CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jacob Wright, of West Union, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 78 months incarceration for his involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Wright, age 37, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine” in March 2019. Wright admitted to working with others to distribute methamphetamine in Harrison County and elsewhere from the fall of 2017 to September 2018.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, 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. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – David Weaver, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 37 months incarceration for his involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Weaver, age 34, pled guilty to “Distribution of Methamphetamine within 1000 Feet of a Protected Location” in March 2019. Weaver admitted to selling methamphetamine near Washington Irving Middle School in Harrison County in October 2017.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, 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. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Taylor Espinoza, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, was sentenced to 87 months incarceration for his involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Espinoza, age 22, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” in April 2019. Espinoza admitted to having methamphetamine in August 2018 in Harrison County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, 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. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Cody Boley, of Wallace, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 51 months incarceration for his involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Boley, age 25, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in April 2019. Boley, being a person prohibited from possessing a firearm, admitted to having a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol in May 2018 in Lewis County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, 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. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Byron Higginbotham, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 14 months incarceration for his role in a methamphetamine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

 

Higginbotham, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Unregistered Firearm” in March 2019. Higginbotham admitted to having an unregistered .20 caliber sawed-off shotgun in March 2018 in Harrison County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The United States Marshal Service assisted.

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. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Nathan Crites, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 18 months incarceration for his role in a methamphetamine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

 

Crites, age 35, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine” in February 2019. Crites admitted to selling methamphetamine in April 2018 in Harrison County.

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 Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The United States Marshal Service assisted.

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. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jesse Pack, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 21 months incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Pack, age 24, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in March 2019. Pack, an unlawful user of a firearm, admitted to having a .9mm pistol in Harrison County in June 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 Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, 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. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Justin Jackson, of Baltimore, Maryland, was sentenced today to 48 months incarceration for his role in a methamphetamine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

 

Jackson, age 41, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine” in March 2019. Jackson admitted to selling methamphetamine in November 2017 in Harrison County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The United States Marshal Service assisted.

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. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Faith Martin, of Shinnston, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 41 months incarceration for her involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Martin, age 20, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine” in March 2019. Martin admitted to selling methamphetamine in Harrison County in August 2018.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, 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. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

###

 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Solomon Cottrill, of Salem, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 57 months incarceration for his role in a methamphetamine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

 

Cottrill, age 33, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine” in March 2019. Cottrill admitted to selling methamphetamine in November 2017 in Harrison County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The United States Marshal Service assisted.

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. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Donald Hickman, Jr., of Reynoldsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 57 months incarceration for his role in a methamphetamine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

 

Hickman, age 43, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine” in March 2017. Hickman admitted to selling methamphetamine in January 2018 in Harrison County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The United States Marshal Service assisted.

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. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Russell Clark, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, has admitted to his involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Clark, age 64, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises.” Clark admitted to maintaining a residence on Winding Way in Clarksburg for the purpose of distributing methamphetamine in February 2018.

Clark faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $500,000. 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, 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 Michael John Aloi presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kedric Pearson, of Waynesboro, Mississippi, and Taylor Espinoza, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, have admitted to their involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Pearson, age 34, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Pearson admitted to working with others to distribute methamphetamine in Harrison County and elsewhere from the fall of 2017 to September 2018.

Espinoza, age 21, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Espinoza admitted to having methamphetamine in August 2018 in Harrison County.

Pearson and Espinoza each face 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, 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 Michael John Aloi presided.

 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – William Koch, of Anmore, West Virginia, has admitted to methamphetamine distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

 

Koch, age 34, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Koch admitted to selling methamphetamine in August 2018 in Harrison County.

Koch 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The United States Marshal Service assisted.

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 Michael John Aloi presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Faith Martin, of Shinnston, West Virginia, has admitted to her involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Martin, age 20, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Martin admitted to selling methamphetamine in Harrison County in August 2018.

Martin 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, 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 Michael John Aloi presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jacob Wright, of West Union, West Virginia, has admitted to his involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Wright, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Wright admitted to working with others to distribute methamphetamine in Harrison County and elsewhere from the fall of 2017 to September 2018.

Wright 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, 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 Michael John Aloi presided.

 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Clarksburg, West Virginia men have admitted to their involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Jesse Pack, age 24, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Pack, an unlawful user of a firearm, admitted to having a .9mm pistol in Harrison County in June 2018.

David Weaver, age 34, pled guilty to “Distribution of Methamphetamine within 1000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Weaver admitted to selling methamphetamine near Washington Irving Middle School in Harrison County in October 2017.

Pack faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Weaver faces not less than one year and up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000. 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, 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 Michael John Aloi presided.

 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Justin Jackson, of Baltimore, Maryland, has admitted to his role in a methamphetamine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

 

Jackson, age 40, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Jackson admitted to selling methamphetamine in November 2017 in Harrison County.

Jackson 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The United States Marshal Service assisted.

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 Michael John Aloi presided.

 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Solomon Cottrill, of Salem, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a methamphetamine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

 

Cottrill, age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Cottrill admitted to selling methamphetamine in November 2017 in Harrison County.

Cottrill 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The United States Marshal Service assisted.

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 Michael John Aloi presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Stormetta Hawkins, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, has admitted to her role in a methamphetamine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

 

Hawkins, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Hawkins admitted to selling methamphetamine in July 2018 in Harrison County.

Hawkins 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The United States Marshal Service assisted.

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 Michael John Aloi presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jodi Denkenberger, of Mount Clare, West Virginia, has admitted to her role in a methamphetamine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

 

Denkenberger, age 28, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Denkenberger admitted to selling methamphetamine in October 2017 in Harrison County.

Denkenberger 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The United States Marshal Service assisted.

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 Michael John Aloi presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Byron Higginbotham and Erica Herron, both of Clarksburg, West Virginia, have admitted to their roles in a methamphetamine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

 

Higginbotham, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Unregistered Firearm.” Higginbotham admitted to having an unregistered .20 caliber sawed-off shotgun in March 2018 in Harrison County.

Erica Herron, age 38, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Herron admitted to selling methamphetamine in September 2017 in Harrison County.

Higginbotham faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Herron 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The United States Marshal Service assisted.

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 Michael John Aloi presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Donald Hickman, Jr., of Reynoldsville, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a methamphetamine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

 

Hickman, age 43, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Hickman admitted to selling methamphetamine in January 2018 in Harrison County.

Hickman 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The United States Marshal Service assisted.

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 Michael John Aloi presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Stephen Richards, of Fairmont, West Virginia, and Nathan Crites, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, have admitted to their roles in a methamphetamine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

 

Richards, age 40, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Richards, having previously been convicted of a felony, admitted to having a 9mm pistol and a 30-caliber bolt-action rifle in December 2017 in Harrison County.

Crites, age 34, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Crites admitted to selling methamphetamine in April 2018 in Harrison County.

Richards faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Crites 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.

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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The United States Marshal Service assisted.

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 Michael John Aloi presided.

 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Thirteen were arrested this week after a federal grand jury returned indictments against 33 individuals from Florida, Mississippi, Maryland, and West Virginia on charges involving methamphetamine distribution and firearms, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

 

“This is yet another example of the team effort to combat dangerous drugs coming into our state from other states to be distributed by our residents to poison our communities. We will not tolerate any drug traffickers in our communities, nor will we tolerate them setting up shop near playgrounds, schools, and our children. The message is getting louder and louder that if you choose to sell drugs in our district, you will be prosecuted to fullest extent of the law,” said Powell.

Nineteen individuals were named in a 40-count indictment, alleging a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Harrison County and elsewhere from the fall of 2017 to September 2018. Those indicted are:

•    Kedric Pearson, age 34, of Waynesboro, Mississippi

•    Paul Casto, age 55, of Clarksburg, West Virginia

•    Stormy Hawkins, age 25, of Clarksburg, West Virginia

•    William Koch, age 33, of Anmore, West Virginia

•    Jacob Wright, age 36, of West Union, West Virginia

•    Donald Hickman, Jr., age 43, of Reynoldsville, West Virginia

•    Cody Boley, age 24, of Wallace, West Virginia

•    Byron Higginbotham, age 36, of Clarksburg, West Virginia

•    Jodi Denkenberger, age 28, of Mount Claire, West Virginia

•    Erica Herron, age 37, of Clarksburg, West Virginia

•    David Weaver, age 33, of Clarksburg, West Virginia

•    Taylor Espinoza, age 21, of Bridgeport, West Virginia

•    Stephen Richards, age 40, of Fairmont, West Virginia

•    Solomon Cottrill, age 32, of Salem, West Virginia

•    Nathan Crites, age 34, of Clarksburg, West Virginia 

•    Russell Clark, age 64, of Clarksburg, West Virginia

•    Faith Martin, age 20, of Shinnston, West Virginia

•    Jesse Pack, age 23, of Clarksburg, West Virginia

•    Justin Jackson, age 40, of Baltimore, Maryland

In a separate case, a federal grand jury indicted 14 individuals on methamphetamine charges. The men and women are accused of conspiring with one another to distribute methamphetamine in Harrison County and elsewhere from October 2017 to September 2018. Those charged in the 27-count indictment are: 

•    Juwan Floyd, age 26, of Tallahassee, Florida                        

•    Kareem Sampson, age 29, of Morgantown, West Virginia                    

•    Ramiro Pimentel Jr., age 31, of Clarksburg, West Virginia                

•    Kelly Wright, age 36, of West Union, West Virginia                        

•    Teressa Hall, age 33, of Bristol, West Virginia                        

•    Nicholle Knotts, age 24, of Philippi, West Virginia                        

•    Chance Ward, age 19, of Buckhannon, West Virginia                        

•    Ashley Wagner,     age 27, of Clarksburg, West Virginia                    

•    Brittany Miles, age 28, of Clarksburg, West Virginia                    

•    Brandon Mays, age 30, of Fairmont, West Virginia                        

•    Joshua Langbien, age 28, of Buckhannon, West Virginia

•    Ann Marie Stankus, age 24, of Buckhannon, West Virginia

•    Rodney Rowan, age 23, of Buckhannon, West Virginia

•    Chris Conley, age 35, of Clarksburg, West Virginia

The government is also seeking forfeiture of four vehicles, a house on Winding Way in Clarksburg, and more than $33,000 seized as a part of the investigation. Law enforcement has also seized 15 firearms.

Of the 33 defendants, 25 were detained. Those wanted are:

    Donald Hickman

    Faith Martin

    William Koch

    Erica Herron 

    Ashley Wagner 

    Russel Clark

    Jesse Pack

    Nichole Knotts

    Kendric Pearson

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The United States Marshal Service assisted in the arrests.

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.

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