Project Parkersburg Update: Two Defendants Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking

 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two Project Parkersburg defendants were sentenced to federal prison today for their roles in a large-scale, multi-state drug trafficking conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.

Amanda Atkinson, 44, of Vienna, was sentenced to 30 months in prison and one year of supervised release. She previously admitted using a cellular telephone to facilitate drug trafficking. Michael Holley, Jr., 37, of Parkersburg, was sentenced to 77 months in prison and four years of supervised release. He previously admitted distributing between 50 grams and 200 grams of methamphetamine between February 2018 and July 2018.   

“Project Parkersburg was an extraordinary law enforcement operation that successfully dismantled a major network of drug traffickers,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Today’s sentencings bring the total number of federal defendants sentenced to 10, with additional defendants still awaiting sentencing. My team is laser-focused on shuttering drug trafficking organizations before any more of our kids and communities fall victim.” 

Atkinson and Holley, Jr. were prosecuted as part of Project Parkersburg – a major takedown and dismantling of a multi-state drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for distributing methamphetamine and heroin. The long-term, joint investigation resulted in at least 29 individuals being charged in federal and state court and the seizure of 121 pounds of ICE methamphetamine, six kilograms of cocaine, 217 grams of heroin and 478 grams of fentanyl.

Of the defendants charged in federal court, Todd Land, Jeffrey Hoyler, Nicholas Easton, T.J. Gibson, Edward Marks, Amy Rake, Marshall Polan, and Troy Pastorino have been sentenced. Aurelius Edmonds, Terrence McGuirk, Michael Rhodes and Antoine Terry await sentencing later this year.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Parkersburg Police Department, the Dayton (Ohio) Police Department and the Parkersburg Narcotics and Violent Crime Task Force. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentences. Assistant United States Attorneys Joshua Hanks and Jeremy Wolfe handled the prosecution.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 18-CR-00225.