News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 22, 2008
In matters prosecuted by the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia:
CHARLESTON WOMAN SENTENCED TO OVER SEVEN YEARS IN PRISON
CHARLESTON, WV – WANDA ELAINE FOLDEN, 41, of Charleston, WV, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin to 87 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine base. FOLDEN previously pled guilty in July 2008, admitting she had possessed 143 grams of crack cocaine for distribution. The conviction stems from an investigation conducted by Charleston Police Department's Special Enforcement Unit. On May 31, 2007, FOLDEN, suspecting that officers planned to arrest her for her drug activity, packed 143.6 grams of crack cocaine, 37.4 grams of marijuana, digital scales, and other items, handed the items to a juvenile, and instructed the child to hide the contraband in the family van. Police intercepted the child and arrested FOLDEN. Subsequently, FOLDEN admitted to dealing drugs in the Charleston area for ten years.
RALEIGH COUNTY WOMAN SENTENCED FOR HEROIN
BECKLEY, WV – MIRANDA BOWYER, 24, of Bradley, WV, was sentenced by United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston to 54 months imprisonment for her role in heroin distribution. BOWYER previously pled guilty in June 2008, admitting she aided and abetted Michael Greer in possessing heroin for distribution. On August 21, 2007, BOWYER was traveling in a vehicle with Greer from New Jersey in route to Beckley, WV. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 8 grams of heroin. Both Greer and BOWYER admitted to making trips to New Jersey to obtain heroin which was then distributed in the Beckley Area. The Beckley Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail handled the prosecution.
HUNTINGTON DRUG DEALER PLEADS GUILTY
HUNTINGTON, WV – RODNEY JOHNSON, 43, of Huntington, WV, pled guilty before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers to conspiracy to distribute heroin. JOHNSON conspired with others to distribute heroin in Huntington, WV, from September 2005 through February 20, 2008. JOHNSON, who is scheduled to be sentenced on December 6, 2008, faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The Huntington Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration, Huntington Police Department and the West Virginia State Police jointly conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston is handling the prosecution.