BECKLEY, W.Va. – The iron river continues to flow. Three more players in a brazen firearms trafficking operation stretching from the hills of West Virginia to the streets of Philadelphia have been sentenced, bringing a small measure of accountability to a conspiracy that armed criminals and fueled violence. The operation funneled over 140 firearms from the Beckley area to the City of Brotherly Love, and the fallout is still being felt.
Derrick Woodard, also known as “D,” 27, of Philadelphia, received two years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. His charge? Interstate travel with the intent to engage in dealing firearms without a license. Woodard admitted to hitting the road with co-defendant Bisheem Jones, also known as “Bosh,” and a crew of others on October 17, 2020, with a clear mission: acquire guns in Beckley and turn a profit reselling them in Philly. This wasn’t a hunting trip; it was a supply run for the criminal element.
Tyana Bly, also known as “Biggie,” 23, of Beckley, and Megan Bickford, 34, of Oak Hill, received five years of federal probation for their roles as key facilitators. Bickford will spend the first four months of her probation confined to her home. Both women confessed to making false statements on ATF Form 4473s, the crucial documents used to verify firearm purchasers. They weren’t buying guns for themselves; they were fronting for Jones, allowing him to amass weapons without raising red flags. Bly admitted to purchasing two SCCY CPX-2 9mm pistols and a Taurus G3C 9mm pistol for Jones on April 2, 2021, and at least five more in March and April of that year. Bickford’s involvement was even more extensive – she admitted to 54 straw purchases *throughout 2020 alone*.
The scale of this operation is chilling. Of the 140+ firearms trafficked, roughly 45 have surfaced at crime scenes in Philadelphia, directly linked to two homicides, domestic violence incidents, and other violent offenses. A staggering 19 of those recovered weapons were purchased by Bickford, cementing her role as a primary source for guns on the streets. Jones, the alleged ringleader, was found guilty by a federal jury on December 16, 2022, of conspiracy to travel interstate with the intent to deal in firearms without a license, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and interstate travel with the intent to deal in firearms without a license. He faces a maximum of 35 years when sentenced on April 7, 2023.
United States Attorney Will Thompson announced the sentences, praising the ATF for their investigative work. U.S. District Judge Frank W. Volk handed down the penalties. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Negar M. Kordestani and Steve Loew prosecuted the cases. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by fostering trust with communities and strategically targeting enforcement efforts. The Department of Justice launched a strengthened PSN strategy in May 2021, focusing on prevention, strategic enforcement, and measurable results.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are working to trace all the firearms and hold accountable anyone else involved in this dangerous scheme. A press release detailing this case can be found on the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia website. Court documents are available on PACER under Case Nos. 5:22-cr-46 and 5:22-cr-78. This isn’t just about guns; it’s about the blood spilled because of them.
Related Federal Cases
- Charleston Dealer Means Admits to Gun & Drug Trafficking · West Virginia
- Beckley Felon Convicted for Gun Possession · West Virginia
- Beckley Woman Pleads Guilty to Heroin Distribution · West Virginia
- Moundsville Resident Dubrowski Facing Methamphetamine Trafficking Charges · West Virginia
- Elkins Drug Ring Busted: Workman Faces Machine Gun Rap · West Virginia
Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Organized Crime|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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