Zachary T. Lee Acting United States Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia
A Wise County man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin into Southwest Virginia and for illegal firearm possession.
James Edward Williams, 43, pleaded guilty in February 2025 to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
“Methamphetamine and fentanyl have had devastating consequences on Southwest Virginia. This defendant contributed to that devastation by trafficking large quantities of these drugs into the region,” said Acting United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci. “Today’s sentence reflects the commitment of this office to aggressively prosecute those who poison our communities for profit.”
Court documents show that in April 2024, Williams sold about 41 grams of methamphetamine to confidential informants at his home. In July 2024, after being involved in a car accident, police searched the area and found a loaded handgun, about 25 grams of methamphetamine, two baggies containing green plant material, and two metal smoking devices near Williams.
Two weeks later, officers stopped Williams after he left a known drug house. He failed a sobriety test. A search found a small plastic baggy with methamphetamine on him; inside his vehicle were about 44 grams of methamphetamine and three lock boxes each holding a pistol. Police also recovered an illegal silencer as well as fentanyl and/or xylazine.
The sentencing was announced by Acting United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci following proceedings before U.S. District Judge Thomas Cullen.
The investigation was conducted by the Southwest Drug Task Force, Wise County Sheriff’s Office, Norton Police Department, Virginia State Police, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lena Busscher is prosecuting the case for the government.
