Stephen D. Warner, Award, West Virginia 2018

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – In a move that highlights the dedication of law enforcement officials, Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is the recipient of the ATF Director’s Honor Award. This recognition comes after a year of tireless efforts to combat illegal firearms and drug traffickers in the Northern District of West Virginia.

The award ceremony took place on Thursday, August 16 at the 2018 ATF Annual Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. Warner, who serves as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Northern District of West Virginia for 19 years, has been instrumental in reducing the number of illegal firearms and drug traffickers in the district. His dedication to the task has earned him a well-deserved recognition, according to U.S. Attorney Bill Powell.

Powell praised Warner, stating, “One of our primary missions is to protect the citizens of this district.  Steve Warner has utilized his experience and doggedness to accomplish that goal.  With limited resources, Steve has dedicated himself to reducing the number of illegal firearms and drug traffickers in the district.  Steve is a dedicated prosecutor and this award is well-deserved.  Our office is very proud of Steve, and we are thankful he is part of our team.”

Warner has been a key federal partner to ATF in several multi-defendant federal prosecutions in the Northern District of West Virginia. His efforts have led to significant results, including the prosecution and conviction of 52 defendants in 2017. This accomplishment, resulting in the disruption and dismantling of two multi-state armed drug trafficking organizations, the illicit acquisition, trafficking, and use of firearms, and the reduction in the supply of controlled substances plaguing the West Virginia mountain region, was recognized by Stuart Lowrey, Special Agent in Charge, Louisville Field Division of ATF.

“Each year, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives recognizes its employees and external partners who contribute significantly to our mission,” stated Lowrey. “AUSA Steve Warner has been a key federal partner to ATF in several multi-defendant Federal prosecutions in the Northern District of West Virginia. The regional impact of the prosecution and conviction of 52 defendants in 2017 in terms of the disruption and dismantling of two multi-state armed drug trafficking organizations; their illicit acquisition, trafficking and use of firearms; and the reduction in the supply of controlled substances plaguing the West Virginia mountain region, cannot be overstated. I fully endorsed the nomination of Mr. Warner for his outstanding abilities and perseverance. He is truly deserving of this prestigious award.”

Warner is being recognized, in part, because of 52 successful prosecutions over the past two years involving significant amounts of methamphetamine and firearms. His efforts have led to the recovery of 90 stolen firearms, the seizure of an additional 140 firearms, over 75 narcotics seizures, and the Federal conviction of 52 defendants. These accomplishments have made the communities of Buckhannon and Elkins, WV better places to live, according to Dewayne Haddix, Resident Agent in Charge, ATF Clarksburg.

Warner's dedication to his work and his commitment to protecting the citizens of West Virginia have earned him a well-deserved recognition. The ATF Director's Honor Award is a testament to his hard work and perseverance, and it serves as an inspiration to others in the field of law enforcement.

With this award, Warner has solidified his position as a dedicated and effective prosecutor who has made a significant impact in the fight against illegal firearms and drug traffickers in West Virginia.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/assistant-us-attorney-honored-atf-awards