October 6, 2014

Four Convicted of Heroin Trafficking

MARTINSBURG, WV—Four Martinsburg area residents pled guilty to heroin trafficking in Federal court Monday, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced today.

Kimberly Michelle Bailey, 32, of Petersburg, West Virginia, and Brandy Renee Netz, 29, of Martinsburg, West Virginia pled guilty to distributing heroin. Brenda Michelle Sams, 34, of Petersburg, West Virginia, pled guilty to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin. Derwin Lee Harris, 48, of Martinsburg, pled guilty to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine and heroin.

Investigations led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, and the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force since February 2011 culminated in the convictions of Bailey, Nets, and Sams. An investigation led by the Martinsburg Police Department since July 2013 led to Harris’ conviction.

Each defendant faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $100 special assessment fee, and a fine of up to $1,000,000.00. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.