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Press Release

Morgan County Man Sentenced for Attempted to Coerce a Minor for Sex

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of West Virginia

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Joel Galen Patton, age 40, of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, was sentenced to 150 months in federal prison for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.

Patton was talking to who he believed to be a 14-year-old female online, requesting nude photos of the teen, as well as sending nudes of himself to her. Patton also requested to meet her for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity.

Patton will serve supervised release for life following his prison sentence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley Crockett prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the West Virginia State Police.

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

Updated July 31, 2025
Topic
Project Safe Childhood
Component
USAO - West Virginia, Northern

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