Zachary T. Lee Acting United States Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia
A significant development in the fight against drug trafficking in Southwest Virginia has occurred with the sentencing of a major supplier and two related dealers. Bradley Mitchell Chester, 39, from Pound, Virginia, received an 84-month federal prison sentence. Chester had previously admitted guilt to charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl.
In addition to Chester's sentencing, Matthew Addington, 41, and Michael Hicks, 36, also from Pound, Virginia, were sentenced for their roles as methamphetamine and fentanyl dealers. Addington was sentenced to 60 months in prison while Hicks received a 36-month sentence.
Court documents revealed that Chester was a key supplier in Wise County from March 2023 to March 2024. He frequently traveled to North Carolina and Kentucky with co-conspirators to acquire substantial amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl from suppliers. Chester then distributed these drugs locally through associates including Addington and Hicks.
The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Zachary T. Lee alongside Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The investigation involved the ATF, Southwest Drug Task Force, and Wise County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lena Busscher led the prosecution for this case on behalf of the United States.
