1125 Chapline Street, Federal Building, Suite 3000 ● Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 234-0100 ● Contact: Fawn E. Thomas, Public Affairs Specialist

November 10, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ohio Man Sentenced for Distributing
“Crack” Cocaine within 1,000 Feet of Riverview Towers

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA — A 22 year old Cleveland and Martins Ferry, Ohio, resident was sentenced today (November 10, 2009), in United States District Court in Wheeling by Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr.

Acting United States Attorney Betsy C. Jividen announced that: JOHN D. POINTER a/k/a “NEPHEW” was sentenced to 63 months imprisonment to be followed by 6 years of supervised release. POINTER entered plea of guilty on August 5, 2009, to one count of an Indictment charging him with the distribution of “crack” cocaine within 1,000 feet of Riverview Towers on February 28, 2009. As part of his plea, POINTER admitted his involvement in the distribution of between 35 and 50 grams of crack cocaine.

This case involved a five-month investigation into crack cocaine distribution in the North Wheeling, Wheeling Island and Woodsdale areas of West Virginia. During the investigation, multiple confidential informants made controlled buys from individuals, including POINTER. Five controlled buys were made involving POINTER.

POINTER was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending designation to a Federal institution.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John C. Parr. The case was investigated by the Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crime Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Task Force consists of officers from the Wheeling Police Department, the Ohio County Sheriff’s Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.