The final defendant in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy linked to the murder of Big Stone Gap Police Officer Michael Chandler has been sentenced. Brian Carroll, 43, from Big Stone Gap, Virginia, received a sentence of 108 months in federal court.
Previously sentenced for their involvement were Timothy Ray Jones with 235 months, Charles Ryan Bowman with 120 months, and Elicia Amber Burns with 172 months. Others include James Brian Mullins at 180 months and Justin Dwayne Skaggs at 132 months. Additional sentences ranged from Tyler Lee Westmoreland's 54 months to Tiny Westmoreland's 60 months.
Michael White was sentenced to a century-long term for his role in Officer Chandler's murder as part of the drug conspiracy.
A total of nineteen defendants were charged and convicted of conspiring to distribute over fifteen kilograms of methamphetamine along with heroin and fentanyl. The operation involved trafficking drugs from Tennessee into southwest Virginia and further distribution within Wise County.
On November 13, 2021, Officer Chandler responded to a welfare check call at "the red house" on Orr Street in Big Stone Gap. Upon arrival, he encountered a vehicle outside the residence where Michael Donivan White shot him. Officer Chandler succumbed to his injuries later that day. White was found at a motel in Kingsport, Tennessee; evidence connected him directly to the crime scene weapon. He pled guilty and was sentenced to serve one hundred years across both federal and state charges.
The announcement came from Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee alongside Anthony A. Spotswood from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Investigations were conducted by various agencies including ATF, Virginia State Police, U.S Marshal’s Service among others across Tennessee and Virginia regions.
Assistant U.S Attorneys Lena L. Busscher and Danielle Stone are overseeing prosecution efforts in this case.
