CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Will Thompson honored an array of federal, state and local law enforcement professionals today for their outstanding contributions to investigations and cases in the Southern District of West Virginia.

During a ceremony at the Robert C. Byrd U.S. Courthouse in Charleston, Thompson presented 2022 Law Enforcement Awards to more than 60 individuals. The awards recognize both invaluable assistance within specific categories of cases and office initiatives as well as overall exemplary service over the past year:

Category: Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigations identify, disrupt, and dismantle the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States. OCDETF investigations use a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Operation Shutdown Corner (U.S. vs. Jones, 5:19-cr-227):

Special Agent Jennifer King, Federal Bureau of Investigation

Forensic Examiner Melinda Cash, FBI

Staff Operations Specialist Rose Chestnut, FBI

Intelligence Analyst Sarah Cole, FBI

Resident Agent in Charge David Bullard, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Special Agent Rob DiDomenico, U.S. Postal Inspection Service

Sergeant Rob Richards, West Virginia State Police – Bureau of Criminal Investigation

Detective David Snuffer, Beckley Police Department

Detective Will Reynolds, Beckley Police Department

Sergeant Brian Acord, Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department

Detective Ray Hall, Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department

For a multi-jurisdictional, long-term investigation that targeted a drug-trafficking organization (DTO) operating between California and the Southern District of West Virginia. All 17 defendants charged in the case have been convicted, with the final defendant sentenced to more than 16 years in prison. The investigation linked the defendants to large quantities of methamphetamine and heroin mixed with fentanyl as well as to firearms shipped back to California. Approximately 26 firearms were recovered along with a bump stock, a device that allows semi-automatic firearms to operate as machine guns.

Operation Second Wave (includes U.S. vs. Terrell, 2:20-cr-154):

Special Agent Jennifer King, FBI

Special Agent Michael McDonald, FBI

Special Agent Georgia Marshall, FBI

Special Agent John Reese, FBI

Special Agent Jarred Shockey, FBI

Staff Operations Specialist Rose Chestnut, FBI

Forensic Examiner Melinda Cash, FBI

Forensic Accountant Tammie Blundon, FBI

Resident Agent in Charge David Bullard, ATF

Special Agent Ben Henrich, Drug Enforcement Administration

Postal Inspector Josh Mehall, U.S. Postal Inspection Service

Special Agent Todd Phillips, U.S. Postal Service-Office of Inspector General

Sergeant Curtis Adkins, West Virginia State Police-BCI

Detective Owen Morris, Charleston Police Department

Detective Brian Middleton, Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department

Detective Jon Vernon, Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department

Deputy Steve Martin, Putnam County Sheriff’s Department