CLARKSBURG, W. Va. — A group of Morgantown residents has been convicted of several drug-related charges following a seven-day trial in federal court. Two of defendants are also facing charges in connection with a rolling shootout reported in Morgantown in the summer of 2023.
Federal prosecutor said Mike Sheriff Scott, 47, Rachelle Gaston, 41, and Phineas Chaplin, 42, were convicted of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Additionally, Scott and Gaston were convicted of additional felony charges related to the drug operation, including aiding and abetting the maintaining of a drug-involved premise. Scott was also convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm.
“I am grateful for the swift and decisive actions taken by law enforcement that inevitably saved lives,” said U.S. Attorney for Northern West Virginia Matthew Harvey said. “This case should send a clear message to drug dealers that West Virginia is not open for business.”
The evidence showed Scott used CowGirlz Nightclub, which was not yet open to the public, on Earl Core Road in Morgantown as a front to distribute drugs. Prosecutors told the jury Scott used the nightclub to sell methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as to store his supply of illicit drugs obtained from out-of-state. Scott was also accused of using people suffering from substance use disorder to complete renovations at the building to prepare it to operate as a nightclub. Prosecutors said Scott compensated the workers with controlled substances.
Members of the jury also saw video surveillance of the shootout that happened in June 2023. The video showed Chaplin firing at a vehicle and Scott cleaning up the shell casings from the crime. During a search of the building police recovered five pistols, including two of the firearms used in the shooting, ammunition concealed inside of a hidden compartment in the stairs to Scott’s office at the nightclub. Police also seized methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and drug paraphernalia. Recorded jail calls showed that Scott continued to attempt to operate the drug trafficking organization while incarcerated and solicited others to destroy evidence.
Chaplin previously pled guilty to another felony drug charge and a firearms violation connected to this case.
No sentencing date has been set.
The case was investigated by the Mon Metro Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.