Learn more about how to protect your children online. Delegates pass bill changing insurance finances for public employees, then pass a pay raise too. 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. Two people are facing criminal charges by the Wheeling Police Department after an investigation yielded a significant amount of narcotics at a Wheeling residence. 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. 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,. Delegates embrace broad tax cut and also pass their version of the budget. NEW CUMBERLAND, WV - Thirty-nine individuals involved in the trafficking of heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine and other drugs in Hancock County have been charged in federal and state court, according to U.S. Attorney William Ihlenfeld, II, Hancock County Prosecutor James Davis, and Hancock County Sheriff Ralph Fletcher. WHEELING, W.Va. Multiple people have been arrested because of alleged drug use at a Wheeling home. ROSALYN GALLOWAY, 28 years old Newell, West Virginia, with Delivery of a Controlled Substance. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Senate Bill 268makes a range of changes to PEIA, out of concern that the agency faces growing financial stress. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. 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. ANTONIO SCOTT FRAZIER a/k/a ANTONIO SCOTT HARLIN a/k/a KOBE, 27 years old, was charged with six felony counts related to the distribution of cocaine base in Hancock County. While the information is believed to be accurate, the WV . A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 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. Call 1-855-WVA-FEDS or Email wvafeds@usdoj.gov if you have information about public corruption in your community. This was primarily correlated with more officer-initiated activity, more nightly foot patrols, community policing and multiple selective enforcement operations that were conducted in 2022. The sweep was spearheaded by the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug Task Force and was supported by the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force of Wheeling, the Marshall County Drug Task Force, the Mountaineer Highway Interdiction Team, the Greater Harrison County (W.Va.) Drug Task Force, and the United States Marshals Service. Larry A. Cuffman, also known as Pops, 60, of Martins Ferry, Ohio. 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. 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. Drug overdoses reflect on various types of illegal narcotics, and not just one certain type of drug. From 2005-2006, 123,000 (8%) of residents in West Virginia reportedly used illicit drugs. WHEELING, WVa. Bookings are updated several times a day so check back often! "But in the 1980s the coke took over, and some of the most . Six other people were indicted Tuesday in connection to the drug ring: The following people had already been charged in connection to the drug ring, according to prosecutors: Eleven parcels of real estate, $295,038 in cash, five handguns, and three pieces of jewelry were also seized in addition to a dozen vehicles, including a Polaris Slingshot, a Mercedes G-Class 450, a Bentley Continental, a BMW 535, a Cadillac XTS, and a Freightliner motor home. Under the leadership of Sgt. Floor Coatings. Total calls for service were up 13%. This information can change quickly. I'm interested in (please check all that apply). 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 Just before 4 p.m., Thursday, WPD executed a search warrant in the 400 block of Jones Street in Elm Grove. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diumz-YnImg. 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. 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. Matthew Trabert, 37, of Wheeling, West Virginia Carlos Leeper, also known as Los, 57, of Wheeling. -Circuit Court Felony Capias out of Ohio County, WV for Probation Violation, Michael Christopher Williams, 36 of Benwood, WV The grand jury, which met in Elkins, handed up indictments for 13 West Virginians, nine people . Local firefighter and Belington resident flown from fire scene. . Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The Rush to Green Could Leave Us in the Dark, the Wheeling Police Department announced on Friday. 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. 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 . Press Release. 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. -Eluding (Fleeing on Foot) and Obstructing, William Timmins, 46 of Wheeling, WV MALIK ALONSO WARE a/k/a BLAKE, 30 years old of New Brighton, Pennsylvania, was charged with ten felony counts related to the distribution of heroin, cocaine, cocaine base, oxycodone and marijuana in Hancock County. The leading to the charges became operational in September of 2012 and included extensive surveillance and many controlled purchases of narcotics. In total, the drugs have an estimated street value of $204,100. 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. Today's breaking news and more in your inbox. U.S. Attorney William Ihlenfeld, along with Marshall County Sheriff Kevin Cecil, Prosecutor Rhonda Wade and Moundsville Police Chief Thomas Mitchell to . 8,413 talking about this. Assistant U.S. Three people were arrested early Friday and are now facing drug and fugitive from justice charges by the Wheeling Police Department. Several of those charged remain incarcerated, including McGhee, Kirk, Martin, Dominguez, Griffin, Shaw, and Wells. 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. Today's breaking news and more in your inbox. Arrests for Group B offenses, like nuisance, quality of life and highway safety/traffic offenses, were down 2%. The government is seeking forfeiture of more than $21,000 in cash and multiple firearms associated with the alleged crimes. Learn more about how to protect your children online. 4.45 grams of cocaine Despite a 6% increase in arrests, Group A offenses were up 13%. 34 Individuals Charged in South Wheeling Special Operations -Possession of Controlled Substance (cocaine) and No Operators, Christy Lynn Conner, 28 of Wheeling, WV -Citation for Urinating in Public, Justin Allen Miller, 29 of Wheeling, WV . -Possession of Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine), Tyler Ray Snyder, 37 of Bethesda, OH USAO Monitor Selection for Corporate Criminal Enforcement. 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. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. RANDY ALLEN SAVORS, JR., 35 years old of East Liverpool,, Ohio, was charged with two felony counts related to the distribution of cocaine base in Hancock County. Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Employment | Affiliates Intranet Police also received multiple complaints from citizens about increased criminal activity in the neighborhood, specifically thefts and drug usage, a release stated. Arrests for what the department categorizes Group A offenses, such as property crimes and crimes against people, were up 13%. The initial 21.25 percent income tax cut now in HB 2526 is a bit more than one backed by senators a few weeks ago and a bit less than one previously supported by the governor and delegates. SCOTT R. LAMB, 30 years old, of Chester, West Virginia, with Delivery of a Controlled Substance. In 2019, statistics established that more people were . Overdoses fell 22% . I remain proud of the sworn and civilian staff of the Wheeling Police Department, Chief Schwertfeger said. WHEELING, W.Va. Several people have been arrested in Wheeling for prostitution and drugs after multiple complaints from neighbors. -Citation for Possession of Controlled Substance (Fentanyl), Keith Allen Stepchuck, 36 of Wheeling, WV 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. Those arrested today and charged are: Jennifer Marie Cuffman, also known as Jennifer Proctor and Jen, 32, of Martins Ferry, Ohio . After Ebrahim's arrest, a Bridgeport patrol officer received a tip that led them to a residence in Clarksburg. According to court documents, Magana coordinated with McGhee and others to have drugs shipped from the Southwest border to Ohio via tractor trailer. -Felony capias warrant for Reckless Fleeing, warrant for Petit Larceny out of Marshall County, WV, and new charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance, Joseph Stephen Paree, 33 of Wheeling, WV 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. All of those charged face prison sentences, or fines, or both. 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. 1409 Greenbrier Street Charleston, WV 25311 (304) 558-2036 Contact Us | Site Map | Staff Directory USAO Monitor Selection for Corporate Criminal Enforcement. We will not tolerate the poison and violence. - 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. HEATHER WELLS, 32 years old of Chester, West Virginia, with Conspiracy to Deliver Controlled Substances and Delivery of a Controlled Substance. Fourteen others are charged and still at large. 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. 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. -Possession of Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine) and Trespassing, Savana Dawn Gwynn, 25 of Wheeling, WV A positive trend statistically throughout 2022 was the considerable drop in overdoses (22% decrease) and overdose related deaths a category that decreased by 60%. 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. Chellsie S. Boyer, 32, of Weirton (Methamphetamine distribution). 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. 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. englewood section 8 housing. West Virginia The U.S. 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. Kristen Hoffler, 24, of Wheeling, West Virginia $5,323 in currency, Anthony Lee Arms, 41 of Wheeling, WV -Capias warrant, Paul Allan Bloomfield Sr., 60 of Wheeling, WV 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. -Felony capias out of Brooke County, WV, Ralph Ray Huggins, 45 of Wheeling, WV Additionally, more education, awareness and treatment continue to play a key role. Additional drug related charges are pending as the investigation continues. 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. The totals are: 19.25 grams of methamphetamine This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. Copyright The Intelligencer | https://www.theintelligencer.net | 1500 Main Street, Wheeling, WV 26003 | 304-233-0100. The after-action report determined several people who were taking part in the illegal activities were previously arrested and were immediately released on bond. WHEELING Residents of multiple states were arrested Thursday after being charged in a 50-count indictment involving a drug conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced. 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. BRIAN HUMPHREYS, 33 years old of East Liverpool, Ohio, with Conspiracy to Deliver Controlled Substances and Delivery of a Controlled Substance. At McGhee's home in Bellaire, they found $2.5 million worth of drugs. The Belmont County (OH) Sheriffs Office and the Belmont County Prosecutors Office provided important assistance. The case was investigated by the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, which includes officers from the Wheeling Police Department, the West Virginia State Police, the Ohio County Sheriffs Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Officers spent a total of 202 hours on the month-long task. -Cited for Possession of Marijuana & Cocaine, Gerald Blaine Vaughan, 38 of Triadelphia, WV Bookings, Arrests and Mugshots in Ohio County, West Virginia To search and filter the Mugshots for Ohio County, West Virginia simply click on the at the top of the page. Burglary was the crime that grew the most in 2022, up 61% from 2021, and mostly happened in vacant structures. At the residence, police found another $111,000 of Ebrahim's money. He was arraigned by an Ohio County Magistrate, where a cash bond of $50,000 was set. I believe we are continuing to turn the corner on our opioid problem, but it is by far not over. Jason Hupp, our officers were able to make a direct impact in downtown, with the goal in mind to continue the Wheeling Police Departments core mission of making Wheeling a safer community.. This investigation demonstrates the continued commitment by DEA and the HIDTA Drug Task Force to impact drug trafficking organizations at their highest level.. An arrest operation took place early this morning and led to the arrest of twenty-four defendants. Read More. Admissions in West Virginia for drug only addiction treatment increased from 29% in 2001 to 34% in 2006. In each state and nationally, authorities . Arrests Made after Wheeling Police Find Large Amount of Illegal Drugs During Investigation. 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. The Wheeling Police Department released a final report in two separate multi-week special operations in the South Wheeling area which led to 34 people being arrested or cited for criminal activity. The leading identified cause of arrests in the state was drug abuse violations by a considerable margin, resulting in over 6 thousand arrests. Eleven parcels of real estate, five handguns, and three pieces of jewelry are also subject to forfeiture, along with the aforementioned U.S. currency. What is the Project Safe Neighborhood initiative? 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. 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. Just 496 of these arrests were made of minors under the age of 18. -Possession of Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine) and Trespassing, David Arthur Hess, 59 of Wheeling, WV Zachary James Parsons, 30, of Wheeling, West Virginia