Overdoses fell. Officers believe this is causing a direct impact on the quality-of-life issues that are affecting the citizens in and around the City of Wheeling. 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. From 2005-2006, 123,000 (8%) of residents in West Virginia reportedly used illicit drugs. 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. Traffic citations also were down 10%. City of Wheeling, West Virginia 1500 Chapline Street Wheeling, WV 26003 (304) 234 . Senate Bill 268makes a range of changes to PEIA, out of concern that the agency faces growing financial stress. When McGhee was arrested in October 2022, agents recovered approximately 75 pounds of cocaine, 19 pounds of methamphetamine, and nearly 5 pounds of fentanyl from his home, according to prosecutors. -Two counts of Possession of Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine and Fentanyl), Dashawn Tyli-Levelle Brown, 26 of Cleveland, OH https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diumz-YnImg. 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. I remain proud of the sworn and civilian staff of the Wheeling Police Department, Chief Schwertfeger said. "In the 1970s it was more about the marijuana and the LSD," said Burgoyne. Learn more about how to protect your children online. Christopher Jason Kirk, 42, of Tracy, CA; Justin Dwayne Martin, 34, of San Diego, CA; Roger Allen Woods, II, 48, of Bellaire, OH; Zachary Tyler Menough, 31, of Shadyside, OH; and. Arrests for drug offenses were up 17% from 2021, but Wheeling Police Chief Shawn Schwertfeger said that had a direct effect on the drop in drug overdoses and overdose deaths. At the residence, police found another $111,000 of Ebrahim's money. 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 2019 to August 2020. According to the Wheeling. Read More. -Obstructing and Trespassing, Mandy Lynn Dunn, 47 of Wheeling, WV 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 leading identified cause of arrests in the state was drug abuse violations by a considerable margin, resulting in over 6 thousand arrests. 1.5 pieces of buprenorphine Drug-Related Crimes Drug crimes incorporate virtually any type of behavior associated with a prohibited drug like heroin, cocaine, marijuana and also some prescribed drugs. This information can change quickly. Putnam County dispatchers can always be reached by dialing 911 or the non-emergency line at (304) 586-0246. * 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. He also had a fugitive from justice warrant out of Belmont County, Ohio. Andre Cornell Diggs, also known as Dre and Big Homie, 38, of Cleveland Heights, Ohio 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. *Note: Overdose death numbers can change after annual statistics are released because of current pending cases with the state medical examiners office*, Wheeling Police Department Releases 2022 Crime Statistics. - 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. Counties covered: Brooke, Hancock, Marshall, Ohio, Pleasants, Tyler . -Citation for Possession of Controlled Substance (Fentanyl), Keith Allen Stepchuck, 36 of Wheeling, WV An indictment is merely an accusation. 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. Carlos Leeper, also known as Los, 57, of Wheeling. The charges contained in the federal indictment and state warrants are merely accusations and not evidence of guilt, and each defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. You may opt-out anytime by clicking "unsubscribe" from the newsletter or from your account. Matthew Trabert, 37, of Wheeling, West Virginia jimin rainbow hair butter; mcclure v evicore settlement Crimes that decreased the most from 2021 were weapon offenses, down 42%, and vandalism, down 30%. 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. 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,. Susan Manuel, 57, of Wheeling, West Virginia 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. Copyright 2023 West Virginia MetroNews Network. -Capias warrant on original charges of two counts of Possession of Controlled Substance and Driving Suspended, Erica Elaine Donaldson, 50 of Wheeling, WV 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. While the information is believed to be accurate, the WV . Can you bring your vape pen or e-cigarette on a plane? This makes the transport of controlled substantives relatively easy from Pittsburgh, Youngstown, Columbus, Cleveland, Detroit and even the New Jersey area. 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 WPD released crime statistics for 2022, reporting a 6% increase in overall arrests from 2021. 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. 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. . 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 -Two counts of Possession of Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine and Buprenorphine), Herman Clemons Jr., 52 of Wheeling, WV 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. 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. An early morning arrest operation took place today during which 22 defendants were taken into custody. Police raided a home in East Wheeling just after 10 a.m.. Considering our drug overdoses and deaths are down a lot means the work WPD, along with our community partners indicates we are making progress, said Chief Schwertfeger. Were fortunate to have such a talented and hard-working drug task force to serve the citizens of Hancock County, said Sheriff Fletcher. 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. wheeling, wv drug arrests. The U.S. The following individuals were also charged in State Court as part of todays operation: JAMES A. ACCONICA, JR., age 47, of Newell, West Virginia; JAMES A. ACCONICA, III a/k/a JT, age 26, of Weirton, West Virginia; COURTNEY MARIE BOYLES, age 23, of Weirton, West Virginia; ADAM SCOTT GRAHAM, age 26, of Newell, West Virginia, BONNIE GRAHAM-BUCKLEY, age 31, of New Cumberland, West Virginia; WILLIAM EMMIT HART, age 51, of New Cumberland, West Virginia, MYSTIC LEIGH HUGGINS, age 29, of Wellsville, Ohio; RICHARD ALAN MAXWELL, age 39, of New Cumberland, West Virginia, DUSTIN MITCHEL MCCOY, age 34, of New Cumberland, West Virginia; LUKE A. MORRIS, age 34, of East Liverpool, Ohio; CHRISTOPHER CARLTON NIXON, age 34, of Newell, West Virginia; JOHN ROBERT SPEARS, age 38, of Weirton, West Virginia; and, DAWYNE WHITAKER, age 25, of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania. WHEELING, W.Va. Multiple people have been arrested because of alleged drug use at a Wheeling home. Arrests for Group B offenses, like nuisance, quality of life and highway safety/traffic offenses, were down 2%. I am very pleased with the professional work of the WPD, especially our patrol division, Schwertfeger said. 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. Court: Fourth Circuit West Virginia US District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia Type: Prisoner Petitions Mandamus & Other Disclaimer: Justia Dockets & Filings provides public litigation records from the federal appellate and district courts. 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, prostitution, and other quality of life complaints in the downtown area. Mar 2, 2023. The Belmont County (OH) Sheriffs Office and the Belmont County Prosecutors Office provided important assistance. 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. I believe we are continuing to turn the corner on our opioid problem, but it is by far not over, Schwertfeger said in a WPD release. Local firefighter and Belington resident flown from fire scene. Despite a 6% increase in arrests, Group A offenses were up 13%. -Possession of Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine), Tyler Ray Snyder, 37 of Bethesda, OH -Two counts of Possession of Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine and Buprenorphine), Derwin Scott Conway, 42 of Wheeling, WV 02.28.2023 Coraopolis Man Indicted in Western Pennsylvania and in the District of Columbia on Drug Charges. Juan Carlos Magana, 41, of Mexico is accused of coordinating with Personne Rico McGhee, 52, of Bellaire, Ohio, and others to have drugs shipped from the U.S.-Mexico border to Ohio via tractor-trailer, while McGhee made large cash payments to people who flew from California to the Pittsburgh International Airport, picked up the money, and then promptly boarded outbound flights. 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.". 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.. AMANDA M. MACKALL, 20 years old, of Georgetown, 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. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Kristen Hoffler, 24, of Wheeling, West Virginia 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 Three people were arrested early Friday and are now facing drug and fugitive from justice charges by the Wheeling Police Department. I'm interested in (please check all that apply). Wheeling continues to be a safe community, but our work continues, and we face many challenges. -Possession of Controlled Substance (cocaine) and No Operators, Christy Lynn Conner, 28 of Wheeling, WV 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. 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. Jalen Deshon Dalton, also known as J and NBA J, 27, of Cleveland, Ohio Police have criminally charged two Wheeling residents and a Jacobsburg, Ohio man after officers discovered a large amount of narcotics in their possession on Wheeling Island. Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Employment | Affiliates Intranet -Eluding (Fleeing on Foot) and Obstructing, William Timmins, 46 of Wheeling, WV (August 19, 2022) There is no doubt that during Operation Back to Basics, impacts were seen and felt throughout the target area. WHEELING, WV - Twenty-nine people have been charged as a result of a multi-state law enforcement investigation targeting narcotics trafficking in West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, according to United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II. Marshals Service. Subscribe Now WTRF Daily News 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 . Several categories, including property crimes (burglary and thefts) and drug offenses rose. Out of the 25 people arrested for this drug trafficking operation, seven are from Morgantown alone with a total over 10 from West Virginia and many in our region. -Two counts of Possession of Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine and Heroin), Connie Sue Ballard, 43 of Wheeling, WV WHEELING, W.Va. (WV News) 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, officials said. 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. Total calls for service were up 13%. 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. After Ebrahim's arrest, a Bridgeport patrol officer received a tip that led them to a residence in Clarksburg. 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. 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 grand jury, which met in Elkins, handed up indictments for 13 West Virginians, nine people . Of those charged the following individuals have not yet been apprehended: MICHAEL OGDEN ALLEN NIKKI J. KOFFEL SHAWN LEE DANVER ANTONIO SCOTT HARLIN RANDY ALLEN SAVORS, JR. MALIK ALONSO WARE, JAMES A. ACCONICA, JR. JAMES A. ACCONICA, III JOSHUA RYAN AYERS COURTNEY BOYLES SCOTT LAMB AMANDA MARIE MACKALL DUSTIN MCCOY CHRISTIAN D. PARR JOHN ROBERT SPEARS HEATHER ANN WELLS DAWYNE WHITAKER. ELIZABETH KWOLEK, 20 years old of Chester, West Virginia, was charged with nine felony counts related to the distribution of heroin, cocaine, cocaine base, oxycodone and marijuana in Hancock County. *Note: Two individuals names (33 & 34) are not included due to pending investigations. Assistant U.S. Zachary James Parsons, 30, of Wheeling, West Virginia -Juvenile Pickup Order. When officers approached the individual, they located illegal narcotics and were led to a nearby residence for possible drug activity. SCOTT R. LAMB, 30 years old, of Chester, West Virginia, with Delivery of a Controlled Substance. 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. Chellsie S. Boyer, 32, of Weirton (Methamphetamine distribution). Additionally, the criminals involved in these burglaries also were part of a theft or shoplifting incident which also saw a notable increase 13%. 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. Suhip Ebrahim, 26, was found with $113,000 and more than 600 oxycodone pills when he was arrested in Wheeling on March 4. Copyright The Intelligencer | https://www.theintelligencer.net | 1500 Main Street, Wheeling, WV 26003 | 304-233-0100. -Cited for Possession of Marijuana and Driving Suspended, Ruby Lynn Holley, 42 of Wheeling, WV Officers spent a total of 202 hours on the month-long task. Overdoses fell 22% . Violence and drug crime know no borders; we will find you, wherever you are, and put you behind bars, added Scott. 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.. -Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Ada Marie Canter, 33 of Wheeling, WV Ronald Shaw, 51, of Wheeling, WV (Methamphetamine distribution); Jaron Wells, 36, of Wheeling, WV (Fentanyl distribution); Rocco Pandoli, 34, of Wheeling, WV (Cocaine distribution); Ebony Miranda Webb, 34, of Wheeling (Cocaine distribution); and. An arrest operation took place early this morning and led to the arrest of twenty-four defendants. 26 charged in a drug conspiracy involving heroin, fentanyl, "crack" cocaine, and meth in Wheeling WHEELING, WVa. 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. Three people were arrested early Friday and are now facing drug and fugitive from justice charges by the Wheeling Police Department. The leading to the charges became operational in September of 2012 and included extensive surveillance and many controlled purchases of narcotics. WHEELING, WVa. Therefore, the information may not reflect the true current location, release date, status, or other information regarding an offender. 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 Department announced on Friday. 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. Just before 4 p.m., Thursday, WPD executed a search warrant in the 400 block of Jones Street in Elm Grove. -Possession of Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine) and Trespassing, Savana Dawn Gwynn, 25 of Wheeling, WV The dedicated men and women of the Drug Enforcement Administration are committed to stopping the flow of drugs and violence into West Virginia and bringing to justice those who seek to poison our communities and threaten the safety of our residents, said Special Agent in Charge Todd Scott, of DEAs Louisville Division.