WAYNE COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Wayne County Sheriff Eddie Bradshaw announced that the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West, along with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Drug Enforcement Unit, have successfully dismantled multiple drug trafficking organizations following months of investigation.
The operations included multiple traffic stops and seven search warrants executed in Huntington, Fort Gay, and Crum.
Authorities seized approximately 23.5 pounds of methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana, with an estimated street value of $270,000. More than $110,000 in cash and 19 firearms were also confiscated.
Sheriff Bradshaw said the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West is made up of members from the West Virginia State Police, Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, and Cabell County Sheriff’s Department.
Numerous individuals have been charged in connection with the investigations.
Most were involved in organized drug trafficking, with charges including delivery of controlled substances, possession with intent to deliver, conspiracy to distribute drugs, and prohibited possession of firearms.
Chad Salmons, of Fort Gay, is charged with 6 counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance, 8 counts of Possession with Intent to Deliver, and 2 counts of Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances. Chad was sentenced to 7 years and 1-15 years in prison.
Louri Williamson, of Fort Gay, is charged with 2 counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance, 2 counts of Possession with Intent to Deliver, and 2 counts of Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances.
John Maynard, of Huntington, is charged with 1 count of Possession with Intent to Deliver and 1 count of Conspiracy to Distribute 50 grams or more of Methamphetamine. John was sentenced to 16 years in prison.
Danika Pruitt, of Mingo Co, is charged with 1 count of Possession with Intent to Deliver and 1 count of Conspiracy to Distribute 50 grams or more of Methamphetamine. Danika was sentenced to 4 years in prison.
Bennie Figures, of Huntington, is charged with 4 counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance and 2 counts of Possession with Intent to Deliver.
Sentell ‘Newbie’ Hicks, of Columbus, is charged with 2 counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance.
Robert ‘Rob’ Taylor, of Huntington, is charged with 1 count of Delivery of a Controlled Substance and 1 count of Possession with Intent to Deliver. Robert was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison.
Jimmie ‘Beebo’ Thompson, of Fort Gay, is charged with 5 counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance, 1 count of Possession with Intent to Deliver, and 1 count of Escape.
Dennis ‘Ferg’ Ferguson, of Prichard, is charged with 1 count of Delivery of a Controlled Substance, 3 counts of Possession with Intent to Deliver. and 1 count of Prohibited from Possessing Firearms. Dennis was sentenced to 3-15 years and 1-3 years in prison.
Keith Johnson, of Fort Gay, is charged with 5 counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance.
Nathen ‘Nate’ Spence, of Fort Gay, is charged with 1 count of Delivery of a Controlled Substance.
Danny Pack, of Fort Gay, is charged with 5 counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance and 3 counts of Conspiracy.
Doris Strickland, of Lawrence Co KY, is charged with 4 counts of Possession with Intent to Deliver.
Benjamin Lester, of Huntington, is charged with 3 counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance.
John New, of Dunlow, is charged with 4 counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance, 3 counts of Conspiracy, and 1 count of Prohibited from Possessing Firearms.
Jason Waller, of Fort Gay, is charged with 1 count of Delivery of a Controlled Substance. Jason was sentenced to 4 years and 1-3 years in prison.
William ‘Bill’ Frasher,of Fort Gay, is charged with 1 count of Delivery of a Controlled Substance.
Clay ‘Jazz’ Richbow, of Detroit, is charged with 1 count of Possession with Intent to Deliver and 1 count of Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl.
Jeffrey Clay, of East Lynn, is charged with 1 count of Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl and 1 count of Aiding and Abetting.
Roger Smith, of Columbus, is charged with 1 count of Possession with Intent to Deliver.
Joseph Mullins, of Crum, is charged with 1 count of Delivery of a Controlled Substance, 2 counts of Possession with Intent to Deliver, 2 counts of Prohibited from Possessing Firearms, and 1 count of Cultivation. Joseph was sentenced to 1-5 years in prison.
Heather Jackson, of Lavalette, is charged with 1 count of Possession with Intent to Deliver.
Clyde Logan, of Carter Co, is charged with 1 count of Possession with Intent to Deliver.
Charlene Jude, of Martin Co, is charged with 1 count of Possession with Intent to Deliver.
Donald Cornette, of Martin Co, is charged with 1 count of Possession with Intent to Deliver.
Louellen Jennings, of Martin Co, is charged with 1 count of Possession with Intent to Deliver.
Oscar Leach, of Boyd Co, is charged with 2 counts of Possession with Intent to Deliver.
Cassie Sloas, of Boyd Co. is charged with 1 count of Aiding and Abetting.
James Mason Valandingham, of Carter Co, is charged with 2 counts of Possession with Intent to Deliver.
Kyler Messer, of Lawrence Co KY, is charged with 2 counts of Possession with Intent to Deliver.
Randy Frisby, of Fort Gay, is charged with 1 count of Delivery of a Controlled Substance and 1 count of Possession with Intent to Deliver. Randy was sentenced to 1-15 years in prison.
The following have warrants issued for their arrest:
Ronald McComas, of Huntington, is charged with 1 count of Possession with Intent to Deliver.
Joseph Bailey, of Carter Co, is charged with 1 count of Possession with Intent to Deliver and 1 count of Conspiracy to Distribute 10 to 100 grams of Heroin.
Ashley Adams, of Carter Co, is charged with 1 count of Possession with Intent to Deliver and 1 count of Conspiracy to Distribute 10 to 100 grams of Heroin.
Tyler Ratcliff, of Carter Co, is charged with 1 count of Possession with Intent to Deliver and 1 count of Conspiracy to Distribute 10 to 100 grams of Heroin.
Additional arrests were made, and several suspects currently have warrants issued for their arrest. Authorities emphasized that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Sheriff Bradshaw stated the investigations are part of ongoing efforts to combat violent crime and drug trafficking in Wayne County and surrounding areas.
