Oxycodone Ring Busted: 33 Face Federal Charges

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Thirty-three individuals are facing a 129-count federal indictment following a sprawling investigation into a major oxycodone distribution operation, federal authorities announced today. The operation stretched across state lines, impacting four counties in North Central West Virginia and reaching into Michigan. This isn’t just about pills; it’s about a network preying on addiction and fueling the opioid crisis in already-struggling communities.

The indictments, unsealed today, detail a conspiracy to flood the region with the highly addictive painkiller. Authorities allege a coordinated effort between individuals in both West Virginia and Michigan, working together to source, transport, and distribute oxycodone. The bust represents a significant blow to the flow of illicit drugs into the area, but the fight is far from over. These are not isolated incidents; they are threads in a larger, more sinister web.

A coordinated, multi-agency arrest operation, spearheaded by the Mon Metro Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, brought many of the defendants into custody today. The Task Force, funded by the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program, has been relentless in its pursuit of those responsible for pushing poison into our streets. The investigation began as an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation, signaling the scale and sophistication of the network.

Among those charged are:

• Terry Thomas, a.k.a. “Top,” 44, of Detroit, Michigan
• Michael Wesley, a.k.a. “Black”, a.k.a. “Big Flea,” 45, of Detroit, Michigan
• Michael James Anthony, a.k.a. “Spook,” 42, of Detroit, Michigan
• Christopher Lloyd, a.k.a. “Red,” 31, of Detroit, Michigan
• Darmatrice Love, 32, of Detroit, Michigan
• Robert Brown, Jr., a.k.a. “Pooh,” 23, of Detroit, Michigan
• Andrew Thomas, a.k.a. “Bud,” 26, of Detroit, Michigan
• Sean Miller Phillips, Jr., 24, of Eastpointe, Michigan
• Devante Maddox, 25, of Detroit, Michigan
• Konshawntas Boyd, 37, of Detroit, Michigan
• Brianna Blackman, a.k.a. “BB,” 21, of Morgantown, West Virginia
• Tiffany Edwards, 35, of Westover, West Virginia
• Codey Bonnette, 25, of Morgantown, West Virginia
• Leon Jamar Maddox, 34, of Fairmont, West Virginia
• Amanda Gifford, a.k.a. “Mandi,” 25, of Morgantown, West Virginia
• Floyd Pancoast, 24, of Pursglove, West Virginia
• Jason Pancoast, 23, of Pursglove, West Virginia
• Christopher Moriarty, 24, of Buckhannon, West Virginia
• Carlee Cuppet, 25, of Kingwood, West Virginia
• Brittany Brown, 31, of Stonewood, West Virginia
• Ariel Blosser, 27, of Morgantown, West Virginia
• Amanda Maddox, 32, of Morgantown, West Virginia
• Brandy Miller, 28, of Salem, West Virginia
• Anna May Martin, 31, of Westover, West Virginia
• Kimberley Mozie, 36, of Morgantown, West Virginia
• Jason Perry, 35, of Morgantown, West Virginia
• Holly Jo Exline, 22, of Dellslow, West Virginia
• McKenna Kansco, 22, Crawford, West Virginia
• Marjorie Sue Webster, 23, Maidsville, West Virginia
• Thomas Keener, II, 22, of Fairmont, West Virginia
• Jayla Shade, 20, of Morgantown, West Virginia
• Jesse Tichenor, 25, of Morgantown, West Virginia
• Bobbie Jo Phillips, 30, of Morgantown, West Virginia

The investigation involved a broad coalition of law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and multiple state and local police departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case. Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen praised the collaborative effort, stating the investigation demonstrates the power of interagency cooperation in combating drug trafficking.

It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is not a conviction. Each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. However, the sheer number of individuals charged and the scope of the alleged conspiracy paint a grim picture of the drug trade’s grip on this region. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and bring you updates as they become available. We’ll be watching to see who truly benefits from the suffering of others.

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