Methamphetamine - Shore News Network

Four sentenced for methamphetamine trafficking in West Virginia

Breaking Local News ReportSeptember 14, 20240

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — Four individuals have been sentenced to federal prison for methamphetamine trafficking in separate cases in the Northern District of West Virginia, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Terry Lee Mason, Jr., 37, of Martinsburg, W.Va., was sentenced to 324 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute 50 or more grams of crystal methamphetamine. Mason, also known as “TJ,” was involved in distributing meth in Berkeley County alongside co-defendant Robert Joseph Wilson, III. Wilson, 38, of Hagerstown, Md., was sentenced to 300 months in prison for aiding and abetting the distribution of five grams or more

Omaha man sentenced to more than 15 years in federal prison for methamphetamine conspiracy

Breaking Local News ReportSeptember 14, 20240

OMAHA, Neb. — A 38-year-old Omaha man has been sentenced to more than 15 years in federal prison for his involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy, according to an announcement by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Anthony Stephens was sentenced on Aug. 23 by Chief U.S. District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. to 188 months of imprisonment. Stephens was arrested in 2022 after law enforcement responded to a call at a Bellevue hotel, where he was found unresponsive in a room. Officers discovered a substantial amount of drugs and cash in the room, leading to his arrest. In addition to his

Goldsboro man convicted on methamphetamine trafficking charges

Breaking Local News ReportSeptember 9, 20240

NEW BERN, N.C. — A federal jury on Monday convicted Tamarcus Shaquan Ellis, 34, of Goldsboro, on three methamphetamine trafficking charges. Ellis, a key figure in a drug trafficking organization, could face life in prison when sentenced in December. Court records show that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began investigating Ellis in early 2021 as part of an effort to target crystal methamphetamine dealers in Goldsboro and Jacksonville. By March 2021, authorities shifted focus to Ellis’ organization after dismantling several high-level methamphetamine traffickers. During the investigation, agents used a confidential source to conduct controlled purchases of

Binghamton Woman Pleads Guilty to Escaping Federal Custody and Methamphetamine Distribution

Breaking Local News ReportSeptember 1, 20240

ALBANY, NEW YORK — Jade A. Pittsley, 34, of Binghamton, New York, pled guilty on Thursday to charges of escaping federal custody and possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, along with Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo, and United States Marshal David L. McNulty. Pittsley admitted that in November 2023, while serving a federal sentence for a previous methamphetamine-related offense, she absconded from a halfway house where she was under supervision. Shortly thereafter, law enforcement officers apprehended her, finding methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia

Dark Web Drug Dealer Pleads Guilty to Distributing Fentanyl, Cocaine, and Methamphetamine

Breaking Local News ReportSeptember 1, 20240

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK — Ryan Scott Cochran, also known by his alias “namedeclined,” pled guilty on Thursday in federal court to charges of distributing fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine via the United States mail. The guilty plea was entered before United States District Judge Ramon E. Reyes, Jr. Cochran, who had been operating as a highly rated vendor on various dark web marketplaces for over a decade, faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. As part of his plea agreement, Cochran consented to forfeit more than $200,000 in cash, cryptocurrency, and funds held in bank accounts, all of

Manchester Couple Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine Manufacturing Charges

Breaking Local News ReportMay 30, 20240

CONCORD, NH – Charles Winchell, 41, and Catherine Quinn, 42, both residents of Manchester, have pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to the manufacturing of methamphetamine, as announced by U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. The charges include conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine with a child under the age of 18 present and possession of equipment, chemicals, and materials to manufacture methamphetamine. U.S. District Court Judge Paul Barbadoro has scheduled sentencing for Winchell on September 16, 2024, and for Quinn on September 30, 2024. Throughout 2023, Winchell and Quinn frequently purchased pseudoephedrine, a common over-the-counter medication and the primary ingredient

Lehighton Man Sentenced to 11 Years for Methamphetamine Distribution

Erica SchmidtMay 24, 20240

SCRANTON, PA– Curtis Margle, 34, of Lehighton, Carbon County, was sentenced to 132 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute crystal methamphetamine. The sentence was handed down on May 21, 2024, by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, as announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Margle pleaded guilty to possessing between 200 and 350 grams of high-quality crystal methamphetamine for distribution in the Schuylkill County and Carbon County areas in 2022. The investigation revealed that investigators made a purchase from Margle in March 2022 in Schuylkill County and later seized an

Klamath Falls Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Methamphetamine

Indira PatelMay 14, 20240

Andrew Miles Devos, 42, was sentenced to 75 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release. MEDFORD, Ore.—A Klamath Falls, Oregon man with multiple previous drug- and firearm-related convictions was sentenced to federal prison today after he was caught by local law enforcement with methamphetamine and a handgun. On June 3, 2020, Devos was charged by criminal complaint with illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Later, on September 17, 2020, a federal grand jury in Medford indicted Devos

Final Member of Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Sentenced for Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Trafficking

Indira PatelMay 14, 20240

Crosswell-Cervantes’ two co-conspirators both also pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl and Methamphetamine and were sentenced by Judge Logan. On September 20, 2023, Carlos Alberto Castro-Ruiz, 26, of Phoenix, was sentenced to 11 years and three months in prison. On November 13, 2023, Alexander Ortega-Islas, 22, of Phoenix, was sentenced to 12 years in prison. PHOENIX, Ariz. – Keivin Crosswell-Cervantes, 27, of Mexico, was sentenced on April 29, 2024, by United States District Judge Steven P. Logan to 17 years in prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl and Methamphetamine. Crosswell-Cervantes pleaded guilty to the charge on May 2, 2023.

Georgia Inmate, Leader of Methamphetamine Conspiracy, Pleads Guilty

Indira PatelMay 13, 20240

Christopher David Johnson, 46, pled guilty last week to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute and to distributing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. At sentencing, Johnson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a statutory maximum of life. ABINGDON, Va. – The leader of a wide-ranging methamphetamine conspiracy, who was incarcerated in Georgia at the time, pled guilty last week in U.S. District Court to federal drug charges. Johnson regularly communicated with his co-conspirators using both Facebook and text messaging to coordinate methamphetamine pricing, quantities, recruitment, sales, and deliveries. According

Johnstown Man Sentenced to More Than 7.5 Years in Prison for Trafficking of Heroin, Crack-Cocaine, Fentanyl, and Methamphetamine

Indira PatelMay 11, 20240

Blake Young, 35, pleaded guilty to Count One of the Superseding Indictment before United States Senior District Judge Kim R. Gibson. Following the plea, Judge Gibson sentenced Young to 92 months of imprisonment, to be followed by six years of supervised release. JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court in Johnstown for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, crack-cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, United States Attorney Eric Olshan announced today. Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. In connection with the

Final “Calicartel” Defendant Pleads Guilty to Dark Web Heroin, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine Distribution Conspiracy

Indira PatelMay 10, 20240

According to court documents, Shanahan worked with his coconspirators to create narcotics vendor accounts on various dark web marketplaces in 2018 and 2019, including accounts known as “BuxomBrunette,” “CaliCartel,” and “Playground.” Shanahan used his computing expertise to set up, troubleshoot, and help his co-conspirators operate their technical infrastructure, including encryption and shipping tools as well as cryptocurrency wallets. These vendor accounts consummated over 2,000 sales of narcotics between October 2018 and May 2019, totaling approximately 1.7 kilograms of heroin, 2.9 kilograms of cocaine, and 1.6 kilograms of methamphetamine. SACRAMENTO, Calif. —Devin Shanahan, 29, of Winnetka, pleaded guilty Tuesday to conspiracy

Syracuse Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Methamphetamine and Fentanyl with the Intent to Distribute

Indira PatelMay 10, 20240

As part of his plea, Harris admitted that, on November 8, 2023, he possessed in his home and car over one kilogram of methamphetamine and a quantity of fentanyl, which he intended to distribute. He further admitted that, before he committed this offense, he had previously been convicted in United States District Court for the Northern District of New York of Conspiracy to Possess Heroin with the intent to distribute. SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Jamall Harris, age 45, of Syracuse, pled guilty today to possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl with intent to distribute. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and

Philadelphia Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine Sale

Indira PatelMay 9, 20240

According to court documents and statements made in court, a cooperating individual advised law enforcement officers that Adams was selling methamphetamine. Investigators tasked the individual with making a purchase of drugs from Adams. The transaction took place in a retail parking lot in Buckhannon while officers provided surveillance. Once the transaction took place, officers intercepted the drugs and arrested Adams, seizing more than $14,000 in cash and a one-pound bag of methamphetamine. CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Sean Christopher Adams, age 35, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 175 months in federal prison for the distribution of 50 grams or

Mississippi Woman and Alabama Man Sentenced to Prison for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute 991 Grams of Methamphetamine

Indira PatelMay 7, 20240

Linda Renee Mizell, 41, was sentenced to 75 months in prison and Charles Oliver Trahan, II, 51, was sentenced to 155 months in prison. Gulfport, MS – A Moss Point woman and a Grand Bay, Alabama man were sentenced in federal court for their involvement in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 991 grams of methamphetamine. On August 22, 2023, officers observed Trahan leaving Mizell’s residence and initiated a traffic stop which led to the recovery of 991 grams of methamphetamine. Trahan was placed under arrest and analysis of his cell phone revealed that he had frequent contact

Riverside Man Sentenced to 21 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Pounds of Methamphetamine from Mexico into Inland Empire

Indira PatelMay 7, 20240

Timoteo Gomez, 51, of Riverside, was sentenced by United States District Judge Jesus G. Bernal. Gomez has been in federal custody since his June 2021 arrest in this case. RIVERSIDE, California – A Riverside County man who is the lead defendant in a criminal case involving an outfit that trafficked pound quantities of methamphetamine from Mexico into the Inland Empire was sentenced today to 252 months in federal prison. From at least April 2020 until August 2020, Gomez and others purchased methamphetamine from their suppliers in Mexico as well as Los Angeles and Riverside counties. Other members of the conspiracy

Champaign Woman Convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine

Indira PatelMay 7, 20240

Over four days of testimony, the government presented evidence to establish that Turner had conspired with several others to obtain large quantities of methamphetamine ice from suppliers in Illinois and California and transport those drugs to the Central District of Illinois. Members of the conspiracy, including Turner, then distributed the methamphetamine ice they had obtained to others for a profit in Illinois, including to customers in Champaign, Coles, and Edgar Counties. URBANA, Ill. – A federal jury returned a guilty verdict on May 3, 2024, against Malaia A. Turner, 35, of the 2600th block of West Springfield Avenue, Champaign, Illinois,

Louisville Woman Sentenced for Armed Methamphetamine Trafficking

Indira PatelMay 6, 20240

According to court proceedings, on August 26, 2023, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Richardson was the front seat passenger. Law enforcement searched the vehicle and found a backpack containing methamphetamine, a digital scale with drug residue, plastic baggies, two stolen firearms and ammunition. An additional firearm was found in the vehicle’s trunk, and $2,526.17 was found on Richardson. She admitted to possessing the firearms and that she possessed one or more of the firearms in furtherance of distributing the methamphetamine. COVINGTON, Ky. – A Louisville, Ky., woman, Katharine Richardson, 36, was sentenced on Wednesday,

Operation Smoke and Mirrors Update: Sentencing of Charleston Man Marks Major Milestone in Takedown of Methamphetamine Trafficking Organization

Indira PatelMay 6, 20240

Wemh is among 27 of 32 defendants who have pleaded guilty in the case and among 20 sentenced to prison. The case is the result of a major drug trafficking investigation dubbed Operation Smoke and Mirrors in which law enforcement seized well over 400 pounds of methamphetamine as well as 40 pounds of cocaine, 3 pounds of fentanyl, 19 firearms and $935,000 in cash. CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The recent sentencing of Jasper Wemh, 39, of Charleston, to 16 years and eight months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, marks a significant milestone in a four-indictment

CBP Officers disrupt two smuggling attempts leading to seizure of fentanyl and methamphetamine

Dinesh PatelMay 3, 20240

CALEXICO, Calif., — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Area Port of Calexico seized fentanyl and methamphetamine concealed within air compressors in two separate interdictions last week. “This is truly an outstanding demonstration of our officers’ ability to think outside of the box and further exemplifies our adaptability to find illicit contraband no matter where narcotics are hidden,” said Roque Caza, Port Director for the Area Port of Calexico. On Wednesday, April 24 at approximately 4:57 p.m., CBP officers at the Calexico West Port of Entry encountered a 43-year-old man driving a white 2007 truck applying for

Stanislaus County Man Sentenced to over 19 Years in Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine

Indira PatelMay 1, 20240

According to court documents, on Sept. 4, 2021, police tried to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle Satariano was driving. Satariano stopped briefly, let a female out of the car, and then took off at a high rate of speed reaching speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. Satariano collided with several vehicles and the vehicle was disabled. Satariano fled from the car and hid nearby, after which police found and arrested him. Satariano had two loaded handguns, one of which was stolen and had a high-capacity magazine attached. He also had over 850 grams of pure methamphetamine

Jackson County Man Sentenced to over 8 Years in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

Indira PatelApril 30, 20240

James Richard Morgan, 42, of Jackson County, was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Gulfport. Gulfport, Miss. – A Jackson County man was sentenced to 105 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 70 grams of methamphetamine. Morgan and Brown were indicted by a federal grand jury on May 17, 2022. Both defendants pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Brown was sentenced on February 27, 2023, to 70 months in prison. According to court documents, on September 11, 2018, Morgan and co-defendant Karlos Brown sold 70 grams of 42% pure methamphetamine in the parking

Kenton County Woman Sentenced for Methamphetamine Trafficking

Indira PatelApril 27, 20240

According to her plea agreement, in May and June 2023, law enforcement coordinated two controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Stewart. The first purchase was tested to contain approximately 29.2 grams of methamphetamine. Before the second controlled purchase, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on Stewart’s vehicle and recovered an additional 24.832 grams of methamphetamine. COVINGTON, Ky. – An Elsemere, Ky., woman, Nalisha Nichole Stewart, 38, was sentenced on Thursday, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, to 126 months in prison, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky;

Missouri Man Sentenced to 60 Months for Distributing Methamphetamine

Indira PatelApril 27, 20240

Young was indicted in December 2019 and pleaded guilty in September 2023. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Chillicothe, Missouri man, Scott Young, 37, was sentenced on April 25, 2024, by U.S. District Judge Colleen R. Lawless to 60 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine. The statutory penalties for distributing methamphetamine are up to 40 years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and up to a life term of supervised release. At sentencing, the Court found that Young had distributed methamphetamine on two occasions in Adams County, Illinois in 2019. The Court further noted the terrible effects methamphetamine use has had on

Edmond Man Sentenced to Serve 22 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Conspiracy, Capping Investigation into Major Methamphetamine & Cocaine Organization in Oklahoma

Indira PatelApril 26, 20240

OKLAHOMA CITY – ANTONIO ORTIZ HERRERA, 46, of Edmond, has been sentenced to serve 264 months in federal prison for his role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) which was responsible for distributing large amounts of methamphetamine and cocaine throughout the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. Organization distributed narcotics throughout the United States On June 8, 2022, a federal grand jury returned a 14-count Indictment against Ortiz and several other co-defendants for their roles in the DTO. According to public record, co-defendant Victoriano Neri Hernandez, 37, was head of the DTO in Oklahoma, while Ortiz facilitated the