Wheeling Woman Admits to Cocaine Sales Near Park

A Wheeling woman has admitted to selling cocaine near a protected location, according to authorities. Tiffany Sells, 38, of Wheeling, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to distributing cocaine base within 1,000 feet of a protected location.

The crime occurred in July 2018 near Jensen Playground on Wheeling Island. Sells could face up to 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000,000. Her actual sentence will be determined by the seriousness of the offense and her prior criminal history.

The investigation was led by the Ohio County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative. The task force consists of the Drug Enforcement Administration, West Virginia State Police, the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wheeling Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided over the proceedings.

The Ohio County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force received assistance from several agencies, including the United States Marshal Service, the Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, the Martins Ferry, Ohio Police Department, and the Columbus, Ohio Police Department.

Sells will be sentenced at a later date. The sentencing will be based on the seriousness of the offense and her prior criminal history. The investigation is a significant blow to the illicit drug trade in the area, and authorities are hopeful that it will lead to further arrests and convictions.

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