Ohio couple charged with marijuana trafficking

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Robert Bamberger, 53, and Tammy Bamberger, 46, both of Martins Ferry, Ohio, with marijuana trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Robert and Tammy Bamberger were allegedly discovered in November 2015 in possession of marijuana in Ohio County, West Virginia. They are each charged with one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana.” They each face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. 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. Attorney Stephen Vogrin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, the West Virginia State Police, and the United States Postal Inspection Service are leading the inquiry.

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