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

 

October 6, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wheeling Resident Enters Plea of Guilty

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA - A 62 year old Wheeling, West Virginia, resident entered a plea of guilty on October 4, 2010, in United States District Court in Wheeling before Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr.

United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced that RONALD SCOTT entered a plea of guilty to maintaining a drug-involved premise from May 21, 2010, to June 16, 2010, for the distribution of “crack” cocaine and heroin. After having made four controlled buys from SCOTT’s residence from his co-defendant Damian Brookins, a search warrant was obtained and agents seized $800 of drug proceeds from Brookins’ pocket, 2.7 grams of “crack” cocaine, a 12-gauge shotgun, an Omega 38 revolver, two digital scales and other drug paraphernalia. As part of his plea, SCOTT admitted to the distribution from his apartment of between 50 and 100 grams of “crack” cocaine and approximately 50 grams of heroin. SCOTT also agreed to the forfeiture of the firearms and $800 as drug proceeds.

SCOTT, who is free on bond pending sentencing, faces a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment and a fine of $500,000. His co-defendant Brookins was arrested in Dayton, Ohio, and is in custody pending his return to the Northern District of West Virginia.

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