Rayshawn L. Ball, Heroin and Cocaine Trafficking, West Virginia 2015

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A ruthless heroin and cocaine trafficking operation in Ohio County, West Virginia has been dealt a major blow with the sentencing of a Columbus, Ohio man.

Rayshawn L. Ball, 31, was handed a 41-month prison sentence for his role in the trafficking ring, which was active in the area from late 2014 to early 2015. Ball, who pleaded guilty to one count of ‘Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule I and Schedule II Controlled Substances’ in December 2016, is now facing the consequences of his actions.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah W. Montoro prosecuted the case on behalf of the government, while the Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, led the investigation. U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided over the case.

The case against Ball was a result of a collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies to take down heroin and cocaine trafficking operations in the region. The Marshall County Drug Task Force worked tirelessly to gather evidence and build a case against Ball, which ultimately led to his guilty plea and sentencing.

‘The sentencing of Rayshawn Ball is a significant victory in our ongoing fight against heroin and cocaine trafficking in Ohio County,’ said Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen. ‘We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to take down these operations and bring those responsible to justice.’

The sentencing of Ball serves as a reminder that heroin and cocaine trafficking will not be tolerated in our community. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Ball’s sentencing is a testament to the hard work and dedication of law enforcement agencies in Ohio County. The Grimy Times commends the efforts of the Marshall County Drug Task Force and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah W. Montoro for their role in bringing Ball to justice.

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