Twelve people sentenced for roles in methamphetamine distribution operation

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Twelve individuals were sentenced today to a combined 953 months incarceration for their participation in a methamphetamine distribution operation that spanned two states and three North West Virginia counties, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

The indictment, unsealed in October 2016, alleged that 20 individuals from Virginia and West Virginia conspired with one another to operate a methamphetamine distribution ring in the region. The investigation led to the seizure of hundreds of firearms and significant quantities of methamphetamine. Twelve of those individuals were sentenced today.

• Sean Michael Moser, 27, of Elkins, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 210 months incarceration. Moser pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine” in February 2017.
• Richard Wayne Scott, 41, of Waynesboro, Virginia, was sentenced today to 60 months incarceration. Scott pled guilty to one count of “Interstate Travel in Furtherance of a Drug Crime” in February 2017.
• Joseph Richard Muster, 28, of Elkins, West Virginia, was sentenced to 100 months incarceration. He pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine” in February 2017.
• Christina Crites, 46, of Elkins, West Virginia, was sentenced to 112 months incarceration. She pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine in Proximity of a Protected Location” in February 2017.
• Gerald Allen Freeman, 42, of Moatsville, West Virginia, was sentenced to 59 months incarceration. Freeman pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine” in February 2017.
• Jeffrey Everson, 28, of Philippi, West Virginia, was sentenced to 40 months incarceration. He pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” in January 2017.
• Brian Scott Mayle, 38, of Coalton, West Virginia, was sentenced to six months incarceration. He pled guilty to one count of “Receipt and Transfer of Explosive Material without a License” in January 2017.
• Tre Michael Plaugher, 22, of Elkins, West Virginia, was sentenced to 60 months incarceration. Plaugher pled guilty to one count of “Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Crime” in February 2017.
• Derek Scott Norris, 36, of Philippi, West Virginia, was sentenced to 78 months incarceration. Norris pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine” in January 2017.
• Calvin Norris Herron, Jr., 44, of Belington, West Virginia, was sentenced to 108 months incarceration. He pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine” in January 2017.
• Ronald G. Swiger, 36, of Coalton, West Virginia, was sentenced to 24 months incarceration. He pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” in January 2017.
• Jason Randall Howard, 38, of Elkins, West Virginia, was sentenced to 96 months incarceration. Howard pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in March 2017.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.