 2010, until February 19, 2010, Ryckman caused numerous controlled substances to be prescribed using his DEA registration number to individuals who were not evaluated or seen by him.

A total of $413,050.89 from a Mountain Medical bank account listed in Ryckman’s name has been seized and forfeited by federal authorities. 

In a separate case, former Mingo County doctor Diane E. Shafer forfeited $134,550.  Shafer, 60, was previously sentenced in September 2012 to six months in prison for conspiracy to misuse her DEA registration number. She also prescribed powerful narcotics to individuals she did not examine.  
Records indicate between 2003 and early 2010, Shafer wrote more than 118,000 prescriptions for controlled substances. Though she was a solo practitioner, Shafer, by herself, wrote more prescriptions for controlled substances than several West Virginia hospitals did during that period.

The government also seized $88,029 from former Mingo County practitioner, Katherine Hoover.  Hoover, who did not work at Mountain Medical but had close ties to several employees at the clinic, has not been charged criminally to date.     

A total of $1,586,903.72 in assets held by former employees, clinic bank accounts and related commercial property tied to the former Williamson clinic have been forfeited to the government. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. 

Forfeited assets are deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund and Department of Treasury Forfeiture Fund and are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.

The criminal cases were investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the West Virginia State Police, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General. 

Pictured from left to right: West Virginia State Police (WVSP) Superintendent Col. C.R. “Jay” Smithers, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin, FBI Senior Supervisory Resident Agent in Charge Chris Courtright, U.S. Marshal John Foster and WVSP Maj. Tim Bradley today in front of the former Mountain Medical Clinic in Williamson.

Late WV State Police members Corporal Marshall Bailey and Trooper Eric Workman played pivotal role in building case against longtime Clay meth supplier

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Clay County man who ran a pipeline that brought large quantities of methamphetamine from North Carolina to West Virginia was sentenced yesterday to 20 years in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. Raymond Hersman, 47, of Wallback, W.Va., was previously convicted in May for selling methamphetamine. Herman’s sentence was handed down by United States District Court Judge Thomas E. Johnston.

“Raymond Hersman was a significant methamphetamine dealer in and around the Clay County, West Virginia area,” U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said. “Today, instead of peddling poison, he’s going to prison.”

Goodwin continued, “This is perhaps the last investigation on which the late Trooper Eric Workman and the late Corporal Marshall Bailey worked. The people of Clay County and of West Virginia are safer because of the brave and skilled work of these two dedicated officers.”

According to evidence revealed during the three-day trial, law enforcement agents began investigating Hersman’s suspected meth distribution scheme in and around Clay County in August 2012.  At the time, agents were aided in the investigation by West Virginia State Troopers Cpl. Marshall Bailey and Trooper Eric Workman.  Cpl. Bailey and Tpr. Workman, both of whom patrolled the Clay County area, provided essential details to fellow law enforcement agents which outlined Hersman’s methamphetamine operation. 

The information provided by Bailey and Workman assisted the investigation and culminated in the criminal conviction of Hersman in May.

Cpl. Marshall Bailey and Tpr. Eric Workman were shot and killed in the line of duty following a traffic stop near Clay County in late August 2012. 

Hersman was previously convicted in April 1993 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. 

The West Virginia State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorneys Monica D. Coleman and John Frail handled the prosecution. 

Operation Lump of Coal found 54 sex offenders out of compliance

BECKLEY, W.Va. – A major four-day law enforcement blitz aimed at verifying compliance of more than 317 registered sex offenders currently residing in five southern West Virginia counties found 54 offenders out of compliance, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin, U.S. Marshal John D. Foster, and West Virginia State Police Capt. Brad Mankins announced today during a press conference in Beckley, W.Va.

The initiative, known as Operation Lump of Coal, is a multi-agency law enforcement effort targeting registered sex offenders to determine individual compliance with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, also known as SORNA. Led by the U.S. Marshals Service’s Cops United Felony Fugitive Enforcement Division (CUFFED), Operation Lump of Coal targeted 317 registered sex offenders and found 263 to be in compliance.  A total of 54 individuals were determined to be out of compliance within the Southern District of West Virginia during checks conducted on Dec. 9-12 of this week. 

U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said, “Registering as a sex offender is not optional.  It’s not something that offenders can simply put on the back burner or casually get around to completing whenever they feel like it.  It’s mandatory.” Goodwin continued, “I’ve made prosecuting sex offenders who violate federal registration requirements one of my office’s top priorities.  Today I want to reiterate that message: If you are out of compliance, we will track you down and we will bring you to justice.”    

Operation Lump of Coal was initiated by members of the West Virginia State Police, in cooperation with the U.S. Marshals Service’s CUFFED Division.  The four-day law enforcement sweep covered Mercer, McDowell, Monroe, Summers and Wyoming counties.    

“One registered sex offender out of compliance is one too many,” U.S. Marshal John Foster said.  “The U.S. Marshals Service is thoroughly committed to tracking down fugitives who attempt to evade the law.”
  
In August, a similar law enforcement sweep known as Operation Coal Dust was initiated in Boone, Lincoln and Logan counties. Operation Coal Dust conducted compliance checks on 209 registered sex offenders and found a total of 10 individuals out of compliance. 

Also, in December 2012, a compliance sweep dubbed Operation River Cities, aimed at Cabell, Mingo and Wayne counties, netted 18 arrests after nearly 300 checks were conducted. 

As a result of the three regional operations, a combined total of more than 1000 offender compliance checks have been made.  

The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act is part of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-248). SORNA provides a comprehensive set of minimum standards for sex offender registration and notification in the United States.

Mark R. Trump stole $90,000 in rental fees owed to the company

BECKLEY, W.Va. – A former branch manager for heavy equipment distributor Cecil I. Walker Machinery Company (“Walker Machinery”) faces up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty yesterday in connection with a scheme that bilked a total of more than $90,000 in rental fees from the company, announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Mark Randall Trump, of Cool Ridge, Raleigh County, W.Va., pleaded guilty to wire fraud before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger in Beckley. 

In 2009 and continuing up until his dismissal from Walker Machinery in April 2012, Trump, 43, a branch manager at Walker Express, the company’s full-line rental service store based in Crab Orchard, W.Va., began offering certain customers special rates for equipment rentals without the company’s authorization. An investigation revealed that during the scheme, Trump was paid directly, often by cash or personal check, by certain customers for numerous equipment rentals.  Trump later deposited the fraudulent payments into his personal checking account.  To conceal the scheme from Walker Machinery, Trump entered the customer data into the company’s system and printed a matching rental agreement form. However, upon the return of the equipment, Trump made entries into the company’s records indicating that the rental had been cancelled, deleted from the computer system, or not invoiced at all.  Trump also failed to process the receiving paperwork through Walker Machinery’s service department, as required for all company rental transactions. 

In total, Trump took approximately $90,000 in rental fees owed to the company for his personal use.  As a result of the fraud, the company incurred a loss of approximately $367,000.        

Trump is scheduled to be sentenced on April 17, 2014.   

The investigation was conducted by the West Virginia State Police and the FBI.  Assistant United States Attorney Blaire Malkin is in charge of the prosecution. 

This case is being prosecuted as part of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia’s Business Protection Initiative.  U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced the Business Protection Initiative in November 2010.  Business protection is a primary initiative of the U.S. Attorney’s Office that focuses on prosecuting individuals who defraud West Virginia businesses.

William J. Thompson accepted $50k to help arsonist collect $1 million insurance payment following blaze of Logan office building

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A former Chapmanville insurance agent who assisted an arsonist in obtaining a fraudulent insurance policy following the February 2012 blaze of a Logan office building pleaded guilty today to federal conspiracy charges, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  William Jamey Thompson, 44, entered a guilty plea today to conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud and aiding and abetting arson before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston in Charleston.

In November 2011, James Gregory Glick, 44, of Logan, arranged to have an office building located at 111 Stratton Street in Logan burned to collect more than $1 million in insurance proceeds.  In late December 2011, the building was purchased by a known person for $45,000 prior to the scheme.  That person, in turn, immediately sold the property to Glick in early January 2012 purportedly for $50,000.
On the night of February 1, 2012, Guy Miller, 39, of Logan, along with Shawn C. Simon, 41, of Charleston and Michael Williams, 44, of Logan, worked together to set the fire to the building by spreading gasoline throughout the main floor. 

Mr. Glick then paid Thompson approximately $50,000 to obtain a fraudulently-inflated $1 million insurance policy from General Star Indemnity Company (“General Star”) in connection with the scheme. 

Mr. Glick and co-defendant Mr. Miller both previously pleaded guilty last month to arson and conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.  Mr. Glick also pleaded guilty to conducting unlawful monetary transactions, and structuring currency transactions in connection with the scheme.  Mr. Simon previously pleaded guilty in November to obstruction of justice for his role in destroying a security camera that captured the arsonists fleeing the scene.

Additionally, Mr. Glick made illegal transactions of more than $10,000 from the Logan Bank & Trust (“LB&T”) on more than nine occasions.  Mr. Glick also structured more than $170,000 in monies from accounts at LB&T during the conspiracy.  “Structuring” involves the breaking down of cash transactions in amounts of $10,000 or less for the purpose of avoiding a financial institution’s reporting requirements to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Glick faces a minimum of seven years in prison when he is sentenced on February 19, 2014, by United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston. 

Miller, who also previously pleaded guilty in November to a federal drug charge, participated in an oxycodone distribution conspiracy in and around Logan County during the spring of 2011.  Miller faces a minimum of seven years in prison when he is sentenced on February 19, 2014. 

Simon faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on February 20, 2014.

An information has been filed in the case involving Williams, but a plea hearing has not yet been scheduled.

Thompson faces up to faces a minimum of seven years in prison when he is sentenced on March 24, 2014.
The IRS, the West Virginia State Police and the West Virginia Insurance Commission conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Ryan is in charge of the prosecution. 

Owen’s brother previously sentenced in Oct. to almost 11 years in prison for his part in crack distribution scheme

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – An Ohio man was sentenced today to 14 years and seven months in federal prison for his role in a crack cocaine distribution conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced.  Retsyn Deshawn Owens, 43, of Akron, Ohio, previously pleaded guilty in April to conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and heroin.  Owens participated in a crack distribution scheme that included his brother and co-defendant, Renardo Darnell Owens, in February this year.

Renardo Darnell Owens, 38, also of Akron, Ohio, was sentenced in October to ten years and ten months in prison after previously pleading guilty to a crack cocaine distribution conspiracy charge. 

On February 11, 2013, Renardo Owens sold crack cocaine to a police informant working in cooperation with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) in exchange for $140.  The next day, Renardo Owens sold $300 worth of crack cocaine to an informant.  He also gave the informant $500 worth of crack cocaine and expected to be paid after the drugs were sold. 

On February 13, 2013, Owens’ brother, Retsyn, arranged to meet the police informant at a predetermined location in Charleston.  After arriving at the predetermined location, Retsyn Owens accepted $500 from the informant. The money that Retsyn Owens received from the informant on February 13, 2013 was payment for a crack cocaine transaction his brother had performed two days prior. 

Retsyn Owens also provided the informant $500 worth of crack cocaine on February 13, 2013 and expected payment after the drugs were sold.  On February 14, 2013, Renardo Owens accepted $500 from a police informant as payment for crack cocaine.  Also, on February 14, 2013, Renardo Owens handed the informant $1,000 worth of crack cocaine and expected payment after the drugs were sold.  On February 15, 2013, MDENT agents executed a search warrant at a Charleston residence and seized drug paraphernalia, cash, and three bags containing crack cocaine. During the execution of the search warrant, police also arrested Renardo Owens, who was inside of the residence at the time. 

Renardo Owens was previously convicted in October 1999 of cocaine possession and trafficking in the Court of Common Pleas in Summit County, Ohio.

Retsyn Owens was on federal supervised release out of New York at the time he committed the federal drug felony in West Virginia. 

In today’s hearing, United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston sentenced Retsyn Owens to a total of 175 months in prison: 24 months for the revocation of supervised release and 151 months for the drug offense.  Judge Johnston ordered the prison sentences to be served consecutively. 

The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team and the Charleston Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks handled both prosecutions.  

Six co-defendants have been convicted and sentenced to prison time in Bluefield Pill Initiative

BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – The lead defendant in a Bluefield pill distribution conspiracy was sentenced yesterday to five years and eleven months in prison after pleading guilty earlier this year to a federal drug charge, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Thirty-four-year-old Carlos R. Ivy, of Bluefield, previously pleaded guilty in August to distribution of oxycodone.  On February 22, 2013, Ivy distributed oxycodone to an associate in exchange for cash.  Ivy was charged with seven counts contained in a 51-count indictment returned in May. 

The May indictment named a total of sixteen defendants who were charged with various drug-related felonies.  Ivy, along with six co-defendants, have previously pleaded guilty to federal drug charges and sentenced to federal prison.  The following defendants have also received prison terms:   

• Elizabeth Ann Stewart, 30, of Matheny, Wyoming County, W.Va., was sentenced on Tuesday to six months in prison.  Stewart previously pleaded guilty in August to distribution of oxycodone.
• Tonya Lynn Goode, 35, of Matheny, Wyoming County, W.Va., was sentenced on Tuesday to 2 years in prison.  Goode previously pleaded guilty in August to distribution of oxycodone.
• Danny Lee Decker, 42, of Mullens, Wyoming County, was sentenced on Dec. 9 to one year and three months in prison.  Decker previously pleaded guilty in July 30 to using a telephone to commit a drug crime.
• Kathy Burchett, 38, of Welch, McDowell County, W.Va., was sentenced on Dec. 3 to 1 ½ years in prison.  Burchett previously pleaded guilty in August to using a telephone to commit a drug crime.
• Anthony Lee Madison, 23, of Bluefield, Va., was sentenced on Dec. 3 to 2 years and three months in prison.  Madison previously pleaded guilty in July to using a telephone to commit a drug crime.
• Edgar Junior Ponce, 32, of Oceana, Wyoming County, W.Va., was sentenced on Dec. 3 to 2 years in prison.  Ponce previously pleaded guilty in July to using a telephone to commit a drug crime. 

The sentences were handed down by Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber in Bluefield.     
The cases were brought as part of the Bluefield Pill Initiative, a collaborative, multi-agency regional law enforcement effort designed to halt prescription drug trafficking in Mercer, McDowell, and Wyoming counties.  The Bluefield Pill Initiative is led by the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, which includes the West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Mercer, McDowell and Wyoming County Sheriff’s Departments, and the Bluefield and Princeton Police Departments. 

AS PART OF FEDERAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG CRACKDOWN

BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – A 27-year-old Mercer County man was sentenced today to four years in prison after pleading guilty earlier this year to a federal drug charge, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Matthew M. Pigg, of Montcalm, Mercer County, W.Va., previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute hydromorphone, a powerful prescription painkiller commonly known as Dilaudid.  Pigg’s sentence was handed down by Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber in Bluefield.   
On February 12, 2013, police executed a search warrant on the defendant’s Montcalm residence.  During the execution of the search warrant, police found a quantity of hydromorphone pills hidden inside of a safe located in the defendant’s bedroom.  Pigg told police that he intended to sell the pain pills.  At the time Pigg possessed the hydromorphone pills, he also possessed a loaded .38 caliber pistol.  The firearm, also located inside of the defendant’s bedroom safe, was seized by police.    

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

This case was also 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 32-year-old man was indicted today by a federal grand jury sitting in Charleston for being a felon in possession of a firearm.  According to a single-count indictment, Jon Paul Clements, of Charleston, W.Va., allegedly possessed a firearm on March 9, 2013. 

Clements was previously convicted of first degree robbery with a firearm in July 2002 in the Circuit Court of Kanawha County.  He did not have his rights to possess a firearm restored.
Clements faces up to 10 years in prison, if convicted. 

The investigation was conducted by the Charleston Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Monica Coleman is in charge of the prosecution. 

The case is being 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.

Click here to view a copy of the indictment

Note: The charge contained in the indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

George Michael Puskas II told police he took pornographic pictures during relationship with a 16-year-old minor

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – George Michael Puskas II, of Ripley, was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release for a child pornography offense, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced.  Puskas, a former police officer in Ripley, previously pleaded guilty in July to possession of child pornography.  The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. in Charleston. 

In March 2010, Puskas, 31, established a sexual relationship with a then 16-year-old minor. At the time of the relationship, Puskas produced images and a video of the minor having sex or performing sex acts.  Puskas produced a video of child pornography using a police department-issued digital camera.  Puskas also used a cellphone to create images of child pornography. On September 7, 2011, Puskas possessed between 10 and 150 images of child pornography.         

Puskas also told police that he maintained a relationship with the minor up until the time the individual turned 18 years old.  On September 14, 2011, Puskas sent the individual an image that showed the two of them having sex.  

On April 6, 2012, the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force executed a federal search warrant and seized a computer, a flash drive, and other items that Puskas used to produce child pornography.  Puskas told police that he produced and possessed images of child pornography. 
Puskas, who was an officer with the department at the time he committed the federal felony, resigned from the Ripley Police Department in May 2012. 

Upon completion of his prison term, Puskas will be placed on supervised release for 10 years.  In addition, he will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

The West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force 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 child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia.

Police seized hundreds of thousands in cash, firearms and pills during investigation

BECKLEY, W.Va. – A 55-year-old Wyoming County pill dealer who had hundreds of thousands in cash, illegal prescription pain pills and two firearms hidden at his residences was sentenced yesterday to seven years in prison on a federal drug charge, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Delbert Lester, of McGraws, Wyoming Co., W.Va., previously pleaded guilty in August to possession of oxycodone with intent to distribute.  Lester’s sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Irene C. Berger in Beckley. 

From January 11, 2011 through May 4, 2013, Lester illegally sold prescription pills to a confidential informant working in cooperation with law enforcement authorities on eight separate occasions.  Lester, who maintained two residences in McGraws, lived at one residence and ran his illegal pill business out of the other.

On May 9, 2013, law enforcement agents executed search warrants on Lester’s two residences.  During the searches, agents recovered 190 30-milligram oxycodone pills and 155 10-milligram oxycodone pills. 

Agents also recovered a total of $570,000 in cash and several firearms including two loaded .22 caliber semi-automatic pistols.       

According to his plea agreement, Lester will forfeit the $570,000 in illegal drug proceeds that was seized from his residence.

The investigation was conducted by the Wyoming County Sherriff’s Department, the West Virginia State Police, the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, and the Internal Revenue Service.  Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn 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. 

Scheme involving thousands of prescription pain pills ends in jail time for Logan brothers 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Logan County man who organized an oxycodone trafficking scheme that included out-of-state trips to Florida to obtain thousands of powerful pain pills was sentenced yesterday to 10 years and one month in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Michael Ray Fortuna, 45, of Peach Creek, previously pleaded guilty in January to conspiracy to distribute oxycodone.  Fortuna’s sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston in Charleston.  

Fortuna told police that he organized a pill distribution scheme that included his brother and co-defendant Ronald Fortuna, 36, also of Peach Creek, as well as other associates.  Ronald Fortuna was sentenced in November to two years in prison for conspiracy to distribute oxycodone.

During the scheme, Michael Fortuna obtained oxycodone from pill sources located in Florida and, in some instances, he or others at his direction, including his brother, traveled to Florida and brought oxycodone pills back to Logan County to sell. 

On April 29, 2011, investigators from the United States Postal Inspection Service seized a package addressed to Michael Fortuna.  Investigators executed a federal search warrant on the package and discovered that it contained 1,789 30-milligram oxycodone tablets and bore a fictitious return address.  Investigators approached Michael Fortuna as he arrived at the Peach Creek Post Office in Logan to retrieve the package.  Michael Fortuna later told investigators that he had received a total of three packages containing oxycodone pills from Florida that month.  Police determined that the package containing the oxycodone tablets had been mailed by Patrick Warren Napier, of Dingess, Mingo County, W.Va.  Napier, 41, was sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty earlier this year to conspiracy to distribute oxycodone. 

Fortuna also told investigators that he mailed cash to his source of supply located in Florida to pay for the illegal oxycodone deliveries.  In particular, Michael Fortuna mailed a package that contained at least $30,000.   

In late June or early July 2011, Ronald Fortuna boarded a plane en route to Florida with Guy R. Miller and another acquaintance to obtain oxycodone.  On July 3, 2011, investigators from the Multi-Agency Diversion Task Force in Palm Beach County, Florida arrested one of Ronald Fortuna’s acquaintances at the West Palm Beach Airport as the men boarded a return flight to West Virginia.  Fortuna’s acquaintance was found to be in possession of 1,377 30-milligram oxycodone tablets.  The individual cooperated with law enforcement and later told police that he, Ronald Fortuna, and Miller were instructed to travel to Florida to pick up prescription pain pills.  He identified Michael Fortuna as the head of a drug trafficking organization who obtained oxycodone from Palm Beach County, Fla. and later distributed the pills in Logan County, W.Va.  The cooperating source also admitted that he had been recruited to carry oxycodone pills on his person during a return flight to West Virginia. 

Ronald Fortuna told police that he regularly sold oxycodone tablets from his Peach Creek residence from at least the summer of 2009 until late summer 2011.  During the scheme, Ronald Fortuna distributed a total of approximately 2,500 30-milligram oxycodone tablets.     

Guy Miller previously pleaded guilty in November to distribution of oxycodone.  Miller, 39, who also previously pled guilty to federal charges in connection with a Logan arson scheme, faces a minimum of seven years in prison when he is sentenced on February 19, 2014. 

The United States Postal Inspection Service, the US 119 Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Logan County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks 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 Detroit man was sentenced yesterday to three years in federal prison for his role in a heroin distribution scheme in Huntington, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Rodney Lee Flowers, also known as “Anthony Phillip Hollis,” 48, previously pleaded guilty in September to possession of heroin with the intent to distribute.  Flowers was charged in a one-count indictment in April. 

In early March 2013, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) received information that Flowers and several of his associates were distributing heroin from a residence located on Washington Avenue in Huntington.  During an investigation, agents discovered that Flowers and his associates were expecting a package containing heroin by mail from Michigan.  On April 3, 2013, an undercover agent delivered the package to 2200 ½ Washington Avenue in Huntington.  Rodney Flowers answered the front door at the residence and accepted the package.  A short time later, Flowers and an associate exited the residence and got inside of a vehicle.  Police later conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle.  Flowers was arrested and taken to the Huntington Police Department for processing.  The defendant provided a Mirandized statement to police regarding his involvement in the heroin distribution scheme.  Flowers told police that he was expecting a package by mail from Michigan that contained approximately 225 grams of heroin. 

Agents executed a search warrant on the defendant’s Washington Avenue residence and recovered the package that contained 226.8 grams of heroin.

The DEA, the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory McVey handled the prosecution.  The sentence was imposed by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

Dallas L. Toler is the fourth former Mingo official to plead guilty in connection with federal corruption probe

CHARLESTON, W.Va. –Mingo County’s former chief magistrate pleaded guilty in Charleston federal court to voter registration fraud, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today. Dallas L. Toler, 45, is the fourth former Mingo County official to plead guilty to charges in connection with a federal corruption investigation.

U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said, "Corruption is the biggest threat to democracy. In Mingo County, corruption was an epidemic. Once again in this investigation we have a judge engaging in corruption—this time corruption of the electoral process so that he and his cohorts could keep their jobs." Goodwin continued, "The people of Mingo County are tired of these shenanigans, and we’ll continue to do what’s necessary to help them."

In or about April 2012, Toler, who at the time was a member of a political campaigning and fundraising group known as "Team Mingo," participated with other individuals in an effort to identify potential voters who would support Team Mingo's candidates in the 2012 primary election. Toler was a candidate to retain the office of magistrate.   

Toler, a landlord of several rental properties in and around Mingo County, went to one of his rental properties in April 2012 to collect rent.  During the visit to his rental unit, Toler encountered an individual who he learned was on probation for a felony offense.  In a later encounter, Toler told the individual that he would arrange for the individual to be registered to vote in the 2012 primary election.  Toler knew that the individual was on probation for a felony and was ineligible to vote.  Toler later procured the completion and submission of a voter registration application in the name of the known person.  Toler also caused the application to be completed and caused it to include a false statement that the known person was not on probation for a felony.  On or about April 23, 2012, after receiving a voter registration card as the result of Toler's actions, the known person unlawfully voted in the 2012 primary election in Mingo County.  

United States District Court Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over today’s plea hearing and will sentence Toler on March 10, 2014. Toler faces five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  Toler previously resigned as chief magistrate of Mingo County in October.  As part of his federal guilty plea, Toler's plea agreement with the Office of the U.S. Attorney required him to resign as a Mingo County magistrate and never seek elected office again. 

Toler was previously appointed as magistrate in January 2012 by former Mingo County Circuit Judge Michael Thornsbury.  

Thornsbury, 57, pleaded guilty in October for his role in a scheme to violate the constitutional rights of an individual to cover up evidence of illegal drug use and other misconduct by late Mingo County Sheriff Eugene Crum. Thornsbury faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced on January 13, 2014. 
Another former Mingo County official, C. Michael Sparks, 44, previously pleaded guilty on Nov. 18 in connection with a conspiracy to deprive a Mingo County resident of his constitutional rights. Sparks, Mingo County's former prosecuting attorney, faces a year in prison when he is sentenced on February 24, 2014.  

In a separate matter, former Mingo County Commissioner David Baisden pleaded guilty in connection with a scheme to illegally extort a discount from a Mingo County tire store. Baisden, 66, resigned from the Mingo County Commission in October.  Baisden faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on January 14, 2014. 

The investigation is being conducted by the FBI and the West Virginia State Police. Counsel to the United States Attorney Steven Ruby and Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn are handling the prosecution.

Click here to view a copy of the plea agreement

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A 40-year-old man was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison today for selling heroin to a police informant, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Michael Duane Dixon, of Huntington, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin in August.

On August 27, 2012, Dixon was contacted by a confidential informant working in cooperation with the Huntington Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force to arrange a heroin transaction.  After speaking by telephone, Dixon and the informant met at a predetermined location in the vicinity of 11th Avenue and 22nd Street in Huntington.  Dixon sold five grams of heroin to the police informant in exchange for $1,000. 

In addition, Dixon is responsible for selling oxycodone, crack cocaine and heroin on May 31, 2010 and September 4, 2012. 

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

Defendant Patricia Howard stole more than $20k belonging to housing program that provided essential resources for disabled and homeless persons

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A former administrator with Huntington Housing Authority (“HHA”) pleaded guilty today in federal court to orchestrating an embezzlement scheme that took thousands of dollars belonging to a housing grant program intended to assist disabled and homeless persons, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Patricia Howard, 58, pleaded guilty to embezzlement from an organization receiving federal benefits.  She was charged in a one-count indictment in August 2012. 

As a former administrator with the Huntington Housing Authority (“HHA”), Howard handled the agency’s Shelter Plus Care Program (“Shelter Care”).  Shelter Care was established and funded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) to provide housing services to disabled and homeless persons. 

Howard set up and administered accounts for disabled and homeless persons as well as landlords who participated in the housing program. In August 2011, Howard created a fictitious Shelter Care landlord account using the name Lawrence Green.  Howard used the fictitious account name, a variation of her personal Social Security Number and a false address to link the Shelter Care landlord account to her personal checking account and illegally withdraw monies for her personal use.  From August 2011 until August 2012, Howard knowingly embezzled a total of more than $23,000 from HHA.            

Howard, who is currently being held on unrelated state fraud charges, faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine when she is sentenced on February 24, 2014 by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.  

The HUD Office of Inspector General, the FBI and the Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is handling the prosecution. 

Michael White conspired with couple to burn down Boone rental duplex for insurance payout

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Michael L. White was sentenced yesterday to six and a half years in prison after a federal jury found him guilty earlier this year of organizing a scheme to set fire to a Boone County rental duplex to collect more than $80,000 in insurance claims, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  On May 10, a federal jury found White guilty on all three counts charged against him: conspiracy to commit arson, arson and accessory after the fact.  Evidence at trial determined that White, 58, of Logan, conspired with an acquaintance, Kimberly Dawn Kinder, and her now deceased husband to set fire to a residential rental unit owned by White that was located in Van, Boone County, W.Va. 

Kimberly Dawn Kinder, 46, of Chapmanville, previously pleaded guilty to her role in the conspiracy in June 2012.  White and the Kinders conspired together to set fire to the duplex in order to collect insurance claims. 

Late in the evening on October 15, 2009, the Kinders arrived at the Van Duplex.  After entering through one of the rental units, Mr. Kinder poured gasoline on a pile of clothes in the living area of one of the units.  Mr. Kinder set fire to the pile of clothes and Mrs. Kinder drove the getaway vehicle.

The Van Volunteer Fire Department later responded to the incident and extinguished the fire, but the property suffered severe damage.  Afterward, White filed an insurance claim with Nationwide Insurance Company (“Nationwide”) as a result of the fire. Nationwide in turn paid White $80,716.51.  White subsequently paid the Kinders a total of approximately $2,000 in small increments as payment for their role in the conspiracy. 

Kinder was sentenced in June 2013 to three years and one month in federal prison for her role in the scheme. 

United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston ordered White to pay full restitution to Nationwide in the amount of $80,716.51.

The investigation was conducted by the West Virginia State Police.  Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas Ryan and Larry Ellis handled the prosecution. 

Rosalie Seabolt stole more than $800,000 from Roane County oil and gas company

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A former Spencer-based oil and gas company bookkeeper who stole more than $800,000 from her employer was sentenced yesterday to two years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Rosalie J. Seabolt, 60, of Spencer, W.Va., previously pleaded guilty to mail fraud in August.  Seabolt was employed at Kimco, Inc. and its affiliate, Roy G. Hildreth and Son, Inc. (“Hildreth”) for more than 25 years.  During her employment at Kimco, Seabolt eventually became the company’s bookkeeper. 

From approximately September 9, 2000 and continuing through December 24, 2012, Seabolt wrote numerous unauthorized checks to herself from Kimco’s bank account.  During the scheme, Seabolt deposited and cashed these checks at her personal credit union.  Seabolt hid the unauthorized checks from Kimco by writing false information in the company’s books that indicated the checks were made to Hildreth as a business expense. 

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our state’s economy,” U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said. “That's why my office has focused on investigating and prosecuting cases like these, to protect small businesses and to send a clear message that stealing from those business carries serious consequences."

From at least 2000 through 2012, Poca Valley Bank mailed monthly bank statements to Kimco that included check images.  Seabolt, who was in charge of reviewing the monthly bank statements, altered the statements by covering up the check images that revealed unauthorized checks she had written to herself.  Also during the scheme, Seabolt destroyed portions of original bank statements the company had received from the bank. 

On January 10, 2013, Seabolt told law enforcement that she had defrauded Kimco.  In total, Seabolt took at least $815,693.27 of monies from the company between 2000 and 2012.      

At sentencing, United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. ordered Seabolt to pay full restitution in the amount of $815,693.27 to Kimco.   

The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the West Virginia State Police.  Assistant United States Attorneys Meredith George Thomas and Philip Wright handled the prosecution. 

This case was prosecuted as part of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia’s Small Business Protection Initiative.  U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced the Small Business Protection Initiative in November 2010.  The initiative focuses on the prosecution of individuals who defraud small West Virginia businesses located within the Southern District.

Defendant Paul Jenkins sexually assaulted at least three minor children

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Mingo County pedophile who sexually assaulted a minor child, videotaped the abuse and copied the video onto a recordable DVD that was later discovered inside of a rental computer in July 2012 was sentenced today to the statutory maximum of 30 years in federal prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Paul Silas Jenkins, 33, of Williamson, previously pleaded guilty in August to production of child pornography. Jenkins’ sentence was handed down by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. in Charleston. 

U.S. Attorney Goodwin said, “Pedophiles like Mr. Jenkins who victimize children and steal their innocence are downright sickening, plain and simple.” Goodwin continued, “Today’s sentence assures that this child molester will spend a very long time in prison, where he belongs.”

Between some time in 2010 and December 2011, Jenkins established a relationship with a minor between the age of 12 and 16 years old.  During that time, Jenkins made the minor perform sexual acts with him and then produced a video of the conduct.  Jenkins copied the video containing child pornography onto a recordable DVD.  The DVD was discovered inside a rented computer that was returned to a Rent-A-Center located in Pike County, Kentucky in July 2012.

United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. said at sentencing that Jenkins “ravaged and raped” the young victim in this case.  Judge Copenhaver further stated that the defendant was a “danger to the community.”

The Court ordered that Jenkins’ 360-month prison term to be served concurrently with his state conviction on two counts of second degree sexual assault of two other minor children.

The FBI and the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada handled the prosecution. 

This case was 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. Since January 2012, twenty-six defendants have been sentenced to a total of more than 156 years in federal prison.

Defendant Robin Slater ran one of region’s largest-ever marijuana distribution conspiracies

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – An Ohio drug dealer who assaulted a West Virginia state trooper during a January 2012 traffic stop was sentenced yesterday to 35 years in federal prison for a large-scale marijuana distribution conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Robin Earl Slater, 51, of Langsville, Ohio, previously pleaded guilty in August to four federal charges: conspiracy to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana; possession of firearms in furtherance of a marijuana conspiracy; being a convicted felon in possession of firearms; and obstruction of justice. The massive marijuana conspiracy was discovered in the traffic stop in which Slater attacked the state trooper. Slater’s sentence was handed down by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers in Huntington.

Slater’s sentence is the longest in recent memory in a marijuana conspiracy case in the Southern District of West Virginia. Slater conspired to distribute between 3,000 and 10,000 kilograms of marijuana by supplying the drug to lower-level dealers in Putnam and Kanawha counties, as well as out of state.  
On January 23, 2012, a West Virginia state trooper followed Slater’s vehicle into a store parking lot in St. Albans, W.Va., after observing the defendant commit several moving violations.  During the traffic stop, Slater, who had six firearms, nearly $25,000 cash, and drug ledgers in his car, made a violent attempt to flee. He bit the state trooper on the arm, inflicting a deep wound, and then pepper sprayed him. Police ultimately were able to restrain Slater and arrest him. The evidence that they recovered from his car allowed them to crack his distribution ring.   

U.S. Attorney Goodwin said, “Mr. Slater’s attack on a state trooper was a brazen and dangerous attempt to protect his drug enterprise.  We’ve seen far too many law enforcement tragedies in situations like this:  routine encounters that quickly turn violent.” Goodwin continued, “Law enforcement officers risk their lives every day to keep the rest of us safe. I will continue to spare no effort in prosecuting anyone who attacks them.”

Slater told police that the money he had was from individuals to whom he had supplied marijuana.  Slater also admitted that he possessed firearms to protect himself and the proceeds of his drug activity. 
The defendant had two prior felony drug convictions related to the distribution of marijuana.
Slater was released on bond from his initial state charges prior to being indicted on federal charges.  In August 2012, Slater, while a fugitive on the federal charges, again attempted to flee a traffic stop, led police in Pulaski, Ky., on a high-speed chase over several miles, at one point nearly striking a police officer on the side of the road.

Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers said at sentencing that Slater was a “danger to law enforcement,” and further stated that the severe sentence was, in part, to punish Slater for putting law enforcement at risk – both when he initially assaulted a West Virginia state trooper and when he fled from police at high speeds in Kentucky.

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.

The West Virginia State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Steven Loew handled the prosecution.