Wayne County WV Drug Sting Involves Several from Region

By Roberta Cantrell
BSN Editor

Several individuals from around the region including Lawrence, Martin, Carter, Boyd and neighboring Fort Gay, WV were among a large Wayne County West Virginia drug sting.

Sheriff Eddie Bradshaw stated that the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West along with the Wayne County Sheriff Drug Enforcement Unit have dismantled multiple drug trafficking organizations.

In a press release issued Saturday, Nov. 22, Sheriff Bradshaw stated that multiple traffic stops were conducted along with seven search warrants executed in Huntington, Fort Gay, and Crum. The investigations have been ongoing for many months. The operations resulted in the seizure of approximately 23.5 pounds of Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, Heroin, Cocaine, Crack Cocaine and Marijuana that was valued at $270,000. Sheriff Bradshaw stated that more than $110,000 cash was seized along with 19 firearms. 

All but a few of the following charged were involved in drug trafficking organizations. 

•Chad Salmons, of Fort Gay, is charged with 6 counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance, 8 counts of Possession with Intent to Deliver, and 2 counts of Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances. Chad was sentenced to 7 years and 1-15 years in prison. 

•Louri Williamson, of Fort Gay, is charged with 2 counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance, 2 counts of Possession with Intent to Deliver, and 2 counts of Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances. 

•John Maynard, of Huntington, is charged with 1 count of Possession with Intent to Deliver and 1 count of Conspiracy to Distribute 50 grams or more of Methamphetamine. John was sentenced to 16 years in prison.

•Danika Pruitt, of Mingo County, is charged with 1 count of Possession with Intent to Deliver and 1 count of Conspiracy to Distribute 50 grams or more of Methamphetamine. Danika was sentenced to 4 years in prison. 

•Bennie Figures, of Huntington, is charged with 4 counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance and 2 counts of Possession with Intent to Deliver.

•Sentell ‘Newbie’ Hicks, of Columbus, is charged with 2 counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance.

•Robert ‘Rob’ Taylor, of Huntington, is charged with 1 count of Delivery of a Controlled Substance and 1 count of Possession with Intent to Deliver. Robert was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison. 

•Jimmie ‘Beebo’ Thompson, of Fort Gay, is charged with 5 counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance, 1 count of Possession with Intent to Deliver, and 1 count of Escape. 

•Dennis ‘Ferg’ Ferguson, of Prichard, is charged with 1 count of Delivery of a Controlled Substance, 3 counts of Possession with Intent to Deliver. and 1 count of Prohibited from Possessing Firearms. Dennis was sentenced to 3-15 years and 1-3 years in prison.

•Keith Johnson, of Fort Gay, is charged with 5 counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance.

•Nathen ‘Nate’ Spence, of Fort Gay, is charged with 1 count of Delivery of a Controlled Substance.

•Danny Pack, of Fort Gay, is charged with 5 counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance and 3 counts of Conspiracy.

•Doris Strickland, of Lawrence County, is charged with 4 counts of Possession with Intent to Deliver.

•Benjamin Lester, of Huntington, is charged with 3 counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance.

•John New, of Dunlow, is charged with 4 counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance, 3 counts of Conspiracy, and 1 count of Prohibited from Possessing Firearms. 

•Jason Waller, of Fort Gay, is charged with 1 count of Delivery of a Controlled Substance. Jason was sentenced to 4 years and 1-3 years in prison. 

•William ‘Bill’ Frasher, of Fort Gay, is charged with 1 count of Delivery of a Controlled Substance.

•Clay ‘Jazz’ Richbow, of Detroit, is charged with 1 count of Possession with Intent to Deliver and 1 count of Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl.

•Jeffrey Clay, of East Lynn, is charged with 1 count of Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl and 1 count of Aiding and Abetting. 

•Roger Smith, of Columbus, is charged with 1 count of Possession with Intent to Deliver. 

•Joseph Mullins, of Crum, is charged with 1 count of Delivery of a Controlled Substance, 2 counts of Possession with Intent to Deliver, 2 counts of Prohibited from Possessing Firearms, and 1 count of Cultivation. Joseph was sentenced to 1-5 years in prison.

•Heather Jackson, of Lavalette, is charged with 1 count of Possession with Intent to Deliver.

•Clyde Logan, of Carter County, is charged with 1 count of Possession with Intent to Deliver. 

•Charlene Jude, of Martin County, is charged with 1 count of Possession with Intent to Deliver.

•Donald Cornette, of Martin County, is charged with 1 count of Possession with Intent to Deliver.

•Louellen Jennings, of Martin County, is charged with 1 count of Possession with Intent to Deliver. 

•Oscar Leach, of Boyd County, is charged with 2 counts of Possession with Intent to Deliver.

•Cassie Sloas, of Boyd County, is charged with 1 count of Aiding and Abetting. 

•James Mason Valandingham, of Carter Co, is charged with 2 counts of Possession with Intent to Deliver.

•Kyler Messer, of Lawrence Co KY, is charged with 2 counts of Possession with Intent to Deliver. 

•Randy Frisby, of Fort Gay, is charged with 1 count of Delivery of a Controlled Substance and 1 count of Possession with Intent to Deliver. Randy was sentenced to 1-15 years in prison.

The following have warrants issued for their arrest:

•Ronald McComas, of Huntington, is charged with 1 count of Possession with Intent to Deliver.

•Joseph Bailey, of Carter Co, is charged with 1 count of Possession with Intent to Deliver and 1 count of Conspiracy to Distribute 10 to 100 grams of Heroin. 

•Ashley Adams, of Carter Co, is charged with 1 count of Possession with Intent to Deliver and 1 count of Conspiracy to Distribute 10 to 100 grams of Heroin.

•Tyler Ratcliff, of Carter Co, is charged with 1 count of Possession with Intent to Deliver and 1 count of Conspiracy to Distribute 10 to 100 grams of Heroin.

Sheriff Bradshaw stated that the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West is operated by members from the WV State Police, Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, and Cabell County Sheriff’s Department.