Four involved with drug ring receive federal sentences

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — The ring leader of a multi-state heroin-distribution network and three Eastern Panhandle defendants in the case were sentenced to prison terms in federal court Monday.

U.S. Attorney Bill Ihlenfeld said the leader of the drug ring, Brian Hall, 27, of Baltimore, was sentenced to eight years and four months in prison.

Hall pleaded guilty in November to conspiracy to distribute heroin.

Hall, along with 40 other people, was charged in a 163-count federal indictment in June.

Three other defendants in the heroin-trafficking scheme also were sentenced in federal court Monday.

Jessica Kesecker, 33, of Berkeley Springs, received two years and 11 months in prison.

Josh Reid, 33, of Martinsburg received two years and six months in prison.

Bruce Vaudrien Jr., 46, of Kearneysville received three years and three months in prison.