13 indicted for drug distribution operation in Ohio County

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Thirteen people from West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania were arrested and charged with multiple drug counts involving the distribution of cocaine base, methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

The men and woman are charged in a 23-count indictment involving a drug conspiracy in Ohio County and elsewhere from September 2018 to June 2019. Those named in the indictment are:

•    Duane Green, also known as “Rick,” age 34, of Columbus, Ohio
•    Herman Clemons, Jr., age 50, of Wheeling, West Virginia
•    Keith Frazier, also known as “KK,” age 43, of Columbus, Ohio
•    Charles Cesar Ansley, also known as “Mike,” age 39, of Wheeling, West Virginia
•    Benjamin John Woodring, afge 27, of Wheeling, West Virginia
•    Brandon Woodring, age 24, of Wheeling, West Virginia
•    Albert Lee Brooks, also known as “b,” age 47, of New Castle, Pennsylvania
•    Damen Lavel Pollard, also known as “Skills,” age 48, of Wheeling, West Virginia
•    Kayla Lallathin, also known as “Cat,” age 28, of Wheeling, West Virginia
•    Audie Fry, also known as “Ott,” age 62, of Wheeling, West Virginia
•    Mustafa Ali Vaughn, also known as “Moose” and “Fargo,” age 37, of Canal Winchester, Ohio
•    Paula Blake, age 43, of Wheeling, West Virginia
•    Terri Lea Blankenship, age 54, of Wheeling, West Virginia

The defendants are accused of selling crack cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl, many times near public housing complex Luau Manor in Wheeling. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. 

An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.