Meth Ring Kingpin Sean Moser Sentenced to Over 17 Years

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A methamphetamine distribution ring that operated across two states and three North West Virginia counties has met its grim conclusion as twelve individuals were sentenced to a combined 953 months in prison today, according to Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen.

The investigation, which led to the seizure of hundreds of firearms and significant quantities of meth, originated with an October 2016 indictment naming 20 individuals from Virginia and West Virginia. Today’s sentencing included Sean Michael Moser, 27, of Elkins, who was handed a 210-month sentence for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

Joseph Richard Muster, 28, of the same city, received 100 months for his role in distributing the drug. Christina Crites, 46, also from Elkins, was sentenced to 112 months for distributing methamphetamine near a protected location. Gerald Allen Freeman, 42, of Moatsville, WV, was given 59 months for distribution.

Jeffrey Everson, 28, of Philippi, WV, faced 40 months for aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Brian Scott Mayle, 38, of Coalton, WV, was sentenced to six months for receipt and transfer of explosive material without a license.

Other sentences included Tre Michael Plaugher, 22, of Elkins, who got 60 months for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime; Derek Scott Norris, 36, also of Philippi, with 78 months for distributing meth; Calvin Norris Herron, Jr., 44, of Belington, sentenced to 108 months for distributing the drug; Ronald G. Swiger, 36, of Coalton, who received 24 months for possession with intent to distribute; and Jason Randall Howard, 38, of Elkins, sentenced to 96 months for unlawful possession of a firearm.

The Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force investigated the case, which was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner. U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided over the sentencing hearing.

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