Berkeley County residents sentenced for their roles in a drug distribution operation

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Berkeley County residents were sentenced today to a combined 42 months incarceration for their roles in a heroin distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

David Smeltzer, of Bunker Hill, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 18 months incarceration. Smeltzer, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Heroin” in February 2018. Smeltzer admitted to selling heroin in Berkeley County in January 2017.

Shonna Marie Thomas, of Martinsburg, was sentenced today to 24 months incarceration. Thomas, age 33, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin” in February 2018. Thomas admitted to selling heroin in February 2017 in Berkeley County.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office investigated.

Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.