This information can change quickly. MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - At a news conference Tuesday, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia Bill Powell announced that 25 people have been indicted by a federal grand jury for various drug crimes, centered mainly around Morgantown. Despite a 6% increase in arrests, Group A offenses were up 13%. Arrests for drug offenses were up 17% from 2021, but Wheeling Police Chief Shawn Schwertfeger said that had a direct effect on the drop in drug overdoses and overdose deaths. Arrests for Group B offenses, like nuisance, quality of life and highway safety/traffic offenses, were down 2%. The alleged traffickers indicted this week were part of a network that served as one of the largest suppliers of illicit substances to West Virginia, a press release from the U.S. Attorneys Office Northern District of West Virginia said. Courtesy WPD Facebook page. -Eluding (Fleeing on Foot) and Obstructing, William Timmins, 46 of Wheeling, WV Under the leadership of Sgt. - Residents of multiple states were arrested today after being charged in a 50-count indictment involving a drug conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced today in a press release. Commonly Abused Drugs in West Virginia. Chief Shawn Schwertfeger said his department used data analysis supported by numerous complaints and observation of suspicious activity over the last several months to initiate the operation in and around the Knights Inn, located at 949 Main Street. Out of the 25 people arrested for this drug trafficking operation, seven are from Morgantown alone with a total over 10 from West Virginia and many in our region. 34 Individuals Charged in South Wheeling Special Operations 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 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. Nineteen of those involved were charged by a federal grand jury in Wheeling which returned three separate indictments with a total of ninety-four counts related to the distribution of heroin, methamphetamine, powder cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, oxycodone in the Hancock County area. What is the Project Safe Neighborhood initiative? The dedicated men and women of the Drug Enforcement Administration are committed to stopping the flow of drugs and violence into West Virginia and bringing to justice those who seek to poison our communities and threaten the safety of our residents, said Special Agent in Charge Todd Scott, of DEAs Louisville Division. Wheeling PD says based on information gathered by law enforcement, in addition to multiple crime tips provided by the public regarding drug activity, police obtained and executed a search warrant at 277 Warden Run Road. Additionally, the criminals involved in these burglaries also were part of a theft or shoplifting incident which also saw a notable increase 13%. Three Arrested on Drug Charges Published on December 14, 2022 The Wheeling Police Department arrested three people Wednesday morning after conducting a search warrant at an East Wheeling residence. Groupings that saw decreases were weapon offenses and vandalisms. He also had a fugitive from justice warrant out of Belmont County, Ohio. The potential penalties will vary for each defendant and depend upon the quantity of drugs attributed to each and their criminal history, if any. Thats why it takes a cooperative effort, such as the one that occurred in this investigation, to make a significant impact., The Drug Enforcement Administration, working in partnership with the Hancock- Brooke-Weirton HIDTA Drug Task Force has brought a significant heroin and crack cocaine trafficking organization; operating in Newell and Chester, West Virginia to justice, stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder of the Washington Division Office. NIKKI J. KOFFEL, 24 years old of East Liverpool, Ohio, was charged with five felony counts related to the distribution of cocaine base in Hancock County. Of those charged the following individuals have not yet been apprehended: MICHAEL OGDEN ALLEN NIKKI J. KOFFEL SHAWN LEE DANVER ANTONIO SCOTT HARLIN RANDY ALLEN SAVORS, JR. MALIK ALONSO WARE, JAMES A. ACCONICA, JR. JAMES A. ACCONICA, III JOSHUA RYAN AYERS COURTNEY BOYLES SCOTT LAMB AMANDA MARIE MACKALL DUSTIN MCCOY CHRISTIAN D. PARR JOHN ROBERT SPEARS HEATHER ANN WELLS DAWYNE WHITAKER. Learn more about how to protect your children online. DAVID WESLEY TREAD WAY, 54 years old of Newell, West Virginia, was charged with eight felony counts related to the distribution of cocaine base in Hancock County. Simultaneous with McGhees apprehension, arrests and searches occurred at the airport in Pittsburgh, and at homes and businesses in West Virginia and Ohio. McGhee utilized a network of redistributors to sell the controlled substances in eastern Ohio and northern West Virginia, in Weirton, Wheeling, Morgantown, Fairmont and Clarksburg. . Floor Coatings. -Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Ada Marie Canter, 33 of Wheeling, WV WHEELING, W.Va. (WV News) 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, officials said. (August 19, 2022) Fourteen others are charged and still at large. Thefts also rose 13% and items most stolen were bicycles, catalytic converters and unsecured outdoor items, as well as copper and metal objects inside vacant structures. -Two counts of Possession of Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine and Buprenorphine), Derwin Scott Conway, 42 of Wheeling, WV -Circuit Court Felony Capias out of Ohio County, WV for Probation Violation, Michael Christopher Williams, 36 of Benwood, WV Copyright The Intelligencer | https://www.theintelligencer.net | 1500 Main Street, Wheeling, WV 26003 | 304-233-0100. WHEELING, W.Va. Multiple people have been arrested because of alleged drug use at a Wheeling home. USAO Monitor Selection for Corporate Criminal Enforcement. -Active felony warrant for Entering without Breaking, Brandon Shane Losby, 49 of Wheeling, WV WHEELING, WVa. 20 ribeyes for $29 backyard butchers; difference between bailment and contract. 1409 Greenbrier Street Charleston, WV 25311 (304) 558-2036 Contact Us | Site Map | Staff Directory Due to the tremendous efforts of our investigators, one of the greatest sources of illicit drugs to West Virginia has been shut down.. Several of those charged remain incarcerated, including McGhee, Kirk, Martin, Dominguez, Griffin, Shaw, and Wells. * Joseph Micah Pepp, 28 of Pittsburgh, wanted for Arson Allegheny County, Pa. * Brandy Lee Plunkett, 40 of Wheeling, wanted for Obstructing Belmont County, Ohio, * William Lee Stevens II, 30 of Wheeling, wanted for obstructing, Maintaining/Operating a Drug Premise Arrests, * Anand Arvind Patel, 37 of Wheeling, arrested for Maintaining/Operating a Drug Premise, Arrested for Maintaining/Operating a Drug Premise, Today's breaking news and more in your inbox. The indictment charges 26 people in a drug distribution operation that sold cocaine base, also known as crack, heroin, methamphetamine, including ice, and fentanyl in Ohio County and elsewhere from February 2019 to August 2020. Senate Bill 268makes a range of changes to PEIA, out of concern that the agency faces growing financial stress. Additionally, Aubrey Christina Kemp, 21 of Wheeling is being held as a fugitive from justice on a charge out of Belmont County, Ohio. WHEELING, W.Va. (WBOY) A major drug bust in Wheeling should impact the flow of fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine into Morgantown, Fairmont and Clarksburg, according to federal prosecutors. Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Employment | Affiliates Intranet -Cited for Possession of Marijuana and Driving Suspended, Ruby Lynn Holley, 42 of Wheeling, WV KAREN GRAHAM, 41 years old of Newell, West Virginia, was charged with three felony counts related to the distribution of heroin, cocaine, cocaine base, oxycodone and marijuana in Hancock County. Gary Lee Bertrand, 48 of Wheeling, fugitive from justice warrant out of Belmont County, Ohio. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. Contact Info. Berkshire Hathaway breaks ground for Jackson County project; additional manufacturer announced. -Two counts of Possession of Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine and Fentanyl), Dashawn Tyli-Levelle Brown, 26 of Cleveland, OH We certainly hope to continue these types of operations in the future.. Chellsie S. Boyer, 32, of Weirton (Methamphetamine distribution). We are sending a strong message to all of those from other states who want to sell drugs in our neighborhoods. -Possession of Controlled Substance (cocaine) and No Operators, Christy Lynn Conner, 28 of Wheeling, WV -Citation for Open Container, Katherine Michelle Hooker, 31 of Wheeling, WV The two efforts Operation Southern Exposure and Operation Back to Basics took place in May and July after Wheeling Police collected and reviewed recent crime data and trends. Jalen Deshon Dalton, also known as J and NBA J, 27, of Cleveland, Ohio Two people are facing criminal charges by the Wheeling Police Department after an investigation yielded a significant amount of narcotics at a Wheeling residence. KYLE ROBERT THORN, 27 years old of Chester, West Virginia, was charged with three felony counts relating to the distribution of heroin and methamphetamine in Hancock County. WHEELING, W.Va. Two separate multi-week special operations in the South Wheeling area has resulted in 34 people being arrested or cited for criminal activity, the Wheeling Police. I am confident that with continued crafting of the problem-oriented policing philosophy and data driven approach, we will double down on some of the crime trends presented in this report.. The grand jury, which met in Elkins, handed up indictments for 13 West Virginians, nine people . An arrest operation took place early this morning and led to the arrest of twenty-four defendants. West Virginia wheeling, wv drug arrests. 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. The arrests dealt a major blow to the drug activity that has plagued the areas of Chester and Newell for the past year, and this investigation is one that Sheriff Fletcher has been focused upon since he took office in January. The indictment charges 26 people in a drug distribution operation that sold cocaine base, also known as "crack," heroin, methamphetamine, including "ice," and fentanyl in Ohio County and elsewhere from February . Three people were arrested early Friday and are now facing drug and fugitive from justice charges by the Wheeling Police Department. TheWheeling Police Department arrested three people Wednesday morning after conducting a search warrant at an East Wheeling residence. -Capias warrant, Paul Allan Bloomfield Sr., 60 of Wheeling, WV Drug-related overdoses decreased for the second year in a row, thanks to more awareness, education and partnering with various agencies to help those suffering from addiction. Delegates pass bill changing insurance finances for public employees, then pass a pay raise too. In 2018, around 29.2 thousand arrests were made in West Virginia, as reported by 131 law enforcement agencies. Court: Fourth Circuit West Virginia US District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia Type: Prisoner Petitions Mandamus & Other Disclaimer: Justia Dockets & Filings provides public litigation records from the federal appellate and district courts. Wheeling continues to be a safe community, but our work continues, and we face many challenges. Of the thirty-nine individuals charged, six are from Chester, ten are from Newell, eight are from East Liverpool, Ohio, four are from New Cumberland; three are from Weirton; two are from New Brighton, Pennsylvania, one is from Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, one is from Georgetown, Pennsylvania, two are from Mckees Rocks, Pennsylvania, one is from Wellsburg, one is from Colliers and one is from Wellsville, Ohio. ANTONYO W. JOHNSON, 26 years old of East Liverpool, Ohio, was charged with eight felony counts related to the distribution of cocaine base in Hancock County. Copyright The Intelligencer | https://www.theintelligencer.net | 1500 Main Street, Wheeling, WV 26003 | 304-233-0100. -Citation for Possession of Controlled Substance (Fentanyl), Keith Allen Stepchuck, 36 of Wheeling, WV The Rush to Green Could Leave Us in the Dark, the Wheeling Police Department announced on Friday. The movement of a narcotic will also be deemed a drug offense. From 2005-2006, 123,000 (8%) of residents in West Virginia reportedly used illicit drugs. 4.8 grams of marijuana Arrests for drug offenses were up 17% from 2021, but Wheeling Police Chief Shawn Schwertfeger said that had a direct effect on the drop in drug overdoses and overdose deaths. I believe we are continuing to turn the corner on our opioid problem, but it is by far not over, Schwertfeger said in a WPD release. The Oscars will air on ABC and can be streamed on ABC.com and the ABC app as well as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, AT&T TV or FuboTV. The investigation was supported by the ATF, the Marshall County Drug Task Force, and the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug Task Force, the Allegheny County (PA) Police, and the U.S. Bookings are updated several times a day so check back often! Chellsie S. Boyer, 32, of Weirton (Methamphetamine distribution). -Possession of Controlled Substance, Female Juvenile of Benwood, WV According to a departmental release, around 3:30 a.m., police were patrolling the 3600 block of Chapline Street in South Wheeling and observed a man running down the street. Each defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The leading to the charges became operational in September of 2012 and included extensive surveillance and many controlled purchases of narcotics. Washington, D.C. Man Convicted After Nine-Day Trial for Use of a Firearm in Connection with a Murder and a Robbery, and for a Drug Distribution Conspiracy. February 21, 2023. AMANDA M. MACKALL, 20 years old, of Georgetown, Pennsylvania, with Conspiracy to Deliver Controlled Substances, Delivery of a Controlled Substance; Transporting a Controlled Substance into the State; and, Delivery of a Counterfeit Controlled Substance. Read More. Three people were arrested by Wheeling Police this week after an initial domestic related call prompted police to obtain a search warrant at a South Wheeling house. WHEELING Criminal data analysis and resources for special investigations were two keys to the successful operation that led to multiple arrests and drug seizures in downtown Wheeling, Police . West Virginia annual crimes involve 5,674 violent crimes, 28,376 property crimes totalling 34,050 crimes in 2019. As a result, police found two kilograms of cocaine, 71.5 grams of crack cocaine, 2.5 pounds of marijuana and roughly $5,000 cash. The United States is also seeking the forfeiture of money and property which constitute proceeds derived as a result of such offenses. BRITTANY LUCINDA HISSOM, 18 years old of East Liverpool, Ohio, was charged with eight felony counts related to the distribution of cocaine base in Hancock County. U.S. Attorney William Ihlenfeld, along with Marshall County Sheriff Kevin Cecil, Prosecutor Rhonda Wade and Moundsville Police Chief Thomas Mitchell to . 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. Man Arrested After Disorderly Call on Wheeling Island Published on November 24, 2022 Around 9:30 p.m., on Wednesday, Nov. 23, Wheeling Police officers were dispatched to a disorder call, possibly involving a firearm in the 100 block o View More Man arrested after vehicle pursuit Published on November 24, 2022 -Possession of Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine) and Trespassing, David Arthur Hess, 59 of Wheeling, WV WHEELING City police officers made 13 arrests including two for maintaining or operating a location for drug purposes following a special operation aimed at cutting down on drugs,. Suhip Ebrahim, 26, was found with $113,000 and more than 600 oxycodone pills when he was arrested in Wheeling on March 4. Mark Gordon Hazard, 44 of Wheeling, two counts of possession with intent to deliver. - Residents of multiple states were arrested today after being charged in a 50-count indictment involving a drug conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced today in a press release. MOUNDSVILLE, W.Va. One of the Ohio Valley's major heroin dealers and 12 cohorts were arrested Thursday after a year-long joint investigation involving state and federal law enforcement. Watch the press conference here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diumz-YnImg. I am very pleased with the professional work of the WPD, especially our patrol division, Schwertfeger said. Additional drug related charges are pending as the investigation continues. When officers made entry, they located 1,478 grams of methamphetamine, 78.65 grams of fentanyl, $5,635 in currency and drug using materials. -Active felony warrant for Entering without Breaking, William Earl-Dale Freeman, 37 of Wheeling, WV Overdoses fell 22%, from 210 in 2021 to 164 in 2022. Eleven parcels of real estate, five handguns, and three pieces of jewelry are also subject to forfeiture, along with the aforementioned U.S. currency. The following individuals were indicted by the Wheeling federal grand jury earlier this week: MICHAEL OGDEN ALLEN, 22 years old of Chester, West Virginia, was charged with seven felony counts related to the distribution of heroin and methamphetamine in Hancock County. . Rico McGhee was the most notorious drug dealer in the region and Juan Magana was his primary supplier, said United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld said in the release. February 9, 2023 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. -Two counts of Possession of Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine and Buprenorphine), Herman Clemons Jr., 52 of Wheeling, WV -Possession of Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine) and Trespassing, Savana Dawn Gwynn, 25 of Wheeling, WV The Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, which includes the Drug Enforcement Administration, West Virginia State Police, Ohio County Sheriffs Office, and the Wheeling Police Department, investigated.