News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 6, 2009
In matters prosecuted by the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia:
HUNTINGTON WOMAN PLEADS GUILTY TO DISTRIBUTING HEROIN
HUNTINGTON, WV – MELISSA LOCKHART, 35, of Huntington, WV, pleaded guilty yesterday before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers to conspiracy to distribute heroin. The conviction stems from a joint investigation conducted by the Huntington Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, Huntington Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration and Cabell County Sheriff's Department. The long-term investigation revealed that Lockhart was accompanying other individuals, including Oscar Frye, to Columbus, Ohio from Huntington to purchase black tar heroin from Bobby Melrose and another individual. On January 9, 2008, the Cabell County Sheriff's Department executed a state search warrant at Lockhart's and Frye's residence and located 8 packets of black tar heroin. Lockhart also retrieved two additional bags of heroin which she had hidden on her person.
Lockhart, who is scheduled to be sentenced on April 10, 2009, faces up to 20 years in prison and a million dollar fine. Melrose previously pled guilty in October 2008 for his role in the drug conspiracy. His sentencing is scheduled for February 2, 2009. Frye is scheduled for trial February 3, 2009, in Huntington, WV before Judge Chambers. *PLEASE NOTE: An indictment is merely a formal accusation, it is not proof of guilt; and defendant Frye is presumed innocent until and unless he is found guilty.
Assistant United States Attorney R. Gregory McVey is handling the prosecution.
HUNTINGTON WOMAN ADMITS TO HER ROLE IN AN INTERSTATE CAR THEFT RING
Also in Huntington, CHRISTINE N. HAMM, also known as "Niki," 26, of Huntington, WV, pleaded guilty yesterday before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers to conspiring with others to transport stolen vehicles from Cabell and Kanawha Counties to Greenup County, Kentucky. On August 5, 2007, a 2007 GMC Denali, 2007 GMC Sierra, and 2007 GMC Yukon XL were stolen from R. F. Steiners, a car dealership located in Huntington, WV. Subsequently, on August 9, 2007, three vehicles (2004 Nissan Endurance, 2008 Chevy Equinox LT, and a 2008 Chevy Equinox LS) were stolen from C&O Motors located in St. Albans, WV. Hamm admitted she followed the car thieves from West Virginia to Kentucky where the vehicles were illegally sold. Hamm further admitted she provided the thieves transportation back to West Virginia in return for payment or expectation of payment. Hamm faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine when she is sentenced on April 6, 2009. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Greenup County Sheriff's Department, Huntington Police Department, Cabell County Sheriff's Department and St. Albans Police Department jointly conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston is handling the prosecution.