Anton Demetrius Matthews, Distribution of Cocaine Base Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location, West Virginia 2024 · Virginia
Aaron Deshawn Campbell, Distribution of Cocaine Base in Proximity of a Protected Location, West Virginia 2015 · Virginia
Clarence William Bertram, Distribution of Cocaine Base Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location, West Virginia 2016 · Virginia
Jason R. Smoot, Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location, West Virginia 2017 · Virginia
Timothy E. Billups, Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location, West Virginia 2017 · Virginia

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Crime on the Rise in Clarksburg
- Key Facts

Crime on the Rise in Clarksburg

Two residents of Clarksburg, West Virginia, have been sentenced for selling dangerous drugs near local playgrounds, putting the lives of innocent children and families at risk.

Davina Bland, 22, of Clarksburg, sold cocaine near Clarksburg City Park – Monticello Avenue Playground in Harrison County, West Virginia. She pleaded guilty in September 2015 to one count of Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location. Bland was sentenced to 33 months in prison for her crimes.

The sale of cocaine is a serious offense that can have devastating consequences for individuals and communities. Bland’s actions demonstrate a clear disregard for the well-being of others and the safety of our children.

This case was investigated by the Greater Harrison County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Montoro and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Morgan prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided over the case, handing down a just sentence for Bland’s crimes. The city of Clarksburg must now come together to address the root causes of this issue and work towards creating a safer, healthier community.

The citizens of Clarksburg deserve to live in a place where they can feel safe and secure. The sale of drugs near playgrounds is a clear threat to that safety, and it is the duty of law enforcement and government officials to take action to prevent it.

The sentencing of Davina Bland is a step in the right direction, but it is only the beginning. The city of Clarksburg must continue to work towards creating a safer, healthier community for all its residents.