CLARKSBURG, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Twenty-eight people have been charged in a 114-count federal indictment following an investigation into an alleged drug trafficking and money laundering network operating between Detroit, Michigan, and West Virginia.
U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey announced Thursday that the multi-state investigation dismantled an organization accused of transporting and distributing methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine and cocaine base in Morgantown and surrounding areas.
“When agencies come together to take poison off the streets, communities are safer,” said U.S. Attorney Harvey. “This case demonstrates that no operation is too large or too far-reaching for our law enforcement partners. It sends a clear message: West Virginia is not a haven for drug dealers. We will prosecute those charged and hold them accountable.”
According to the indictment, the alleged operation continued for more than two years and involved defendants from West Virginia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Mississippi.
Federal prosecutors allege the organization was led by Brendan Bragg, 32, of Detroit, and involved transporting drugs from the Detroit area to Morgantown and Parkersburg.
Authorities said the investigation resulted in the seizure of more than eight pounds of methamphetamine, nearly two pounds of fentanyl and fentanyl mixtures, more than half a pound of cocaine and cocaine base, $21,906 in cash, 10 firearms and ammunition.
“The DEA is proud to work side-by-side with our federal, state, and local counterparts to pursue those who traffic dangerous drugs and fuel violence that ravages our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott, head of DEA’s Louisville Field Division. “By bringing the full resources of the federal government to bear against these criminals, we are sending a clear message: your days are numbered.”
In addition to Bragg, those charged in the indictment are Torianno Alexander, 40, of Philadelphia; Treasure Wooten, 34, of Detroit; Ezavin Blue, 31, of Detroit; Vincent Hill, 38, of Detroit; Austin Hudson, 29, of Morgantown; Frank McKinney, 27, of Highland Park, Michigan; Stewart Jenkins, 54, of Detroit; Zaire Adams, 25, of Detroit; Adam Mccullough, 26, of Cleveland, Mississippi; Khorie Morris, 27, of Morgantown; Lance Harris, 33, of Detroit; Kayla Ashley, 31, of Morgantown; Cathy Jo Riffle, 32, of Westover; Ashley Flowers, 49, of Westover; Rebecca Fletcher, 34, of Morgantown; Brian Willard, 49, of Fairview; Isabella Rexroad, 29, of Parkersburg; Keanna Phillips, 29, of Berkley, Michigan; Alexis King, 44, of Morgantown; Jeffrey Turner, 31, of Morgantown; Darlene Dodson, 46, of Morgantown; Valerie Smith, 37, of Morgantown; Cody Lockhart, 38, of Wallace; Lori Murphy, 37, of Morgantown; Latisha Kelly, 47, of Morgantown; Brianna Turner, 28, of Reedsville; and Brian Turner, 63, of Reedsville.
Federal officials said the case also involved several Morgantown residences, including locations on Kingwood Street, Airport Boulevard, Chestnut Ridge Road, Rolling Hills Village, Dunkard Avenue, Cherry Street and East Hillview Drive.
The investigation was conducted by numerous federal, state and local agencies, including the FBI, DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, West Virginia State Police and several local law enforcement agencies in West Virginia, Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley is prosecuting the case.
The investigation is part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative, a federal effort targeting criminal organizations, drug trafficking and other crimes.
An indictment is an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
