Update: Hear more on this story from Berkeley County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy of Staff Eric Burnett and Office Administrator Brandy Sullivan here.
MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — Five Eastern Panhandle residents face drug-related charges following an ongoing observation activity of drug activity in an area.
Berkeley County Sheriff Rob Blair says at 9:30 Friday morning, Berkeley County Sheriff’s Deputy Meeks witnessed two vehicles briefly meet in the driveway of a residence in the 14000 block of Apple Harvest Drive in what appeared to be the beginnings of a drug transaction. The location was under observation due to a drug complaint.
“The two individuals observed law enforcement in the area and departed the area after one of the drivers exited their vehicle and entered a camper on the property,” according to a press release from BCSD.
A traffic stop was conducted on the other vehicle and the driver was identified as Prem Paryani.
“Meanwhile, Deputy Baldridge responded to the residence to continue the drug investigation and upon arrival, observed four individuals running from one camper to another when they saw her in the driveway.”
Deputy Baldridge reported seeing “large amounts of drug paraphernalia” on the property while the main residence appeared to be abandoned and the occupants in the campers appeared to be trespassing. The four occupants of the camper refused to answer the door after being ordered to do so and and due to the circumstances, the door to the camper was forced open and the four occupants were removed.
The press release continues, “Kenneth Mitchem was identified and had an active warrant for possession of CDS through the Martinsburg Police Department. A small bag of heroin and marijuana
were located in his pocket. Kenneth Mitchem was transported to the Eastern Regional Jail for his warrant.”
Another suspect, Meghan Bevilacqua was identified and found to have a small bag of heroin after attempting to drop it on the ground. At the jail, it was discovered that she had a bag of narcotics in her body cavity which was retrieved by the jail staff. The narcotics were determined to be 14 capsules of suspected fentanyl.
“It was determined that she had an active capias through Jefferson County and was transported to the Eastern Regional Jail.”
Kirstin Painter and Vincent Mahoney were identified and detained during the investigation, while Deputy Meeks obtained a search warrant for the property which was executed.
Between the two campers, officers found a bag of suspected crack cocaine weighing 25 grams, a plastic container of 56 capsules of suspected fentanyl, as well as large amount of unused drug packaging and scales in addition to a firearm.
It was learned that this property was being used as a “stash house” by Prim Paryani who was relocated shortly after and arrested.
Kirstin Painter and Vincent Mahoney were identified and detained during the investigation.
Sheriff Blair extended his appreciation to the deputies and the public.
“The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office extends its sincere gratitude to the citizens who consistently provide crucial information, aiding in the identification and capture of drug offenders. Your continued support is vital to our efforts, and together, we are making a significant impact in our community’s fight against drug-related crime. Thank you for your partnership in keeping Berkeley County safe.”
Citizens can send drug or crime information to the BCSO as an anonymous tip here.
***PRESS RELEASE***
On Friday, November 29, 2024 at 0930 Deputy L. Meeks was observing a residence in the 14000 block of Apple Harvest Dr. in reference to a drug complaint provided by a citizen of Berkeley County. Deputy Meeks observed two vehicles briefly meet in the driveway of the residence in what appeared to be the beginnings of a drug transaction. The two individuals observed law enforcement in the area and departed the area after one of the drivers exited their vehicle and entered a camper on the property.
A traffic stop was conducted on the other vehicle and the driver was identified as Prem Paryani. While Deputy Meeks was conducting this traffic stop, Deputy J. Baldridge responded to the residence to continue the drug investigation. Upon her arrival she observed four individuals running from one camper to another when they saw her in the driveway. Deputy Baldridge also observed large amounts of drug paraphernalia on the property indicating a significant amount of drug usage in the area. The main residence appeared to be abandoned and the occupants in the campers appeared to be trespassing.
The four occupants of the camper refused to answer the door after being ordered to do so and could be heard moving frantically around the inside of the camper. Due to exigent circumstances and the fact that the occupants were trespassing, the door to the camper was forced open and the four occupants were removed.
Kenneth Mitchem was identified and had an active warrant for possession of CDS through the Martinsburg Police Department. A small bag of heroin and marijuana
were located in his pocket. Kenneth Mitchem was transported to the Eastern Regional Jail for his warrant.
Meghan Bevilacqua was identified and found to have a small bag of heroin after attempting to drop it on the ground. It was determined that she had an active capias through Jefferson County and was transported to the Eastern Regional Jail. Upon arrival at the jail it was learned that she had a bag of narcotics in her body cavity which was retrieved by the jail staff. The narcotics were determined to be 14 capsules of suspected fentanyl.
Kirstin Painter and Vincent Mahoney were identified and detained during the investigation, while Deputy Meeks obtained a search warrant for the property which was executed.
Between the two campers the following was located; a bag of suspected crack cocaine weighing 25 grams, a plastic container of 56 capsules of suspected fentanyl, as well as large amount of unused drug packaging and scales in addition to a firearm. It was learned that this property was being used as a “stash house” by Prim Paryani who was relocated shortly after and arrested.
In addition to Deputy Meeks and Deputy Baldridge, several other Deputies responded to this incident due to the volume of offenders and the scope of the investigation: Sergeant Ennis, Deputy Yost, Deputy Kolb, Deputy Cox and Deputy Drake.
“The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office extends its sincere gratitude to the citizens who consistently provide crucial information, aiding in the identification and capture of drug offenders. Your continued support is vital to our efforts, and together, we are making a significant impact in our community’s fight against drug-related crime. Thank you for your partnership in keeping Berkeley County safe.” Sheriff Robert A “Rob” Blair
Citizens can continue to send drug or crime information to the BCSO as an anonymous tip to: https://berkeleywv.org/FormCenter/Sheriff-11/Drug-Tips-Submission-Form-64
Arrests:
Prem Paryani 44 YOA of Martinsburg, WV – Possession with intent to distribute CDS; conspiracy to distribute CDS
Meghan Bevilacqua 31 YOA of Inwood WV – Possession with intent to distribute CDS; conspiracy to distribute CDS; Capias (Jefferson County)
Kirstin Painter 27 YOA of Martinsburg, WV – Conspiracy to distribute CDS
Kenneth Mitchem 33 YOA of Martinsburg, WV – Conspiracy to distribute CDS; Warrant (MPD) for possession of crack cocaine
Vincent Mahoney 57 YOA of Hedgesville, WV – Conspiracy to distribute CDS
