CITIZEN STAFF REPORT
WAYNE COUNTY, W.Va. — Sheriff Eddie Bradshaw announced Friday that a months-long investigation by the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West and the Wayne County Sheriff Drug Enforcement Unit has dismantled multiple drug trafficking organizations operating in Huntington, Fort Gay and Crum.
Bradshaw said the operations included multiple traffic stops and seven search warrants, resulting in the seizure of approximately 23.5 pounds of methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine and marijuana, with an estimated street value of $270,000. Officers also seized more than $110,000 in cash and 19 firearms.
Thirty-five individuals were charged while there are four outstanding warrants.
The Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West is made up of members from the West Virginia State Police, Wayne County Sheriff’s Department and Cabell County Sheriff’s Department.
Bradshaw said all but a few of the individuals charged were involved in drug trafficking organizations. Several defendants have already been sentenced.
Individuals charged
Chad Salmons, Fort Gay — six counts of delivery of a controlled substance, eight counts of possession with intent to deliver, two counts of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances; sentenced to seven years and 1–15 years in prison.
Louri Williamson, Fort Gay — two counts delivery, two counts possession with intent to deliver, two counts conspiracy.
John Maynard, Huntington — one count possession with intent to deliver, one count conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of meth; sentenced to 16 years in prison.
Danika Pruitt, Mingo County — one count possession with intent to deliver, one count conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of meth; sentenced to four years in prison.
Bennie Figures, Huntington — four counts delivery, two counts possession with intent to deliver.
Sentell “Newbie” Hicks, Columbus, Ohio — two counts delivery.
Robert “Rob” Taylor, Huntington — one count delivery, one count possession with intent to deliver; sentenced to 41 months in federal prison.
Jimmie “Beebo” Thompson, Fort Gay — five counts delivery, one count possession with intent to deliver, one count escape.
Dennis “Ferg” Ferguson, Prichard — one count delivery, three counts possession with intent to deliver, one count prohibited from possessing firearms; sentenced to 3–15 years and 1-3 years in prison.
Keith Johnson, Fort Gay — five counts delivery.
Nathen “Nate” Spence, Fort Gay — one count delivery.
Danny Pack, Fort Gay — five counts delivery, three counts conspiracy.
Doris Strickland, Lawrence County, Kentucky — four counts possession with intent to deliver.
Benjamin Lester, Huntington — three counts delivery.
John New, Dunlow — four counts delivery, three counts conspiracy, one count prohibited from possessing firearms.
Jason Waller, Fort Gay — one count delivery; sentenced to four years and 1-3 years in prison.
William “Bill” Frasher, Fort Gay — one count delivery.
Clay “Jazz” Richbow, Detroit, Michigan — one count possession with intent to deliver, one count conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
Jeffrey Clay, East Lynn — one count conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, one count aiding and abetting.
Roger Smith, Columbus, Ohio — one count possession with intent to deliver.
Joseph Mullins, Crum — one count delivery, two counts possession with intent to deliver, two counts prohibited from possessing firearms, one count cultivation; sentenced to 1-5 years in prison.
Heather Jackson, Lavalette — one count possession with intent to deliver.
Clyde Logan, Carter County, Kentucky, — one count possession with intent to deliver.
Charlene Jude, Martin County, Kentucky — one count possession with intent to deliver.
Donald Cornette, Martin County, Kentucky — one count possession with intent to deliver.
Louellen Jennings, Martin County, Kentucky — one count possession with intent to deliver.
Oscar Leach, Boyd County, Kentucky — two counts possession with intent to deliver.
Cassie Sloas, Boyd County, Kentucky — one count aiding and abetting.
James Mason Valandingham, Carter County, Kentucky — two counts possession with intent to deliver.
Kyler Messer, Lawrence County, Kentucky — two counts possession with intent to deliver.
Randy Frisby, Fort Gay — one count delivery, one count possession with intent to deliver; sentenced to one–15 years in prison.
Outstanding warrants
Ronald McComas, Huntington — one count possession with intent to deliver.
Joseph Bailey, Carter County, Kentucky — one count possession with intent to deliver, one count conspiracy to distribute 10–100 grams of heroin.
Ashley Adams, Carter County, Kentucky — one count possession with intent to deliver, one count conspiracy to distribute 10–100 grams of heroin.
Tyler Ratcliff, Carter County, Kentucky — one count possession with intent to deliver, one count conspiracy to distribute 10–100 grams of heroin.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.