Six Individuals Convicted In Federal Court

1125 Chapline Street, Federal Building, Suite 3000 ● Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 234-0100 ● Contact: Chris Zumpetta-Parr, Public Affairs Specialist

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Guilty pleas were taken in six criminal cases in Clarksburg Federal court, including three for drug trafficking.

United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced that Cherise JONES, age 31, of Fairmont, West Virginia, entered a plea of guilty to “Distribution of Crack Cocaine within 1,000 feet of Maple Avenue Apartments.” JONES, who is free on bond, faces up to 40 years in prison. This case was investigated by the Three Rivers Drug & Violent Crime Task Force.

Paulette LAMB, age 25, of Michigan, entered a plea of guilty to “Possession with Intent to Distribute Oxycodone.” LAMB, who is in custody pending sentencing, faces up to 20 years in prison.

Jeremell SIMPSON, age 31, of Columbus, Ohio, entered a plea of guilty to “Distribution of Crack Cocaine.” SIMPSON, who is in custody, faces up to 20 years in prison.

The LAMB and SIMPSON cases were investigated by the Mon Valley Drug & Violent Crime Task Force.

Dustin MOORE, age 24, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, entered a plea of guilty to “Concealing a Person from Arrest.” MOORE, who is free on bond pending sentencing, faces up to 5 years in prison. This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service.

The JONES, LAMB, SIMPSON and MOORE cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley.

Thomas CUETO, age 65, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, entered a plea of guilty to “Theft of Government Funds”, admitting that he fraudulently obtaining benefits from the Veterans Administration. CUETO, who is free on bond pending sentencing, faces up to 10 years in prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar and was investigated by the Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General.

Clarence THOMPSON, age 35, of Clarksburg, entered a plea of guilty to “Felon in Possession of a Firearm.” THOMPSON, who is currently serving a state parole revocation sentence originating from the Circuit Court of Harrison County, faces up to 10 years in prison. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn A. Morgan and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Greater Harrison County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and the Clarksburg Police Department.

U.S. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull presided.