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Two dozen people face federal drug, gun charges for allegedly operating meth distribution ring

ELKINS, W.Va. — Two dozen people face federal drug and gun charges following an investigation in Virginia and West Virginia, according to U.S. Attorney Bill Ihlenfeld.

According to indictments unsealed Wednesday, the group allegedly conspired to operate a methamphetamine distribution ring in both state including three West Virginia counties.

Police recovered a large quantity of meth and hundreds of firearms.

ATF Agent Dewayne Haddix offered his praise to a number of people who tipped off law enforcement.

“People in the community calling the Sheriff’s Department, calling the tip-line,” he said. “Notifying their local officer–an officer they trust–and telling them. And all the agencies combining that information together.”

The Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, who is leading the investigation, arrested many of the defendants Wednesday.

“This case is a great example of Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies coming together to address a significant methamphetamine threat that was tearing apart a small community in West Virginia,” said Karl Colder, DEA Special Agent in Charge, in a news release. “The quantity of drugs distributed and amount of guns seized is staggering. This case should serve as a warning to those individuals who plague our communities by distributing these drugs and committing acts of violence.”

Of the 24 arrested, 12 are from Randolph County, 6 from Barbour County, and 1 from Upshur County.

Those indicted include the following:

  • Shawn Michael Moser, 27, of Elkins, West Virginia;
  • Jerry Wilson Hartley, 35, of Elkins, West Virginia;
  • Kayleigh Marre Hartley, 29, of Elkins, West Virginia;
  • Robert Lewis Jones, 54, of Waynesboro, Virginia;
  • Richard Wayne Scott, 40, of Waynesboro, Virginia;
  • Joseph Muster, 28, of Elkins, West Virginia;
  • Samantha Canfield, 28, of Montrose, West Virginia;
  • Christina Crites, 46, of Elkins, West Virginia;
  • Calvin Norris Herron, Jr., 43, of Belington, West Virginia;
  • Gerald Allen Freeman, 41, of Moatsville, West Virginia;
  • Jeffrey Everson, 28, of Philippi, West Virginia;
  • Allen White, 37, of Buckhannon, West Virginia;
  • Jason Randall Howard, 37, of Elkins, West Virginia;
  • Brian Scott Mayle, 37, of Coalton, West Virginia;
  • Geniece Pancake, 36, of Belington, West Virginia;
  • Tyler Robinson, 20, of Belington, West Virginia;
  • Ronald G. Swiger, 36, of Coalton, West Virginia;
  • Trey M. Plaugher, 21, of Elkins, West Virginia;
  • David A. Maxwell, 31, of Elkins, West Virginia; and
  • Derek Scott Norris, 36, of Philippi, West Virginia.

In addition, Dale Lee Sharp, 45, of Elkins, West Virginia was arrested on an illegal possession of firearm charge.

“We want to make it abundantly clear,” Randolph County Sheriff Mark Brady said. “If you peddle your drugs in our community that this task force is active and very effective. We will use all of our resources to bring you to justice.”





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