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May 27, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Ohio Resident Sentenced for Distribution of
“Crack” Cocaine within 1,000 Feet of Jensen Playground

 

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA - A 30 year old Bellaire, Ohio, resident was sentenced today (May 27, 2010), in United States District Court in Wheeling by Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr.

United States Attorney Betsy C. Jividen announced that MICHAEL BROOMES was sentenced to 53 months imprisonment to be followed by six years of supervised release. BROOMES entered a plea of guilty on March 16, 2010, to one count of distribution of “crack” cocaine within 1,000 feet of Jensen Playground in Wheeling on May 30, 2009. As part of an on-going investigation into cocaine and “crack” cocaine distributions in the Wheeling area, BROOMES and his brother were identified as sources of supply, and undercover buys were made from them. As part of his plea, BROOMES admitted he had been involved in the distribution of up to 20 grams of “crack” cocaine. BROOMES 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, the West Virginia State Police, and the Moundsville Police Department. The Task Force consists of officers from the Wheeling Police Department, the Ohio County Sheriff’s Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.