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Cops and Courts

Philly man admits to operating multi-state drug enterprise

BY MARSHA CHWALIK MARTINSBURG — A Philadelphia man has admitted to operating a multi-state organized drug trafficking business dubbed the “19th Street Enterprise.” The US Attorney’s Office reports Christopher Arthur Jones, also known as “Smooth,” pleaded guilty this week to a racketeering enterprise (RICO) conspiracy and fentanyl distribution charges. Jones, 38, was the leader of the organization, directing members of the enterprise to sell drugs, commit acts of violence, launder money, and commit fraud in West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Delaware. The ...

Police warn residents of recent cell phone fraud incidents

Area law enforcement is warning residents to use caution and be aware of their surroundings when using a cell phone in public, and to not share cell phones if asked by a stranger.  The warning comes after the Morgantown Police Department said they are currently investigating numerous ...

Justice: No special session on jail staffing until consensus is clear

Some lawmakers again expressed hope for a special session to address the ongoing staffing emergency in West Virginia correctional facilities. But Gov. Jim Justice again said he is not ready to call such a session until consensus on action is clear. “I’m going to stand rock solid with what I’ve told you before,” Justice said during a briefing Wednesday, responding to a question from Charles Young of WV News. going on to describe previous appeals by the administration to address corrections staffing. In those earlier instances, Justice said, “we got shot down. I’ve said ...

Dalton files civil suit against City of Westover

Amidst an ongoing civil service hearing regarding previous Westover Police Lt. Aaron Dalton, a lawsuit against the City of Westover was filed this week by the former officer in Monongalia County Circuit Court. Former Westover Police Chief Rick Panico and Westover Officer Zachary Fecsko were ...

Interim state police superintendent: Changes won’t come overnight

BY MIKE NOLTING The new leader of the state police told state lawmakers Monday better days are ahead for the agency. Interim West Virginia State Police Superintendent Col. Jack Chambers is looking into allegations within the department of theft, rape, misuse of government funds, destroying evidence and violations of privacy. “I’m not going to be able to do it overnight, but I have been working diligently since I’ve been there with help from the department,” Chambers said, who was appointed last month. “We have a lot of good people down there. We have a few we probably ...

Arrests made after three people found in a stolen vehicle

Three people are in custody after police say they were found in possession of a vehicle reported stolen from a Morgantown residence last week.  The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department had been on the lookout for a navy blue 2007 Saturn Aura XR with Ohio registration that had been ...