The investigation was part of the Department of Justices Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). If youre shopping for top products on the market, here are the best 14 products the BestReviews Testing Lab loved in March. We asked BestReviews cooking expert Andrea Boudewijn for her best recommendations for Mothers Day gifts. The case was investigated by the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, which includes officers from the Wheeling Police Department, the West Virginia State Police, the Ohio County Sheriffs Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. HUNTINGTON, WV (WOWK)- Three people were arrested Wednesday, in a drug bust in Huntington. By Marsha Chwalik. Due to the tremendous efforts of our investigators, one of the greatest sources of illicit drugs to West Virginia has been shut down.. The platform is designed to engage citizens and government leaders in a discussion about what needs improvement across the country. MDENT is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriffs Office, the Putnam County Sheriffs Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department and the South Charleston Police Department. The arrests today dismantled a drug trafficking network that has wreaked havoc in the Charleston area for far too long. Martinsburg authorities look back on record drug bust. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. They say that Wright and Johnson have ties to the Detroit area. ELKINS, W.Va. - A major federal, state and local law enforcement effort has resulted in charges against more than 40 people, following a lengthy investigation and subsequent round up, in Barbour and Randolph counties, on Tuesday, federal officials announced. 2:23-cr-31 (Jeffries et al. In a separate 10-count indictment, Shane Kelly Fulkerson, 43, of Saint Albans, West Virginia and Timothy Wayne Dodd, 45, of Charleston, West Virginia, are charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Kanawha County from March to September 2021. Charged in a separate, one-count federal indictment are: Alexandria Jasmine Estep, 21, and Robert Dewayne Miller, 35, both of Charleston; and Perry Johnson, Jr., 29, and Dashounieque Lashay Wright, 26, both of Detroit, Michigan. Larry Wayne Legg pleaded guilty on March 6, 2023, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Charged in a three-count federal indictment are: Antonio Lamar Jeffries, 34, and Michael Allen Roberts, Jr., 40, both of St. Albans; Karl Lamont Funderburk, 37, of Hurricane, Mark Leslie Lively, 56, of Kenna; Scott Jeremy Savage, 46, of Nitro; Ryan Keith Kincaid, 46, of South Charleston; Todd Tyler Snead, 57, of Waynesboro, Virginia; and Tres Avery Davis, 34, Telisa Rene McCauley, 31, Deayria Eyshay Willis, 24, John Paul Loudermilk, 60, Timothy Allen Loudermilk, 63, Keith Royal Goode-Harper, 31, Nicole Leigh Fierbaugh, 44, Latesha Lashae Nappier, 29, Jeremy Rayshad Walker, 34, Charles Norman Pannell, 43, and Les Van Bumpus, 34, all of Charleston. It also attributes 50 grams or more to Funderburk. Wed, April 3rd 2019, 7:27 PM PDT. The drug epidemic in this state knows no socioeconomic or geographic boundaries and continues to affect West Virginians from all walks of life. Benjamin Wood has been charged with attempted murder. The indictment charges 12 of the defendants with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Kanawha County from March 2019 to September 2021. The Department of Justice announced Wednesday it made the largest methamphetamine bust in West Virginia history. Note: An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Copyright 2023 TheAssociated Press. These steps are often compact, practical and easy to move. UPDATE (3:50 p.m. on Wednesday, March 22): Several members of West Virginia law enforcement gathered with US Attorney Will Thompson to announce efforts made during what theyre calling Operation Smoke and Mirrors.. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, meth killed over 32,000 Americans in 2021. The remaining defendants are scheduled for trial on April 25, 2023. Deadline April 17, 2023! Not much is known about the situation, but a spokesperson from the FBI confirmed that there was law enforcement activity in the area. USAO Monitor Selection for Corporate Criminal Enforcement. These steps are often compact, practical and easy to move. Drug bust charleston wv 2022. Fairmont K-9 unit, Spur, poses with some of the drugs he helped take off the streets. Become a member with your gift of $1,000 or more. The indictment charges all four defendants with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from October 2022 to January 2023 at or near Charleston. Phone: 866-566-0261. Joel Ebert; Aug 27, 2015 . Two are from Detroit and one is from Waynesboro, Virginia. This investigation demonstrates that we will use all of our resources, including new and innovative investigative techniques, against those who target our communities with this poison. This investigation demonstrates that we will use all of our resources, including new and innovative investigative techniques, against those who target our communities with this poison. CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) A federal drug trafficking investigation in West Virginia has resulted in charges against 54 people and the seizure of more than 200 pounds (91 kilograms) of methamphetamine, authorities said Wednesday. Its very hard to treat.. West Virginia has one of the highest rates in the country of non-medical use of prescription pain relievers in 19 to 25 year olds. Postal Inspection Service, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia National Guard Counter Drug program, the Kanawha County Sheriffs Office, the Charleston Police Department, the Putnam County Sheriffs Office and the Raleigh County Sheriffs Office. But, New West Virginia health information shows drug overdose deaths have increased to more than 1,000 in a one-year period for the first time.The Charleston, State health data shows West Virginia has seen a record number of fatal overdoses from methamphetamine this year, increasing by 500 percent since 2014.The, Copyright 2023 West Virginia Public Broadcasting, All Rights Reserved, Feds Announce Major Drug Bust, Arrests In West Virginia, Local Band Returns To Music After Almost Two Decades, Largest ever drug bust in state of West Virginia, Feds To Let States Tap Opioid Funds For Meth, Cocaine Surge, West Virginia Drug Overdoses Top 1,000 in 2017, West Virginia Has Record Fatal Meth Overdoses in 2017. Check out her best picks before buying anything. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the US Marshals Service, Charleston Police Department, and Putnam County Sheriffs Office. MARTINSBURG, W.Va. Police Chief George Swartwood is proud of the men and women of his force . The program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justices drug reduction strategy. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The states southern district attorney calls methemphatmine a nasty drug that often leads to violence. Charged in a 15-count indictment are: Ramon David Alston, 41, of Decatur, Georgia Jonathan Gregory Bush, 38, of Dunbar, West Virginia According to the DOJ, the individuals were also charged with distributing large amounts of cocaine and fentanyl in Charleston. Two are from Detroit and one is from Waynesboro, Virginia. Published: Mar. C. 26, 2020 they have charged 12 people with dealing methamphetamine, . Feds Announce Major Drug Bust, Arrests in West Virginia CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) A federal drug trafficking investigation in West Virginia has resulted in charges against 54 people and. OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. 12, 2021 at 6:01 PM EST . Will Thompson, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia, said "significantly over 200 pounds" of methamphetamine was seized during search warrants, as well as 28 pounds of cocaine. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Sponsor impactful and engaging media and entertainment. willow lake subdivision odessa, mo; curried tofu salad moosewood; lancaster baptist church fined; craftsman m110 not starting; detox side effects on skin; The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. All Rights Reserved. Stay informed daily on the latest news and advice on COVID-19 from the editors at U.S. News & World Report. According to court documents, Magana coordinated with McGhee and others to have drugs shipped from the Southwest border to Ohio via tractor trailer. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia Will Thompson said 30 federal indictments were returned after an 8-month long investigation into a historic drug bust in the state. Learn more about how to protect your children online. Alex Mooney's Template for a Primary Victory, The Never Ending Water and Sewer Work in West Virginia. Clarksburg, WV Federal authorities have charged 33 people with participating in a oxycodone distribution ring in North Central West Virginia. The drugs are suspected to be heroin and fentanyl. WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA - A sophisticated drug trafficking network that served as one of the largest suppliers of illicit substances to West Virginia has been dismantled by a federal indictment returned this week against individuals from Ohio, California, and Mexico. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. We asked BestReviews cooking expert Andrea Boudewijn for her best recommendations for Mothers Day gifts. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States. The potential penalties will vary for each defendant and depend upon the quantity of drugs attributed to each and their criminal history, if any. Sherman L. Griffin, 45, of Martins Ferry, OH. The Kanawha County Sheriffs Office said that their SWAT team assisted the FBI in executing arrest warrants, but the details of those arrests will need to be released by the FBI. A locked padlock May 15, 2021 - 5:00 pm. Several of the vehicles and firearms had been reported stolen. Simultaneous with McGhees apprehension, arrests and searches occurred at the airport in Pittsburgh, and at homes and businesses in West Virginia and Ohio. The Evergreen State takes the top spot again in the U.S. News Best States ranking on the strength of its tech sector and other industries. A federal drug trafficking investigation in West Virginia has resulted in charges against 54 people and the seizure of more than 200 pounds of methamphetamine, authorities said Wednesday. Joining Thompson at the press conference Wednesday afternoon was FBI special agent Mike Norwall, someone who was at the front of this investigation. For anyone looking to fill the void left by those arrested, I want you to know we are not going anywhere, and the FBI and our law enforcement partners are here to find, arrest and bring to justice those who terrorize our community with violence and drugs., UPDATE (11:25 a.m. on Wednesday, March 22): US Attorney Will Thompsons office plans to hold a press conference Wednesday afternoon during which they say they will announce the largest methamphetamine seizure in West Virginia history.. Dog steps benefit all kinds of dogs, from toy breeds to dogs that shouldnt do a lot of jumping. Pastry Artwork Pits Bakery Against Town in Free Speech Suit, Wisconsin Lawmakers Hope to Outlaw Local Bans on Gas Engines, Wisconsin Assembly Aims for Harsher Carjacking Penalties. ), 2:23-cr-33 (Estep et al. ), and 2:23-cr-4 (Wemh et al. Thompson called it the largest seizure of methamphetamine ever in West Virginia. Most of the suspects in the federal cases are Charleston residents. The attorney said they dont know exactly how many pounds of meth were seized, but Thompson knows its well over 200 pounds. The best states in the U.S. come from coast to coast. A copy of this press release is located on the website of theU.S. Attorneys Officefor the Southern District of West Virginia. Deputies with the Raleigh County Sheriff's Department, Beckley Police Officers, and West Virginia State troopers come together to form the Beckley-Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Alexandria Jasmine Estep, 21, and Robert Dewayne Miller, 35, both of Charleston; and Perry Johnson, Jr., 29, and Dashounieque Lashay Wright, 26, both of Detroit, Michigan, were charged in a separate one-count federal indictment for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. 18 people were charged in a three-count indictment, a majority of them from Charleston. In addition to the seizure of drugs, agents recovered $295,038 in cash and five firearms. Nearly 2,000 grams of meth, other drugs seized in Fairmont drug bust. The operation included the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Lock Updated: Jan 20, 2023 / 03:14 PM EST. A large amount of illegal and dangerous drugs were stopped from going into our local neighborhood during the course of this investigation. They also charged another 24 people in state criminal complaints. 1810 Harper Road. CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS/WVAH) Two Parkerbsurg men arrested as part of a major takedown of a multi-state drug trafficking organization appeared in federal . . Geo resource failed to load. Theres been some recent data showing fatal overdoses involving methamphetamine in Kanawha County in the past 6 months of this year, said Acting US Attorney Lisa Johnston. Drug bust charleston wv 2022. Col. Jack Chambers testified at interim committee meeting. The federal grand jury previously indicted eight individuals as part of Operation Smoke and Mirrors: Jasper Wemh, 38, Justin Allen Bowen, 40, Richard Allen Bowen, 62, Kimberly Dawn Legg, 49, Larry Wayne Legg, 55, and Stanley Aaron Burkes, 62, all of Charleston; McKenzie Bowen, also known as McKenzie Myers, 24, of Belle; and Nicholas Bradford Confere, 35, of Mammoth. Man barricades himself in home, fires multiple shots at mother. Its extremely addictive, its very hard on both the brain and body, said Thompson. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. CHARLESTON, W.Va. United States Attorney Will Thompson announced today that a major drug trafficking investigation has resulted in the largest methamphetamine seizure in West Virginia history, of well over 200 pounds. 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