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CLARKSBURG - Multiple local officers and officials from Randolph and Upshur counties were honored during a U.S. Attorney Awards ceremony Monday afternoon.
"We are only as good as our law enforcement partners," said U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. "Behind every case is an investigation and behind every investigation is the outstanding and tireless work by those we honor today. We are grateful for their continued partnership and hard work."
The Excellence in Law Enforcement Leadership was presented to Mountain Region Drug Task Force Commander David VanMeter. VanMeter, who is a corporal with the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, has led the Task Force since 2021.
The Mountain Region Drug Task Force operates as part of the Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program in the Northern District of West Virginia. Randolph County was officially designated as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area in July 2023, bringing increased federal resources, funding, and coordination to central West Virginia.
The Outstanding Child Exploitation Investigation award honored Upshur County Sheriff Michael Coffman and Chief Deputy Theron Caynor, for their efforts in the investigation of David McCauley, a former Buckhannon mayor and City Council member, who was also a former attorney and professor. McCauley eventually pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography and received the maximum sentence under his plea, 10 years in federal prison.
Randolph County Prosecuting Attorney Michael Parker was honored with a Department of Justice Partnership Award, as was Harrison County Prosecuting Attorney Rachel Romano.
The Outstanding Investigative Career Award went to WV State Auditor's Office Investigator Mike Taylor of Elkins, who was honored following his Oct. 1 retirement, after 48 years of public service. Taylor served 25 years with the West Virginia State Police, and later served as Elkins Police Chief. He also served as a Randolph County Commissioner and with the State Auditor's Office.
A total of 19 officers and officials were honored during the ceremony, including:
Excellence in Law Enforcement award to Deputy U.S. Marshals Derek Patrick and Alex Neville;
Outstanding Drug Trafficking Investigation to Morgantown Police Department Detective Mark Trump;
Outstanding Wiretap Investigation to Mon Metro Drug Task Force;
Outstanding Commitment to Law Enforcement Objectives to Greater Harrison Drug Task Force Officer Jeremy Randolph;
Distinguished Law Enforcement Lifetime Achievement Award to ATF Resident Agent in Charge Kenneth Grace;
Distinguished Law Enforcement Lifetime Achievement Award to Bridgeport Police Department Lieutenant Brian Purkey;
Outstanding Child Exploitation Investigation to FBI Special Agent Angela Bronson;
Champion for Children Award to Nacogdoches Police Department Corporal L. Keith Lee, WVSP Trooper First Class Thunder P. Nicholson, FBI Special Agent Edward Ryan, Jr., and FBI Special Agent Stephanie Loycan;
Exceptional Tax Investigator to IRS-CI Special Agent Dakota Kelly;
The ceremony took place at the United States Bankruptcy Courthouse in Clarksburg Monday.