Meth Trafficking Ring Busted in West Virginia

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – In a major blow to the state’s opioid epidemic, 31 individuals from Ohio and West Virginia have been indicted for their involvement in a multi-state drug distribution operation that brought methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin into Wetzel and Tyler Counties.

According to U.S. Attorney Bill Powell, the alleged conspiracy involved trafficking crystal methamphetamine, also known as “ice,” heroin, and cocaine from Columbus, Ohio, and Atlanta, Georgia. Some of those charged are also facing weapons charges involving a total of eight firearms.

The indictment lists 23 West Virginia residents, including Joshua Cathers, 38, of Sistersville; Michael Shawn Hartline, 34, of Sistersville; Rachel A. Cook, 28, of Sistersville; and Holly C. Jenkins, 55, of New Martinsville, among others.

In addition, six men and two women from Ohio, suspected members or associates of a street gang called the “Elaine Crip Family,” were indicted for their involvement in the trafficking operation.

Those charged in the Ohio indictment include Rodriquies M. Evans, 27, also known as “Dree,” of Columbus; Marisa Page, 26, of Columbus; Kenyatta Banks, Jr., 28, also known as “Yatta,” of Canal Winchester; and Matthew Jackson, 22, also known as “Matt-Matt,” of Columbus, among others.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert H. McWilliams, Jr., and Shawn M. Adkins are prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government, with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department.

U.S. Attorney Powell praised the efforts of his prosecution team and the law enforcement partners involved in the case, saying, “These indictments demonstrate our continued efforts to aggressively prosecute those who consider West Virginia as a viable market to distribute their poison.”