Three Sentenced For Drug Trafficking Near Local Schools

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WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Three West Virginia residents were sentenced for selling crack cocaine and oxycodone near local schools, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced today.

Gary “Moe” Wade, 40, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced to 37 months in prison in prison. He pled guilty in January 2014 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1000’ of a Protected Location.” An investigation by the West Virginia State Police and the Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, revealed that Wade sold crack cocaine near Wheeling Central High School.

Kristen Nieman, 23, of Benwood, West Virginia was sentenced to 27 months in prison and ordered to pay $10,287.88 in restitution. She pled guilty in March 2014 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Oxycodone within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location.” An investigation by the Marshall County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, revealed that Nieman sold oxycodone near Moundsville Middle School.

Devon Bertram, 25, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced to twelve months and one day in prison and ordered to forfeit $1,388.00. He pled guilty in January 2014 to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location.” An investigation by the Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, revealed that Bertram sold crack cocaine near Wheeling Central Catholic High School.

United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II prosecuted Wade, Assistant U.S. Attorney Rob McWilliams prosecuted Nieman, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Bernard prosecuted Bertram on behalf of the government.

Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp presided.

In another matter before Judge Stamp, Amber J. Cross, 26, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, was sentenced to 57 months in prison. She pled guilty in July 2014 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Oxycodone” after a West Virginia State Police investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rob McWilliams prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.