U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey announced on Apr. 23 that Mike Sheriff Scott, Rachelle Gaston, and Phineas Chaplin were found guilty of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances following a seven-day federal trial in Clarksburg, West Virginia. Scott and Gaston were also convicted of aiding and abetting the maintenance of a drug-involved premise, while Scott was additionally found guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm.
The convictions highlight ongoing efforts by federal authorities to combat drug trafficking in northern West Virginia communities. “I am grateful for the swift and decisive actions taken by law enforcement that inevitably saved lives,” Harvey said. “This case should send a clear message to drug dealers that West Virginia is not open for business.”
Evidence presented at trial showed that Scott used CowGirlz Nightclub on Earl Core Road in Morgantown as a front for distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl before it opened to the public. The drugs were stored at the nightclub after being obtained from out-of-state sources, and individuals with substance abuse disorders were paid with controlled substances for helping renovate the building.
Jurors heard about an incident involving gunfire outside the nightclub which led investigators to obtain a search warrant; surveillance footage captured Chaplin firing at a vehicle and Scott removing shell casings from the scene. A subsequent search uncovered five pistols—including two linked to the shooting—hidden ammunition, methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and drug paraphernalia inside concealed compartments within the club’s stairs leading to Scott’s office. Recorded jail calls indicated that Scott attempted to continue running his operation while incarcerated and asked others to destroy evidence.
Chaplin had previously pleaded guilty to another felony drug charge and firearms violation related to this case. Sentencing will be determined by Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh after considering sentencing guidelines.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zelda E. Wesley and Eleanor F. Hurney prosecuted this case with support from agencies including the Mon Metro Drug Task Force—a HIDTA-funded initiative—the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
The U.S Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia prosecutes federal crimes—including cases like this—and manages civil litigation on behalf of the United States according to its official website. The office promotes community safety through outreach programs across its 32-county jurisdiction in northern West Virginia according to its official website. It operates staffed offices in Wheeling, Clarksburg, Elkins, and Martinsburg according to its official website, partners with local law enforcement through initiatives such as Project Safe Neighborhoods according to its official website, and serves as part of the United States Department of Justice according to its official website.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America—a nationwide Department of Justice initiative targeting cartels and transnational criminal organizations—as well as efforts addressing threats posed by substances like fentanyl.
