1125 Chapline Street, Federal Building, Suite 3000 Wheeling, WV 26003 (304) 234-0100 Contact: Chris Zumpetta-Parr, Public Affairs Specialist, 22 Arrested in Early Morning Sweep of Chester & Newell; 17 Suspects Still Wanted. An early morning arrest operation took place today during which 22 defendants were taken into custody. Courtesy WPD Facebook page. West Virginia annual crimes involve 5,674 violent crimes, 28,376 property crimes totalling 34,050 crimes in 2019. 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. -Two counts of Possession of Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine and Buprenorphine), Derwin Scott Conway, 42 of Wheeling, WV I continue to believe in intelligence-led policing as well as aggressive enforcement action to make positive impacts related to public safety and a communitys quality of life, said Wheeling Police Chief Shawn Schwertfeger in a release. In total, the drugs have an estimated street value of $204,100. -Two counts of Possession of Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine and Heroin), Connie Sue Ballard, 43 of Wheeling, WV What is the Project Safe Neighborhood initiative? You may opt-out anytime by clicking "unsubscribe" from the newsletter or from your account. Drug overdoses reflect on various types of illegal narcotics, and not just one certain type of drug. All of those charged face prison sentences, or fines, or both. In each state and nationally, authorities . Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Employment | Affiliates Intranet MOUNDSVILLE, W.Va. One of the Ohio Valley's major heroin dealers and 12 cohorts were arrested Thursday after a year-long joint investigation involving state and federal law enforcement. 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. Putnam County dispatchers can always be reached by dialing 911 or the non-emergency line at (304) 586-0246. Willie Johnson, also known as Ace, 36, of Cleveland, Ohio -Possession of Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine), Tyler Ray Snyder, 37 of Bethesda, OH Daily Incarcerations. I am thankful that the WPD has such quality individuals working in our ranks that can make operations like this a success. -Cited for Possession of Marijuana & Cocaine, Gerald Blaine Vaughan, 38 of Triadelphia, WV Violent crimes include murder (78), rape (754), robbery (378), and assault (4, 464). I remain proud of the sworn and civilian staff of the Wheeling Police Department, Chief Schwertfeger said. Property crimes include burglary (5, 891), theft (20, 066), and motor vehicle theft (2, 419). Emergency officials say dispatchers might still have to send help in some cases depending on the caller's response, what dispatchers hear in the background or other information. 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 alleged traffickers indicted this week were part of a network that served as one of the largest suppliers of illicit substances to West Virginia, a press release from the U.S. Attorneys Office Northern District of West Virginia said. You may opt-out anytime by clicking "unsubscribe" from the newsletter or from your account. Violence and drug crime know no borders; we will find you, wherever you are, and put you behind bars, added Scott. Officers obtained a search warrant for 3618 Chapline St. and located several grams of methamphetamine and heroin along with drug using materials and instruments. Copyright 2023 West Virginia MetroNews Network. WHEELING, W.Va. A collaborative investigation involving several states and the northern district of West Virginia resulted in a federal indictment this week in Wheeling. 02.28.2023 Coraopolis Man Indicted in Western Pennsylvania and in the District of Columbia on Drug Charges. Susan Manuel, 57, of Wheeling, West Virginia Larry A. Cuffman, also known as Pops, 60, of Martins Ferry, Ohio. Wheeling Police Chief Shawn Schwertfeger discusses a murder investigation on Wheeling Island Thursday morning. Read More. Gary Lee Bertrand, 48 of Wheeling, fugitive from justice warrant out of Belmont County, Ohio. I believe we are continuing to turn the corner on our opioid problem, but it is by far not over. 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. When officers approached the individual, they located illegal narcotics and were led to a nearby residence for possible drug activity. Police say, around 3:30 a.m., they were patrolling the 3600 block of Chapline Street in South Wheeling and observed a man running down the street. The Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, which includes the Drug Enforcement Administration, West Virginia State Police, Ohio County Sheriffs Office, and the Wheeling Police Department, investigated. Groupings that saw decreases were weapon offenses and vandalisms. -Entering without Breaking (Auto), Eluding (Fleeing on Foot), and Domestic Battery (3rd Offense), James Richard Greathouse, 32 of Wheeling, WV The leading to the charges became operational in September of 2012 and included extensive surveillance and many controlled purchases of narcotics. A positive trend statistically throughout 2022 was the considerable drop in overdoses (22% decrease) and overdose related deaths a category that decreased by 60%. Bookings are updated several times a day so check back often! A 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. -Felony capias out of Brooke County, WV, Ralph Ray Huggins, 45 of Wheeling, WV -Active Burglary warrant out of Ohio County, WV, Patrick Coleman Smudski, 34 of Wheeling, WV Local firefighter and Belington resident flown from fire scene. Additional drug related charges are pending as the investigation continues. Anti Slip Coating UAE 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. The WPD released crime statistics for 2022, reporting a 6% increase in overall arrests from 2021. Due to the tremendous efforts of our investigators, one of the greatest sources of illicit drugs to West Virginia has been shut down.. -Trespassing, Jason Allen Hall, 44 of Wheeling, WV The investigation was supported by the ATF, the Marshall County Drug Task Force, and the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug Task Force, the Allegheny County (PA) Police, and the U.S. Several categories, including property crimes (burglary and thefts) and drug offenses rose. The dedication displayed daily to assure the safety of our city is unprecedented. Zachary James Parsons, 30, of Wheeling, West Virginia $5,323 in currency, Anthony Lee Arms, 41 of Wheeling, WV -Two counts of Possession of Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine and Buprenorphine), Herman Clemons Jr., 52 of Wheeling, WV 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. The totals are: 19.25 grams of methamphetamine Quaison Maurice Harris, also known as Action, 35, of Willoughby Hills, Ohio Call 1-855-WVA-FEDS or Email wvafeds@usdoj.gov if you have information about public corruption in your community. I'm interested in (please check all that apply). City of Wheeling, West Virginia 1500 Chapline Street Wheeling, WV 26003 (304) 234 . Three people were arrested by Wheeling Police this week after an initial domestic related call prompted police to obtain a search warrant at a South Wheeling house. . 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. According to a departmental release, around 3:30 a.m.,. Arrests for what the department categorizes Group A offenses, such as property crimes and crimes against people, were up 13%. - 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. 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. I am confident that with continued crafting of the problem-oriented policing philosophy and data driven approach, we will double down on some of the crime trends presented in this report.. Overdose deaths fell 60%, from 28 in 2021 to just 11 in 2022. -Possession of Controlled Substance (cocaine) and No Operators, Christy Lynn Conner, 28 of Wheeling, WV USAO Monitor Selection for Corporate Criminal Enforcement. When officers made entry, they located 1,478 grams of methamphetamine, 78.65 grams of fentanyl, $5,635 in currency and drug using materials. ROSALYN GALLOWAY, 28 years old Newell, West Virginia, with Delivery of a Controlled Substance. We will not tolerate the poison and violence. 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.. Delegates embrace broad tax cut and also pass their version of the budget. -Two counts of Possession of Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine and Fentanyl), Dashawn Tyli-Levelle Brown, 26 of Cleveland, OH Commonly Abused Drugs in West Virginia. 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. Thats why it takes a cooperative effort, such as the one that occurred in this investigation, to make a significant impact., The Drug Enforcement Administration, working in partnership with the Hancock- Brooke-Weirton HIDTA Drug Task Force has brought a significant heroin and crack cocaine trafficking organization; operating in Newell and Chester, West Virginia to justice, stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder of the Washington Division Office. Andre Cornell Diggs, also known as Dre and Big Homie, 38, of Cleveland Heights, Ohio CHRISTIAN D. PARR, 28 years old of Colliers, West Virginia, with Delivery of a Controlled Substance. BRIAN HUMPHREYS, 33 years old of East Liverpool, Ohio, with Conspiracy to Deliver Controlled Substances and Delivery of a Controlled Substance. 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.