CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A massive drug operation that has been spreading meth, heroin, and marijuana throughout Kanawha and Fayette Counties met its end today as a result of a joint FBI and Central West Virginia Drug Task Force (CWVDTF) investigation code-named “Second Wave.” United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced the dismantling of the drug trafficking organization (DTO), leading to 12 arrests following two indictments by a federal grand jury.
“Meth. Heroin. Marijuana. This network has been a blight on our communities, fueling addiction and chaos,” said U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart. “Today’s action is a clear message that we will not tolerate such criminal activity in West Virginia. I commend our law enforcement partners for their dedication to protecting the people of this state.”
FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman echoed these sentiments, stating, “The FBI and our partners are relentless in our pursuit of drug traffickers. This takedown sends a strong message that we will not allow anyone to operate outside the law.”
The indictments charge Jason Michael Terrell, 36, of Mount Carbon; Larry Terrence Martin, 31, of Charleston; Carol Belton, 61, of Montgomery; Steven Matthew Bumpus, 31, of Charleston; Jimmy Lee Coleman, 34, of Gauley Bridge; Roger Jarea Drake, 31, of Charleston; Rashawn Akmed Miller, 36, of Columbus, Ohio; William Lee Patton, 62, of Montgomery; Craig Edward Redman, 41, of Kimberly; Tonya Nichole Simerly, 35, of Montgomery; and Ronald Lee Thomas, III, 28, of Charleston. These defendants are accused of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine from July 2019 to August 2020.
In related news, Larry Martin’s sister, Brandi Martin, was sentenced to 188 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Gregory Eugene Woods, 43, of St. Albans, faces charges for possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Sammy Joe Fragale, Sr., and Sammy Joe Fragale, Jr., were also arrested on federal criminal complaints related to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
The operation was a collaborative effort by the FBI, ATF, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, CWVDTF, MDENT, CSX Transportation Police Department, and DEA. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks is responsible for the prosecution of this case.
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Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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