MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Corey Alt, of Elk Garden, West Virginia, was sentenced to 168 months incarceration for his involvement in a drug distribution conspiracy, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Alt, age 34, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine” in March 2019. Alt admitted to working with others to distribute methamphetamine from August 2017 to June 2018 in Mineral, Hardy, and Hampshire Counties and elsewhere.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, The West Virginia State Police, and the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.

The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Lee Gray, II, of Marshall, Virginia, has admitted to his involvement in a drug distribution conspiracy, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Gray, age 29, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Gray admitted to working with others to distribute methamphetamine from August 2017 to June 2018 in Mineral, Hardy, and Hampshire Counties and elsewhere.

Gray faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, The West Virginia State Police, and the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated. 

The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

 

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Gypsy Rene Winkler, of Keyser, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 10 months incarceration for her involvement in a drug distribution conspiracy, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Winkler, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” in June 2019. Winkler admitted to distributing methamphetamine fin March 2018 in Hampshire County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, The West Virginia State Police, and the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated. 

The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Dwayne Cosner, of Elk Garden, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 15 months incarceration for drug distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Cosner, age 40, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” in April 2019. Cosner admitted to distributing methamphetamine in March 2018 in Mineral County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the West Virginia State Police, and the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated. 

The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Brittany Baker, of Elk Garden, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 12 months incarceration for her involvement in a drug distribution conspiracy, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Baker, age 22, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” in April 2019. Baker admitted to distributing methamphetamine in June 2018 in Mineral County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, The West Virginia State Police, and the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated. 

The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Gypsy Rene Winkler, of Keyser, West Virginia, has admitted to her involvement in a drug distribution conspiracy, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Winkler, age 26, pled guilty last week to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Winkler admitted to distributing methamphetamine fin March 2018 in Hampshire County.

Winkler faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, The West Virginia State Police, and the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated. 

The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Four men have been sentenced today to a combined 116 months incarceration for their roles in a methamphetamine conspiracy, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Corey Bircher, of Elk Garden, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 37 months incarceration. Bircher, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime” in February 2019. Bircher admitted to having a .357 revolver during a methamphetamine distribution crime in February 2018 in Mineral County.

Steve William Gray, of Luray, Virginia, was sentenced to 18 months incarceration. Gray, age 39, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.” He admitted to conspiring with others to distribute methamphetamine from August 2017 to June 2018 in Mineral, Hardy, and Hampshire Counties.

Tyler Allen Whitacre, of Elk Garden, West Virginia, was sentenced to 15 months incarceration. Whitacre, age 25, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine” in March 2019. Whitacre admitted to selling methamphetamine in January 2018 in Mineral County.

Joseph Nathaniel Hagan, of Petersburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to 46 months incarceration. Hagan, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” in March 2019. Hagan admitted to distributing methamphetamine in January 2018 in Hampshire County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, The West Virginia State Police, and the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated. 

The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Dwayne Cosner, of Elk Garden, West Virginia, has admitted to drug distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Cosner, age 40, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Cosner admitted to distributing methamphetamine in March 2018 in Mineral County.

Cosner faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the West Virginia State Police, and the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated. 

The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Brittany Baker, of Elk Garden, West Virginia, has admitted to her involvement in a drug distribution conspiracy, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Baker, age 22, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Baker admitted to distributing methamphetamine in June 2018 in Mineral County.

Baker faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, The West Virginia State Police, and the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated. 

The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

 

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Nathan E. Carpenter, of Elk Garden, West Virginia, has admitted to his involvement in a drug distribution conspiracy, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Carpenter, age 29, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Carpenter admitted to working with others to distribute methamphetamine from August 2017 to June 2018 in Mineral, Hardy, and Hampshire Counties and elsewhere.

Carpenter faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, The West Virginia State Police, and the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated. 

The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Corey Alt, of Elk Garden, West Virginia, has admitted to his involvement in a drug distribution conspiracy, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Alt, age 34, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Alt admitted to working with others to distribute methamphetamine from August 2017 to June 2018 in Mineral, Hardy, and Hampshire Counties and elsewhere.

Alt faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, The West Virginia State Police, and the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated. 

The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

 

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Chance Allen Good, of Stanley, Virginia, was sentenced today to 37 months incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Good, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of a Stolen Firearm” in December 2018. Good admitted to having a stolen .22 caliber rifle in Mineral County in March 2018.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). Project Safe Neighborhoods is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, The West Virginia State Police, and the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated. 

The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.

 

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Joseph Nathaniel Hagan, of Petersburg, West Virginia, has admitted to distributing methamphetamine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Hagan, age 36, pled guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Hagan admitted to distributing methamphetamine in January 2018 in Hampshire County.

Hagan faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, The West Virginia State Police, and the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Tyler Allen Whitacre, of Elk Garden, West Virginia, has admitted to selling methamphetamine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Whitacre, age 25, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Whitacre admitted to selling methamphetamine in January 2018 in Mineral County.

Whitacre faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, The West Virginia State Police, and the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated. 

The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

 

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Phillip Ryan Williams, of McCoole, Maryland, was sentenced today to 30 months incarceration for distributing methamphetamine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Williams, age 24, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine” in November 2018. He admitted to selling methamphetamine in Mineral County on June 13, 2018.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, The West Virginia State Police, and the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. 

The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Corey Bircher, of Elk Garden, West Virginia, and Steve William Gray, of Luray, Virginia, have admitted to their roles in a methamphetamine conspiracy, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Bircher, age 25, pled guilty to one count of “Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.” Bircher admitted to having a .357 revolver during a methamphetamine distribution crime in February 2018 in Mineral County.

Gray, age 39, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.” He admitted to conspiring with others to distribute methamphetamine from August 2017 to June 2018 in Mineral, Hardy, and Hampshire Counties.

Bircher is facing no less than five years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Gray is facing up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,00,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, The West Virginia State Police, and the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated. 

The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Chance Allen Good, of Stanley, Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Good, age 25, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of a Stolen Firearm.” Good admitted to having a stolen .22 caliber rifle in Mineral County in March 2018.

Good faces up to 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Attorney General’s Office has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, the Attorney General’s Office announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, The West Virginia State Police, and the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated. 

The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Fourteen West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia residents are facing multiple drug and firearms charges after being indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Wheeling on October 3, 2018, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

The 28-count indictment alleges a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Mineral, Hardy, Hampshire Counties, and elsewhere from August 2017 to June 2018, as well as multiple firearms offenses. Those named in the indictment are:

•    Nathan E. Carpenter, age 28, of Elk Garden, West Virginia

•    Michael Corey Alt, age 34, of Elk Garden, West Virginia

•    Corey Bircher, age 25, of Elk Garden, West Virginia

•    Tyler Allen Whitacre, age 25, of Elk Garden, West Virginia

•    Michael Lee Gray, II, age 287, of Marshall, Virginia

•    Brittany Baker, age 22, of Elk Garden, West Virginia

•    Phillip Ryan Williams, age 24, of McCool, Maryland

•    Levi Doman, age 31, of Keyer, West Virginia

•    Joseph Nathaniel Hagan, 35, of Petersburg, West Virgnia

•    Gypsy Rene Winkler, 19, of Keyser, West Virginia

•    Michael Dwayne Cosner, 39, of Elk Garden, West Virginia

•    Bryan Keith Presgraves, II, 20, of Luray, Virginia 

•    Steve William Gray, age 38, of Luray, Virginia

•    Chance Allen Good, age 25, of Stanley, Virginia

During the investigation, more than $14,000 was seized, along with four firearms, a set of brass knuckles, a money counter, a security system, a street bike, and a piece of property on Elk Garden Highway in Elk Garden, West Virginia.

“Every day, we see individuals who apparently still believe that they are above the law.  They are not, and my office will relentlessly pursue and prosecute them.  Firearms are often involved with these criminal activities, and our law enforcement partners and citizens are consequently at even greater risk.  We will use all of our resources to prosecute those who continue to pose a danger to law enforcement and our communities,” said Powell.   

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, The West Virginia State Police, and the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated. 

The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.