#chaplinestreet

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Ohio County Prosecutor Announces Sentences in Drug Cases Involving Fentanyl

The Ohio County Prosecutor's Office announces the sentences of the following recent fentanyl cases. Several offenders have been sentenced in Ohio County following convictions on felony drug charges involving fentanyl and other controlled substances. On April 8, Kimberly Straight, 42, of Wheeling was convicted of the felony offense of "Possession with Intent to Deliver Fentanyl." Straight was arrested on June 6, 2025, after Wheeling Police observed two individuals traveling the wrong way on a one-way street before continuing in the incorrect lane of Chapline Street. During the encounter, Straight was found in possession of 25 stamp bags containing a brown powder substance later confirmed to be fentanyl along with drug paraphernalia. Straight admitted she intended to both consume the drugs and sell the remainder. After an Indictment returned by the September 2025 Ohio County Grand Jury, Straight entered a guilty plea to the felony drug charge. First Judicial Circuit Court Judge Michael J. Olejasz sentenced Straight to not less than three nor more than 15 years in prison. Straight has two prior misdemeanor drug charges from 2018 and 2021. "Straight's criminal history is consistent with that of an addict, however, fentanyl is an especially dangerous and severe drug. As such, given her admission to her intent to distribute the drugs, we insisted on a felony conviction. The Legislature has determined that offenses involving it warrant harsher penalties, and our experience as law enforcement bears this out," Ohio County Prosecuting Attorney Shawn Turak said. On April 7 and April 16, two additional drug offenders, Tracy McWhorter, 45, of Wheeling, and I'Vion Yates, 19, of Cleveland, Ohio, were convicted of felony drug offenses in a separate case. McWhorter and Yates were arrested on August 18, 2025, after members of the Ohio County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop upon observing a vehicle traveling over the center line near 42nd and Jacob Street. Officers recognized the driver, McWhorter, from a prior arrest for possession with intent to deliver controlled substances on August 4, 2025. Following a consent search of the vehicle, officers located cash and drug paraphernalia. McWhorter admitted she was concealing drugs on her person and stated that Yates had handed her the drugs and instructed her to hide them when officers initiated the stop. Approximately 24 grams of methamphetamine and cocaine base were recovered. McWhorter also admitted the two were traveling to North Wheeling to sell the drugs. Following an Indictment returned by the January 2026 Ohio County Grand Jury, McWhorter entered a guilty plea to the felony crimes of "Possession with Intent to Deliver Fentanyl," "Delivery of Methamphetamine" and "Possession with Intent to Deliver Cocaine." First Judicial Circuit Court Judge Michael J. Olejasz sentenced McWhorter to not less than three nor more than 15 years in prison. McWhorter has a prior federal felony conviction from 2012 for distribution of heroin. She was sentenced to serve two years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for that conviction. Yates entered a guilty plea to the felony offense of "Delivery of Heroin." First Judicial Circuit Court Judge David J. Sims sentenced Yates to not less than one nor more than 15 years in prison, suspended for two years of supervised probation to be served in his home city of Cleveland. Read the full article

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Ohio County Prosecutor Releases Sentences for Sexual Assault, Solicitation Cases

The Ohio County Prosecutor’s Office announces the sentences of the following recent sexual assault and solicitation cases.  On February 3, 2026, 54 year old Chris Lipscomb was sentenced to not less than 3 nor more than 15 years in the custody of the Department of Corrections for his sexual assault of an 18 year old guest in his home. The crime occurred in Wheeling in January 2025. The victim was a guest and friend of the family. Upon his release from prison, which will be no earlier than February, 2029, he will serve an additional 25 years of supervised release and be a registered sex offender for life.  The Honorable Michael Olejasz presided over the case, which was investigated by the City of Wheeling Police Department.  CJ Jennings was sentenced last month to not less than 2 nor more than 10 years in prison for his conviction for Soliciting a Minor Via Computer. Upon release from prison, the Honorable Judge David Sims ordered Jennings to serve an additional 20 years on supervised release.  Jennings will also be a registered sex offender for life upon his release from prison. This case was investigated by the Ohio County Sheriff’s Department.  Finally, the Ohio County Sheriff’s Department investigated Devine Alderson who was sentenced last month to not less than 1 to 5 years prison as a result of his conviction for Sexual Assault, Third Degree.  Alderson, aged 21, engaged in sexual relations with a minor, aged 14 at the time.  Last month, the Honorable Judge Michael Olejasz sentenced Alderson to incarceration at the Department of Corrections, and further ordered that upon his release from incarceration, Alderson be monitored by supervised release for 25 years.  Alderson will also remain a registered sex offender for life.  Ohio County Prosecuting Attorney Shawn R. Turak noted the importance of supervised release and sex offender registration to “assure the ongoing protection of our community, particularly minors”. Turak affirms her commitment to aggressively prosecuting sex crimes, “I remain committed towards working with victims of sexual assault, particularly those cases involving minors, who are most vulnerable.”  ​If you are a victim of sexual assault, you are encouraged to contact law enforcement and the Upper Ohio Valley Sexual Assault Help Center at [phone]. Read the full article

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U.S. Attorney: 73 Defendants Sentenced During Government Shutdown

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA –United States Attorney Matthew L. Harvey is applauding the work of his office during the government shutdown in the Northern District of West Virginia. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners continued the important work of Operation Take Back America, removing drug dealers, firearms offenders, and those who commit crimes against children, from our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Harvey. During the 43-day lapse in government appropriations, the U.S. Attorney’s Office facilitated more than 70 sentences, secured dozens of guilty pleas, indicted 17 matters, and successfully litigated a trial. Notable sentences involving drug trafficking include: - Desmond Davis, 35, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to 327 months in federal prison. - Lenin Erasmo Luna Mota, 53, of Hagerstown, Maryland, was sentenced to 280 months. - Malik Summers, 51, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 240 months. - Odell Epps, 48, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 130 months in prison. - Frank Brown, 36, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 120 months in prison. - Gary Duane Cool, 41, of Monterville, West Virginia, was sentenced to 188 months. - Emmanuel Gibson, 34, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was sentenced to 151 months in prison. - Theresa Lipkey, 44, of Petersburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to 84 months in prison. - Corey Coffman Kneeland, 35, of Wardensville, West Virginia, was sentenced to 121 months. - Jennifer Ann Howell, 46, of Moorefield, West Virginia, was sentenced to 90 months. - Matthew David Viands, 33, of Summit Point, West Virginia, was sentenced to 78 months. - Mauricio Alvarado-Flores, 39, of El Salvador, was sentenced to 71 months in prison. - Alexis Alvarado, 38, of Ranson, West Virginia, was sentenced to 60 months. - Rahim Duncan, 31, of Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison. - Crystal Lynn Blakenship, 40, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, was sentenced to 97 months. - Randy Jones, 42, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to 136 months in prison. - Kimberly Goins, 44, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to 78 months. - Rebecca Keiper, 38, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to 78 months in prison. Prison sentences were secured for those violating firearms laws, to include: - Bryan Davis, 39, of Williamsport, Maryland, was sentenced to 188 months in prison. - Alexander Dignazio, 23, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison. - Garrett Deberry, 28, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced to 160 months in prison. The office also secured sentences for those who violated child pornography laws: - Oliver Matheny, age 51, of Maidsville, West Virginia, was sentenced to 300 months in prison. - David Cicalese, 44, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, was sentenced to 120 months. - Joshua Michael Humphrey, 43, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, was sentenced to 88 months in prison. - Elliot Stache, 37, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison. The sentences were presided by Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh, U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh, and U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey. The cases were a part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Read the full article

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Wheeling Heritage Promoting Holiday Experiences in Downtown Wheeling

WHEELING, W.Va. – November 12, 2025 – Downtown Wheeling is bringing back its holiday City of Lights experience this year with a sparkling new twist, an initiative to engage residents, attract tourists, and support local businesses throughout Wheeling.

This year’s City of Lights features a refreshed logo and a new installation of illuminated snowflakes along Main and Market streets, creating a welcoming environment during the peak shopping and travel season. The lighting enhancements join other new attractions, including cool Dine-in Igloos on the WesBanco Arena patio, and a live Christmas tree on Market Plaza sponsored by Duplaga’s Top Notch Landscaping, which will light up on Nov. 19 along the original route of the 40th Annual Main Street Fantasy in Lights Parade on Nov. 21, as well as many other festive events. Together, these additions are intended to increase foot traffic and encourage patronage at downtown restaurants and retail establishments, complementing the downtown streetscape improvement project.

Whether you call Wheeling home or are returning for the holidays, this season is an invitation to create your own holiday experience. From exciting new attractions to time-honored traditions, Downtown Wheeling offers something for everyone. Residents and visitors are encouraged to shop, dine, and attend seasonal events. The interactive holiday quiz at https://weelunk.com/shopsmall/ helps users create a personalized itinerary tailored to individual interests. Whether that’s finding local gifts, mapping out festive activities, or discovering the best spots to eat and shop.

“The holiday season in downtown Wheeling holds great memories for so many people. Thanks to the hard work and generosity of so many, we have the opportunity to reignite that spirit of joy within our Main Street community. This is an invitation for all of us to support our small businesses in a big way this year,” said Scott Schenerlein, executive director of Wheeling Heritage.

“Downtown is the heartbeat of a destination. Unique businesses and experiences that leave a lasting impression on not only those that live here but those who visit as well. We are so excited to partner with so many people bringing the City of Lights excitement back, pairing this with the Festival of Lights as a tourism driver, will truly bring holiday magic.” Olivia Litman, marketing director for Visit Wheeling, WV.

A variety of events take place throughout the season. Small Business Saturday on Nov. 29 continues to be a major driver for local commerce, with downtown shops, Centre Market vendors, makers, and restaurants offering specials, pop-ups, and extended hours. The broader holiday calendar includes Oglebay’s Festival of Lights (Nov. 6–Jan. 4), Symphony on Ice (Dec. 4), Handmade Holiday at the Wheeling Artisan Center (Dec. 6), and numerous other markets and performances.

As a Main Street America community, Wheeling benefits from strong collaboration among the City of Wheeling, the Fantasy in Lights Parade Committee, Regional Economic Development Partnership(RED), Visit Wheeling, WV (CVB), Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce, and Wheeling Heritage. This partnership supports small businesses, attracts visitors, and strengthens tourism, contributing to Wheeling’s ongoing economic growth.

For additional information, contact Wheeling Heritage at [phone] or [email protected].

About Wheeling Heritage: Wheeling Heritage is a catalyst for the revitalization of Wheeling. Through historic preservation, community development, and the arts, we help to tell Wheeling’s story and shape its future. We seek to improve the quality of life in Wheeling by preserving and investing in our city, collaborating with others, and engaging the citizens of Wheeling in our work.

[ledenews]

Wheeling Heritage Promoting Holiday Experiences in Downtown Wheeling

WHEELING, W.Va. – November 12, 2025 – Downtown Wheeling is bringing back its holiday City of Lights experience this year with a sparkling new twist, an initiative to engage residents, attract tourists, and support local businesses throughout Wheeling. This year’s City of Lights features a refreshed logo and a new installation of illuminated snowflakes along Main and Market streets, creating a welcoming environment during the peak shopping and travel season. The lighting enhancements join other new attractions, including cool Dine-in Igloos on the WesBanco Arena patio, and a live Christmas tree on Market Plaza sponsored by Duplaga’s Top Notch Landscaping, which will light up on Nov. 19 along the original route of the 40th Annual Main Street Fantasy in Lights Parade on Nov. 21, as well as many other festive events. Together, these additions are intended to increase foot traffic and encourage patronage at downtown restaurants and retail establishments, complementing the downtown streetscape improvement project. Whether you call Wheeling home or are returning for the holidays, this season is an invitation to create your own holiday experience. From exciting new attractions to time-honored traditions, Downtown Wheeling offers something for everyone. Residents and visitors are encouraged to shop, dine, and attend seasonal events. The interactive holiday quiz at https://weelunk.com/shopsmall/ helps users create a personalized itinerary tailored to individual interests. Whether that’s finding local gifts, mapping out festive activities, or discovering the best spots to eat and shop. “The holiday season in downtown Wheeling holds great memories for so many people. Thanks to the hard work and generosity of so many, we have the opportunity to reignite that spirit of joy within our Main Street community. This is an invitation for all of us to support our small businesses in a big way this year,” said Scott Schenerlein, executive director of Wheeling Heritage. “Downtown is the heartbeat of a destination. Unique businesses and experiences that leave a lasting impression on not only those that live here but those who visit as well. We are so excited to partner with so many people bringing the City of Lights excitement back, pairing this with the Festival of Lights as a tourism driver, will truly bring holiday magic.” Olivia Litman, marketing director for Visit Wheeling, WV. A variety of events take place throughout the season. Small Business Saturday on Nov. 29 continues to be a major driver for local commerce, with downtown shops, Centre Market vendors, makers, and restaurants offering specials, pop-ups, and extended hours. The broader holiday calendar includes Oglebay’s Festival of Lights (Nov. 6–Jan. 4), Symphony on Ice (Dec. 4), Handmade Holiday at the Wheeling Artisan Center (Dec. 6), and numerous other markets and performances. As a Main Street America community, Wheeling benefits from strong collaboration among the City of Wheeling, the Fantasy in Lights Parade Committee, Regional Economic Development Partnership(RED), Visit Wheeling, WV (CVB), Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce, and Wheeling Heritage. This partnership supports small businesses, attracts visitors, and strengthens tourism, contributing to Wheeling’s ongoing economic growth. For additional information, contact Wheeling Heritage at [phone] or [email protected]. About Wheeling Heritage:Wheeling Heritage is a catalyst for the revitalization of Wheeling. Through historic preservation, community development, and the arts, we help to tell Wheeling’s story and shape its future. We seek to improve the quality of life in Wheeling by preserving and investing in our city, collaborating with others, and engaging the citizens of Wheeling in our work. Read the full article

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FOR SALE! The ‘Old’ Sears Roebuck Building in Downtown Wheeling

It was where the Christmas catalog came to life and where a child’s dreams seemed more possible than ever. And it was a big store, too, and it even had the car garage out back. It had everything. Appliances, sporting goods, furniture, clothing, tools, and so many toys for all ages. It was a bigger, better, and more expensive version of the G.C. Murphy, an everything-store that buzzed with business just a short walk west on 11th Street, but the goods sold at Sears-Roebuck were "American practical", and utilized when fixing the home or car when something broke, needed replacing, or when the retailer sold something new and shiny. That is, up until 1978, when the country’s consumers wanted a roof of the walkway. Sears Roebuck closed its location in downtown Wheeling in 1978, and an anchor store opened at the Ohio Valley Mall the same year. So, 47 years later, “old” is in front of its name. Like the “old” Wheeling-Pitt Building, the “old” Stone & Thomas, and the “old” Bill’s Hamburger. So, yes, the corner of 11th and Chapline streets became the home of the “old” Sears building, too, but these days the once wide-open first floor has been walled and separated for medical offices and non-profit organizations. That’s not the case on the second and third floors, though, and not on the basement level, either. The former automobile service area still stands in the rear where there are 15 included parking spaces, and there’s a little more than 57,000 square feet for development. “When the current owner (Koat Realty LLC) owned it, the vision was a grocery store on the first floor and apartments on the two top floors, but then the pandemic happened and now the owner is too busy with other projects,” explained Lee Paull from Paull Associates. “But those ideas are still very good ideas now, and I believe there’s enough people living in the downtown right now that a grocery store could work. The building was built in 1940, and since then, it has been used as an office building. “There are companies out there that have grocery stores the right size,” he said. “Everything in the building is up to date with the roof, the electric, and the plumbing, and the interior is almost 60,000 square feet. The building does need some rehabilitation, and I’m sure the next owner would tear down all of the walls that have been put in over the years so they could start over and make it theirs.” The former home of Sears Roebuck sits on 0.57 acres, was constructed in 1940, is covered with a rubber roof, and has two loading docks with an entrance off of Chapline Street. The owner is asking $595,000, and Paull is the listing agent. “The building has multiple furnaces and air conditioning units,” the broker explained. “It’s a good building that could use some renovation, but it very easily could become a part of what we’ve seen taking place in our downtown Wheeling area with all of the new residential living. “I know the young people in the community like living downtown because my son lives down here,” Paull reported. “He loves it, too. He loves being close to what we have down here now, and he’s looking forward to what should follow.” The interior of the former department store has been divided into office space for medical services and non-profits, and the main lobby is now crowded with stored items. Multiple Makeovers Although the state-funded, $37-million streetscape will not be 100 percent complete until spring, the majority of the work along Main and Market streets is finished. The project began in late 2023, and before that a number of companies performed two years’ worth of underground infrastructure improvements. “I haven’t agreed with everything the city has done downtown, but I have agreed with all of the infrastructure work,” he said. “Developers don’t want to wait for it. They want to tap in immediately, so it’s a big positive that the work was performed before the streetscape. “Now, if interest rates come down in the future, I believe we’ll start seeing a lot of re-development in the downtown,” Paull speculated. “It would be good to see because a lot of people remember when the mall attracted all of the stores out of downtown Wheeling. I remember talking to my dad (Lee III) about it when I was much younger, and I told him I thought the downtown would be a ghost town.” The basement and second and third floors are open and ready for whatever plans the next owner may have. Paull recalls it all. The Ohio Valley Mall opened in October 1978, and Sears was the first to leave Wheeling and the first anchor store to open at the 1.2 million square-foot complex. JCPenney, L.S. Good, and Stone & Thomas are three more retailers that operated locations at the mall, and Sears and the others have all shuttered their Belmont County stores. JCPenney is one of several big-box retailers open daily at The Highlands in Ohio County. “I remember when it was announced that the mall was going up in St. Clairsville because (the mall atmosphere) was the new thing, and it led to the demise of downtown Wheeling,” Paull recalled. “The shoppers wanted to be under a roof instead of walking along the streets of a downtown. That was the new trend. The old service center for Sears Roebuck was situated along Chapline Street. “Downtown Wheeling is evolving into something new, and that includes the residential part, so we’re hoping this building can add to that and have the amenities that those people are going to need,” he explained. “We have a lot of change happening right now, and that’s why this property has a lot of potential.” Anyone who is interested in the property can contact Lee Paull at Paull Associates at 304-233-3303. Sears at the Ohio Valley Mall opened in October 1978, and the location remained open until July 2019. Read the full article

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New York Man Sentenced in Federal Court for Identity Theft

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Bolarinwa Salau, 30, of Rockaway Beach, New York, was sentenced today to 24 months in federal prison for identity theft. According to the court documents and statements made in court, during a traffic stop of Salau’s vehicle, West Virginia State Police found identification documents for other people which were being used in connection with a stolen identity refund fraud scheme, often referred to as “SIRF.”  This type of fraud involves the use of stolen personal information, including social security numbers, used to file tax returns for purposes of obtaining fraudulent refunds. Salau attempted to file fraudulent tax returns that would have yielded nearly $1 million in refunds. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, and the West Virginia State Police, with assistance from the Ohio County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided. Read the full article

[ledenews]

New York Man Sentenced in Federal Court for Identity Theft

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Bolarinwa Salau, 30, of Rockaway Beach, New York, was sentenced today to 24 months in federal prison for identity theft. According to the court documents and statements made in court, during a traffic stop of Salau’s vehicle, West Virginia State Police found identification documents for other people which were being used in connection with a stolen identity refund fraud scheme, often referred to as “SIRF.”  This type of fraud involves the use of stolen personal information, including social security numbers, used to file tax returns for purposes of obtaining fraudulent refunds. Salau attempted to file fraudulent tax returns that would have yielded nearly $1 million in refunds. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, and the West Virginia State Police, with assistance from the Ohio County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided. Read the full article