The Belmont County (OH) Sheriffs Office and the Belmont County Prosecutors Office provided important assistance. 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. -Cited for Possession of Fentanyl, Christopher Cory Heckathorn, 36 of Wheeling, WV At the time of McGhees arrest in October 2022, agents recovered approximately 75 pounds of cocaine, 19 pounds of methamphetamine, and nearly 5 pounds of fentanyl from his home. 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. According to a . He also had a fugitive from justice warrant out of Belmont County, Ohio. -Possession of Controlled Substance (cocaine) and No Operators, Christy Lynn Conner, 28 of Wheeling, WV Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Employment | Affiliates Intranet Mark Gordon Hazard, 44 of Wheeling, two counts of possession with intent to deliver. 3.5 grams of fentanyl Officials say renewables project already attracting other development. Copyright The Intelligencer | https://www.theintelligencer.net | 1500 Main Street, Wheeling, WV 26003 | 304-233-0100. The United States is also seeking the forfeiture of money and property which constitute proceeds derived as a result of such offenses. Were fortunate to have such a talented and hard-working drug task force to serve the citizens of Hancock County, said Sheriff Fletcher. 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. Published on January 27, 2023 The Wheeling Police Department released its 2022 crime statistics and noted a major improvement pertaining to drug overdoses and deaths; however, several crime categories - specifically related to property crimes - increased over the last 12-month period. 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. The WV Regional Jails updates this information regularly. Fourteen others are charged and still at large. Zachary James Parsons, 30, of Wheeling, West Virginia Violent crimes include murder (78), rape (754), robbery (378), and assault (4, 464). What is the Project Safe Neighborhood initiative? 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. The Wheeling Police Patrol Division, the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force and the Belmont County Criminal Interdiction Unit were all part of the investigation. - 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. He was arraigned by an Ohio County Magistrate, where a cash bond of $50,000 was set. BRANDI LOU HISSOM, 37 years old of East Liverpool, Ohio, was charged with nine felony counts related to the distribution of cocaine base in Hancock County. 20 ribeyes for $29 backyard butchers; difference between bailment and contract. The following individuals have been charged in state court as part of the same investigation: JOSHUA RYAN AYERS, 23 years old of Aliquippa, 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. EDWARD LEON CROW, JR., of Newell, West Virginia, was charged with eight felony counts related to the distribution of heroin, cocaine, cocaine base, oxycodone and marijuana in Hancock County. A category that saw the most significant increase in Group A were burglaries up 61%. Floor Coatings. -Active Capias (Possession of Controlled Substance) out of Marshall County, WV, Cameron Smudski, 27 of Wheeling, WV Eight of those individuals arrested were immediately released on a personal recognizance bond, nine had active arrest warrants, 13 were living/visiting homeless encampments and four were currently out of jail and on bond from a previous criminal charge. What is the Project Safe Neighborhood initiative? The Wheeling Police Department released its 2022 crime statistics and noted a major improvement pertaining to drug overdoses and deaths; however, several crime categories specifically related to property crimes - increased over the last 12-month period. Staffing shortages, recidivism, illegal narcotics, vacant properties, and vagrancy remain some of our biggest hurdles. Wheeling Police Chief Shawn Schwertfeger said the overall numbers reflect the impressive, hard work the men and women of the Wheeling Police Department put forth each day to protect and serve the city of Wheeling, especially in the areas of narcotic enforcement and drug overdose response. In each state and nationally, authorities . 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. In 2019, statistics established that more people were . TheWheeling Police Department arrested three people Wednesday morning after conducting a search warrant at an East Wheeling residence. LARISSA ANNE MARINER, 28 years old of Newell, West Virginia, was charged with six felony counts related to the distribution of heroin, cocaine, cocaine base, oxycodone and marijuana in Hancock County. Several of those charged remain incarcerated, including McGhee, Kirk, Martin, Dominguez, Griffin, Shaw, and Wells. Felony Arrests: David Arthur Hess, 58 of Wheeling Possession with Intent to Deliver Misdemeanor Possession Arrests: Eric Lee Hercules, 39 of Wheeling Two counts of Possession of Controlled Substance Bryan L. Broomes, 43 of Wheeling Possession of Controlled Substance Tiffany Nicole Fazio, 32 of Wheeling Police raided a home in East Wheeling just after 10 a.m.. Press Release. The dedication displayed daily to assure the safety of our city is unprecedented. 1409 Greenbrier Street Charleston, WV 25311 (304) 558-2036 Contact Us | Site Map | Staff Directory . Simultaneous with McGhees apprehension, arrests and searches occurred at the airport in Pittsburgh, and at homes and businesses in West Virginia and Ohio. * 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. -Juvenile Pickup Order. 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. 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 . 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. -Eluding (Fleeing on Foot) and Obstructing, William Timmins, 46 of Wheeling, WV jimin rainbow hair butter; mcclure v evicore settlement Cocaine changed Wheeling's party scene beginning in the late-1970s, but the high-powered really took hold in what former FBI special agent Tom Burgoyne often refers to as the "Crazy '80s.". 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. WHEELING, WVa. We are sending a strong message to all of those from other states who want to sell drugs in our neighborhoods. Most thefts were bicycles, catalytic converters and outdoor items that were not secured or locked up, as well as copper and metal objects inside vacant structures. -Citation for Possession of Controlled Substance (Fentanyl), Keith Allen Stepchuck, 36 of Wheeling, WV BRIAN CUSTER, 30 years old of Newell, West Virginia, was charged with ten felony counts related to the distribution of heroin, cocaine, cocaine base, oxycodone and marijuana in Hancock County. USAO Monitor Selection for Corporate Criminal Enforcement. Copyright The Intelligencer | https://www.theintelligencer.net | 1500 Main Street, Wheeling, WV 26003 | 304-233-0100. 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. In total, the drugs have an estimated street value of $204,100. -Possession of Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine) and Trespassing, David Arthur Hess, 59 of Wheeling, WV Suhip Ebrahim, 26, was found with $113,000 and more than 600 oxycodone pills when he was arrested in Wheeling on March 4. 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. In return, McGhee made large cash payments to individuals who flew from California to the Pittsburgh International Airport, picked up the money, and then promptly boarded outbound flights. As a result of the findings, three people were arrested and charged with possession with intent to deliver: All were transported to the Northern Regional Jail by WPD pending an arraignment by an Ohio County magistrate, Marcus Lamar Cunningham, 24 of Akron, Ohio, Thomas James McCormick, 35 of Akron, Ohio. U.S. Attorney William Ihlenfeld, along with Marshall County Sheriff Kevin Cecil, Prosecutor Rhonda Wade and Moundsville Police Chief Thomas Mitchell to . 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. 26 charged in a drug conspiracy involving heroin, fentanyl, "crack" cocaine, and meth in Wheeling WHEELING, WVa. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Dry winter skin? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diumz-YnImg. Around 3:40 a.m., police executed the warrant at a second-floor apartment located at 97-12th Street. Courtesy WPD Facebook page. Arrests for Group B offenses, like nuisance, quality of life and highway safety/traffic offenses, were down 2%. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Due to the tremendous efforts of our investigators, one of the greatest sources of illicit drugs to West Virginia has been shut down.. West Virginia -Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Ada Marie Canter, 33 of Wheeling, WV Total calls for service were up 13%. $5,323 in currency, Anthony Lee Arms, 41 of Wheeling, WV Just before 4 p.m., Thursday, WPD executed a search warrant in the 400 block of Jones Street in Elm Grove. The U.S. Health expert recommends these methods, $1,600 WVU gaming tournament attracts 100+ entrants, Can you flash your brights at another vehicle in, WVU announces its 69th Mountaineer mascot, Ceremony held for new Jackson Co. solar titanium, Two drivers taken to hospital after Belington crash, Celebrating Volunteers with Miley Legal Group, West Virginias Remarkable Women for 2023, Canaan holding Brewfest next weekend with new local, Stonerise Bridgeport crowns 2023 king and queen, Inaugural Polar Plunge held in Buckhannon, Dogs found in West Virginia home covered inside and out with trash, pair charged, Judge denies stay in West Virginias transgender sports case, Best athletic wear for kids joining baseball and, How to watch all the Oscar-nominated movies in style, Best smart home devices for older users, according, Mortgage rates have little reason to fall in March. Emergency officials say dispatchers might still have to send help in some cases depending on the caller's response, what dispatchers hear in the background or other information. WHEELING, W.Va. Five people were criminally charged in a robbery investigation that occurred last month on Wheeling Island, Wheeling Police announced Monday. -Cited for Possession of Marijuana and Driving Suspended, Ruby Lynn Holley, 42 of Wheeling, WV -Two counts of Possession of Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine and Heroin), Connie Sue Ballard, 43 of Wheeling, WV In addition to the arrests, 14 citations were issued and various amounts of illegal drugs, and drug using materials, were confiscated, including: * Digital scales, needles, smoking devices, * David Arthur Hess, 58 of Wheeling, possession with Intent to Deliver, * Eric Lee Hercules, 39 of Wheeling, two counts of Possession of Controlled Substance, * Bryan L. Broomes, 43 of Wheeling, possession of Controlled Substance, * Tiffany Nicole Fazio, 32 of Wheeling, two counts of Possession of Controlled Substance, * Edgar Eugene Hatten, 40 of Wheeling, two counts of Possession of Controlled Substance, * James Allen Lucious, 62 of Wheeling, possession of Controlled Substance, * Michael Leander Gross 55, of Martins Ferry, Aggravated DUI, * Beth Ann Davis, 38 of Wheeling, wanted for Failing to Appear for Possession Charge Belmont County, Ohio. Additional drug related charges are pending as the investigation continues. An indictment is merely an accusation. 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. 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. The WPD released crime statistics for 2022, reporting a 6% increase in overall arrests from 2021. According to the Wheeling. Senate Bill 268makes a range of changes to PEIA, out of concern that the agency faces growing financial stress. The residents and business owners on Wheeling Island and the City of Wheeling deserve to live, work, and recreate in a safe neighborhood, said Powell. We will not tolerate the poison and violence. Violence and drug crime know no borders; we will find you, wherever you are, and put you behind bars, added Scott. -Possession of Controlled Substance (Fentanyl), Anthony Michael Decapito, 27 of Mount Pleasant, OH SHAWN LEE DANVER a/k/a SHAWN D, 29 years old of East Liverpool, Ohio, was charged with two felony counts related to the distribution of cocaine base in Hancock County. 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. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. Today's breaking news and more in your inbox. -Cited for Possession of Marijuana & Cocaine, Gerald Blaine Vaughan, 38 of Triadelphia, WV This was due mostly to a significant amount of drug arrests and seizures of illegal narcotics by WPD and the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force. 64 people were booked in the last 30 days (Order: Booking Date ) (Last updated on 3/3/2023 4:42:23 AM EST) First Prev In some instances, the sale of the drugs took place near protected locations such as North Park Apartments, Riverview Towers, Luau Manor, Madison Elementary School, Jensen Playground, Belle Isle Playground, Elks Playground, Bridge Park Playground, West Virginia Northern Community College, Wheeling Central Catholic High School, and Wheeling University. The leading to the charges became operational in September of 2012 and included extensive surveillance and many controlled purchases of narcotics. Their names are not being released at this time. The following people were also charged in Tuesdays conspiracy indictment: Others involved in the McGhee network who were charged federally prior to this week include: Motor vehicles used in furtherance of the conspiracy have been seized and will be subject to forfeiture, to include a GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Tahoe, a Polaris Slingshot, a Mercedes G-Class 450, a Bentley Continental, a BMW 535, a Cadillac XTS, a Chevrolet Cruze, a Buick Lacrosse, a Nissan Sentra, a Freightliner motor home, and an Acura. Read More. Officers spent a total of 202 hours on the month-long task. Larry A. Cuffman, also known as Pops, 60, of Martins Ferry, Ohio. JUSTIN GRAHAM, 30 years old of Newell, West Virginia, was charged with eight felony counts related to the distribution of heroin, cocaine, cocaine base, oxycodone and marijuana in Hancock County. February 21, 2023. The 911 text service is also available in the county. I remain proud of the sworn and civilian staff of the Wheeling Police Department, Chief Schwertfeger said. These men worked long hours to help to make the streets of Newell, Chester, and other communities in this county a safer place for everyone., Hancock County struggles with the fact that our boundaries to the North, East and West are the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of Ohio, said Prosecuting Attorney Jim Davis. Assistant U.S. Kristen Hoffler, 24, of Wheeling, West Virginia Commonly Abused Drugs in West Virginia. This information can change quickly. BRANDON DUNN, 28 years old of Chester, West Virginia, was charged with nineteen felony counts related to the distribution of heroin, cocaine, cocaine base, oxycodone and marijuana in Hancock County. WVU team wins international mine rescue competition, 3 reasons you shouldnt wait to file taxes this year, Grafton First Fridays honors Youth Art Month, Heritage Christians Dr. Seuss week comes to a close, Quick Hits: Huggins says WVU is a lot better before, 2 Grafton women charged with 128 counts of animal, Man allegedly threatened McDonalds worker with knife, Westover Police asks for help identifying people, MD man charged after pursuit through Mon County yards, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Justin Dwayne Martin, 34, of San Diego, CA, Roger Allen Woods, II, 48, of Bellaire, OH, Zachary Tyler Menough, 31, of Shadyside, OH, Sherman L. Griffin, 45, of Martins Ferry, OH. Categories that increased from the previous year: Categories that decreased from the previous year: Crashes decreased in 2022 thanks major roadway construction being completed, alleviating increased traffic on secondary roads. The grand jury, which met in Elkins, handed up indictments for 13 West Virginians, nine people . Drug overdoses reflect on various types of illegal narcotics, and not just one certain type of drug.