Tarvis Lepticus Dunham, Obstruction and Assault, West Virginia 2013

CLARKSBURG, West Virginia – A former inmate at the United States Penitentiary in Hazelton, West Virginia, has been convicted of obstruction and assault charges. Tarvis Lepticus Dunham, 42, was found guilty of six counts, including one count of ‘Obstructing Justice by Retaliating Against a Witness’ and five counts of ‘Assaulting, Resisting and Impeding Certain Officers or Employees of the Bureau of Prisons.’

The trial, which lasted six days, concluded on January 29, 2013, with Judge Irene M. Keeley presiding over the case. United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced the conviction, stating that Dunham’s actions were a serious offense.

According to trial evidence, on June 14, 2011, Dunham attempted to retaliate against a case manager for producing a record and document during disciplinary proceedings. He forcibly assaulted the case manager and other Correctional Officers who attempted to restrain him. Dunham also refused to comply with their orders before he was able to be restrained and handcuffed.

During a recorded telephone call with his mother, Dunham stated that he ‘about near killed that woman.’ The staff at USP Lee made the recording a week after the incident.

Dunham is currently serving a 318-month sentence and faces up to 89 years imprisonment and a $1,350,000 fine. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brandon S. Flower and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Special Investigative Services Unit at USP Hazelton.

The conviction is a serious blow to Dunham, who will face significant time in prison. The charges against him are a reminder of the importance of respecting authority and following the law.

The case is a reminder that those who commit crimes will be held accountable. We will continue to work to keep our communities safe and to bring justice to those who break the law.

Tarvis Lepticus Dunham, a former inmate at the United States Penitentiary in Hazelton, West Virginia, was convicted of obstruction and assault charges. He faces up to 89 years imprisonment and a $1,350,000 fine.

This case is a result of the hard work and dedication of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Special Investigative Services Unit at USP Hazelton. We appreciate their efforts in bringing this case to justice.

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