Huntington Woman Enters Federal Guilty Plea In Connection With Heroin Distribution Scheme

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A 30-year-old woman pleaded guilty on June 17 in connection with a heroin distribution scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Ashlei Steinbrecher, of Huntington, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the distribution of heroin.  

Steinbrecher’s co-conspirator, Alvaro F. Jaime, Jr., 29, of Chesapeake, Ohio, previously pleaded guilty earlier this month to aiding and abetting the distribution of heroin. 

On January 23, 2013, Steinbrecher arranged a heroin transaction between Jaime and with what determined to be a DEA agent working undercover.  Jaime and Steinbrecher met the undercover DEA agent at a predetermined location in Chesapeake, Ohio.  Jaime, who at the time indicated that he did not have enough heroin to complete the transaction, directed Steinbrecher and the undercover DEA agent to a second location in Huntington where they met another heroin source of supply.  After arriving in Huntington, Jaime met the heroin source of supply in the parking lot of a Huntington area restaurant.  The source of supply handed approximately four grams of heroin to Jaime.  Afterward, Jaime gave the heroin to an undercover DEA agent in exchange for $600.  Steinbrecher received $200 in pre-recorded U.S. currency as payment for arranging the transaction.  The transaction was recorded by law enforcement authorities using audio and video surveillance. 

Steinbrecher arranged another heroin transaction on January 29, 2013.  During the transaction, Steinbrecher obtained approximately four grams of heroin from her source of supply in exchange for $670 in pre-recorded funds provided by law enforcement authorities working undercover.  Steinbrecher received $100 for her role in the transaction. 

Steinbrecher also purchased approximately two grams of heroin from the same source of supply in exchange for $350 in February 2013.  The February 2013 heroin transaction was also controlled by undercover DEA agents. 

Steinbrecher faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine when she is sentenced on September 16, 2013 by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers. 

Jaime faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine when he is sentenced in August. 

The DEA and Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey is in charge of the prosecutions.