During the recent government shutdown, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia continued its legal work, resulting in 73 defendants being sentenced. U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey commended his office and law enforcement partners for their efforts during this period.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners continued the important work of Operation Take Back America, removing drug dealers, firearms offenders, and those who commit crimes against children, from our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Harvey.
Over the course of the 43-day lapse in government appropriations, more than 70 sentences were handed down, dozens of guilty pleas were secured, 17 matters were indicted, and a trial was successfully litigated.
Among those sentenced for drug trafficking offenses were Desmond Davis of Martinsburg, West Virginia (327 months), Lenin Erasmo Luna Mota of Hagerstown, Maryland (280 months), Malik Summers of Philadelphia (240 months), Odell Epps also of Philadelphia (130 months), Frank Brown of Philadelphia (120 months), Gary Duane Cool of Monterville, West Virginia (188 months), Emmanuel Gibson of Fairmont, West Virginia (151 months), Theresa Lipkey of Petersburg, West Virginia (84 months), Corey Coffman Kneeland of Wardensville, West Virginia (121 months), Jennifer Ann Howell of Moorefield, West Virginia (90 months), Matthew David Viands of Summit Point, West Virginia (78 months), Mauricio Alvarado-Flores of El Salvador (71 months), Alexis Alvarado of Ranson, West Virginia (60 months), Rahim Duncan of Cleveland, Ohio (63 months), Crystal Lynn Blakenship of Buckhannon, West Virginia (97 months), Randy Jones and Kimberly Goins both from Clarksburg, West Virginia (136 and 78 months respectively) and Rebecca Keiper also from Clarksburg (78 months).
Sentences for firearms violations included Bryan Davis from Williamsport, Maryland who received 188 months in prison; Alexander Dignazio from Martinsburg who received 120 months; and Garrett Deberry from Morgantown who was sentenced to 160 months.
The office also prosecuted child pornography cases resulting in Oliver Matheny from Maidsville receiving a sentence of 300 months; David Cicalese from Buckhannon receiving 120 months; Joshua Michael Humphrey also from Buckhannon receiving 88 months; and Elliot Stache from Fairmont being sentenced to 180 months.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh as well as Judges Gina M. Groh and John Preston Bailey presided over these cases.
These actions are part of Operation Take Back America—a national initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at countering illegal immigration and eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime.
