Two Inmates at FCI Morgantown indicted for contraband

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Richard Joe Pruitt and John Joseph Kopp, both inmates at FCI Morgantown in Morgantown, West Virginia, were indicted by a federal grand jury today for possession of contraband, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Pruitt, age 26, and Kopp, age 44, are each charged with one count of “Possession of a Prohibited Object (Narcotic),” one count of “Possession of a Prohibited Object (Cellular Telephone),” and one count of “Possession of a Prohibited Object (Alcohol).” Pruitt and Kopp are accused of having suboxone, alcohol, and two cell phones inside FCI Morgantown in December 2018.

Pruitt and Kopp each face up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the narcotics count and face up to one year incarceration and a fine of up to $200,000 for each of the alcohol and cell phone counts. 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 Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Prisons Special Investigation Services investigated. 

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