Former Harrison County Sheriff’s Deputy found guilty of drug charges

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Former Harrison County Sheriff’s Deputy Timothy Rock, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was convicted this week of drug charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

After a three-day trial, Rock, age 41, was found guilty of four counts of “Distribution of Heroin.” Rock distributed heroin in Harrison County in July, September, and October 2016.

“Everyone is subject to the rule of law.  This particular defendant and former deputy crossed the line, and the jury rendered a verdict.  The verdict in this difficult, but important case was due to the hard work and dedication of the prosecution team.  The ultimate punishment is now up to the court,” said Powell.  

At trial, three former confidential informants testified that Rock gave them heroin on dozens of occasions, most often by letting them keep a portion of heroin purchased in law enforcement monitored drug transactions.  Two of the informants directly received uniquely packaged heroin labeled “FLIGHT 18” from Rock on other occasions.  Trial evidence established that Rock acquired the FLIGHT 18 heroin from the evidence lockers at the now defunct Street Crimes and Drug Unit of the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office.  

Other evidence demonstrated that Rock falsified sheriff’s department and court records to conceal his distribution of heroin to informants, and that he violated numerous other standard protocols with respect to managing informants, tracking government funds, securing evidence, and ensuring officer safety.  

Rock faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew R. Cogar and Zelda E. Wesley are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the West Virginia State Police investigated. 

Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.