Tyler Hammack, Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Cocaine Base, WV

Three Monongalia County residents have admitted their roles in a crack cocaine distribution ring that poisoned neighborhoods and exploited public spaces, including areas near a local park, federal prosecutors confirmed today.

Tyler Hammack, 22, of Westover, West Virginia, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Cocaine Base Within 1,000 Feet of Protected Location.” Hammack admitted to working with another individual to sell cocaine base near Mascoli Park in July 2018—a brazen act that placed children and families at risk.

Kenneth Buzzo, 58, of Granville, West Virginia, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Cocaine Base.” Buzzo admitted to selling the drug in Monongalia County in June 2018. Sandra Riggleman, 59, also of Granville, pled guilty to the same charge, admitting to selling cocaine base in April 2018.

Hammack now faces a mandatory minimum of one year and up to 40 years in federal prison, along with a fine of up to $2,000,000. Buzzo and Riggleman each face up to 20 years behind bars and fines reaching $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the final sentence will reflect the severity of the offenses and any prior criminal history.

The case was investigated by the Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative targeting high-impact drug operations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case, underscoring the federal government’s push to dismantle local trafficking networks.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided over the proceedings in Clarksburg, West Virginia. With these guilty pleas, federal authorities send a clear message: selling drugs near protected spaces will be met with maximum consequences.