Three Sentenced for Trafficking Large Quantities of Methamphetamine

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Methamphetamine trafficking in the Northern District of West Virginia has sent three people to federal prison for decades, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey.

Dustin Thomas Socks, 43, of Hagerstown, Maryland, was sentenced to 150 months in prison. Socks, also known as “Dutch,” was convicted following a long‑term drug trafficking investigation spanning from Washington County, Maryland, to Berkeley County, West Virginia. Investigators documented multiple sales of methamphetamine and cocaine base by Socks. Throughout the investigation, Socks coordinated drug deals across state lines and repeatedly met for sales at locations in Hagerstown, Maryland. Socks has multiple prior drug convictions.

Mercedes Danielle Waye, 33, of Moorefield, West Virginia, was sentenced to 60 months in prison for trafficking methamphetamine in Hampshire County. U.S. Postal Inspection Service personnel intercepted a parcel containing more than 430 grams of high‑purity methamphetamine addressed to Waye at a Romney, West Virginia address. Waye and co-defendant Charles Muffley, III, attempted to pick up the package the following day and was detained. Searches of Waye’s and Muffley’s vehicles and belongings uncovered additional methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, digital scales, and multiple cellular devices. Muffley was convicted of his crimes at trial in March 2026 and is scheduled for sentencing in November 2026.

Alvie William Woods, 64, was sentenced to 36 months in prison. U.S. Postal Inspection Service personnel intercepted a suspicious USPS Priority Mail parcel and obtained a search warrant. Inside the package, officers found nearly two pounds of methamphetamine. The parcel had been mailed from Moreno Valley, California, and was addressed to “K. Myers” at a Flatwoods residence. Woods and co-defendant Kelly Myers arrived to retrieve the package and were arrested. Investigators later determined that Woods had received additional methamphetamine shipments at his home from the same California address. Myers was sentenced on August 5, 2026, to 12 months in prison for her role in the scheme.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lara Omps-Botteicher, Kyle Kane, and Andrew Cogar prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government. 

Investigative agencies include the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; The Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office; and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

These cases are a part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, and repel the invasion of illegal immigration.

U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided over the Socks and Waye sentencings. Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided over the Woods sentencing.