WHEELING -- Two federal drug trafficking cases involving the Ohio Valley have resulted in prison sentences, including the final defendant in an operation that stretched from Cleveland to Wheeling.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey sentenced Joshua Carney, 32, of Wheeling, to 60 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base, fentanyl and heroin, along with distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a protected location.
The investigation began in January 2024 after reports of drug activity at Carney's Wetzel Street residence. A traffic stop involving two people leaving the home led to the seizure of more than $5,000 in cash and multiple cellphones. A search of the residence resulted in the seizure of cocaine base and fentanyl.
The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force also conducted controlled drug purchases during the investigation, including one involving more than 5 grams of methamphetamine sold by Carney near Ritchie Elementary School.
Three other defendants in the case previously were sentenced: Rahim Duncan, 32, of Cleveland, received 63 months; Terrell Sparks, 30, of Cleveland, received 41 months; and Tyshaun Johnson, 30, of Wheeling, received 115 months.
In a separate case, Jamie Ann Tanner, 44, of New Martinsville, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Tanner sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant and was later found with additional quantities of the drug. A search of her apartment led to the seizure of methamphetamine, packaging materials and $2,674 in cash.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton Reid prosecuted both cases. The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area-funded initiative, investigated the Carney case, while the Marshall County Drug Task Force, Tyler County Sheriff's Office and Wetzel County Sheriff's Office investigated the Tanner case.