CHARLESTON, W.Va. - U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin today announced that three Nicholas County residents were sentenced to federal prison for conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine. Felicia Bess, 23, of Summersville, Nicholas County, W.Va., was sentenced today to three years in prison. Co-defendant Roy Spinks, Jr., also known as “Brat" 39, of Craigsville, Nicholas County, W.Va., was sentenced on Feb.1st to six years in prison. A third co-defendant, Bratten Smith, 28, of Richwood, Nicholas County, W.Va., was also sentenced on Feb.1st to two years in prison. Spinks admitted that from September 2010 until June 2011, he manufactured methamphetamine using a technique known as the “shake and bake" method. Spinks further admitted that he manufactured the methamphetamine at several different residences located in and around Nicholas County. Co-defendant Bess admitted that from September until June 2011, she cooked methamphetamine using the “shake and bake" method and assisted other individuals, including co-defendant Spinks.
Bratten Smith admitted that from at least February 2011 until May 1, 2011, he assisted co-defendants Spinks and Bess in manufacturing methamphetamine at a residence in Nicholas County, W.Va. Smith further admitted that during the scheme, he supplied pseudoephedrine and other ingredients used to manufacture methamphetamine. In exchange for the meth-making materials, Smith admitted that he received methamphetamine for his personal use.
The U.S. Forestry Service, the Central West Virginia Drug Task Force, the West Virginia State Police, the Nicholas County Sheriff’s Department and the Richwood Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John Frail handled the prosecutions. The sentences were imposed by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
