photo by: Joselyn King

William Ihlenfeld, right, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia, announces indictments of 10 individuals allegedly involved in drug trafficking in Ohio County. Joining him, from left, are Ohio Valley Drug Task Force members Cpl. Keith Castle with the West Virginia State Police; Deputy Chief Josh Sanders with the Wheeling Police Department; and Clayton Reid, assistant U.S. attorney.

WHEELING — U.S. Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced Thursday 10 indictments on drug trafficking charges in Ohio County while commending the work of the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force.

He also announced that, in the state of West Virginia, the number of drug overdoses and deaths from overdoses decreased 28% from 2023 through 2024, and that local numbers appear to be reflecting that trend as well.

“Continued pressure from law enforcement on drug traffickers will ensure that the downward trend in overdoses we are experiencing continues,” Ihlenfeld said. “This latest round of indictments, combined with ongoing treatment and prevention efforts, will help to loosen the grip that addiction has upon communities in West Virginia.”

Ihlenfeld was joined at his office in Wheeling Thursday by members of the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force to announce those indicted, and he commended the group for its work in getting narcotics and drug dealers off the streets.

“They are making it difficult for dealers to do business in the Ohio Valley,” he said. “I feel safer because of the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force. Everyone should.

“We’re starting to see light at the end of the tunnel, and locally we’re seeing the same reduction in overdoses and overdose deaths. There is more work to be done, but it gives me hope that we’re getting to the other side.”

Ihlenfeld provided names for eight of the 10 individuals indicted, explaining that two have yet to be arrested.

– Antoine Blanchard, also known as “Reggie” and “Cadillac Hill,” 49, of Steubenville, charged with the distribution and possession of cocaine and the distribution of methamphetamine

– Harold Wayne Nice, 40, of Wheeling, charged with the distribution of methamphetamine

– Robert Kelly Rogers, 51, of Wheeling, charged with the distribution of methamphetamine and heroin.

– Charles Smith Rippy, 69, of Wheeling, charged with the distribution of cocaine base

– Stephen J. Booker, also known as “Flock,” 31, of Wheeling, charged with the distribution of methamphetamine and heroin and the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition

– Alyssa Marie Abrigg, 33, of Wheeling, charged with the distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine

– Don Speir McFarland, 30, of Wheeling, charged with the distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine

– Jeremy Brandon Evans, 35, of Columbus, Ohio, charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and the unlawful possession of a firearm

Ihlenfeld pointed out on maps that the drug trafficking incidents noted in the indictments took place in Wheeling in the areas of 15th, 16th, and Wood streets, at Owl Court in North Wheeling; North Huron Street on Wheeling Island, and Garden Park Terrace in Warwood.

Most of the individuals indicted have previous criminal histories, he added.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carly Nogay and Clayton Reid are prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The cases were investigated by the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.