Zachary T. Lee Acting United States Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia
A Wise County man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for his role in a drug distribution conspiracy and illegal firearm possession. Michael Wynn Whitaker Jr., 45, pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.
Court documents indicate that from January 2023 through September 2024, Whitaker was a central figure in distributing methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine in Wise County, Virginia. He regularly traveled with associates to West Virginia to purchase quantities ranging from two to ten ounces of methamphetamine and an ounce of fentanyl at a time for further distribution in Southwest Virginia. Additionally, he made at least 25 trips to Kentucky, acquiring at least two ounces of methamphetamine per trip for resale.
Despite his status as a convicted felon, Whitaker kept firearms at his residence where much of the drug activity occurred.
Robert N. Tracci, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia; Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; announced the sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Wise County Sheriff’s Office, and Southwest Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lena Busscher and Danielle Stone prosecuted the case.
"This matter occurred on the date indicated but was not published at that time due to a lapse in federal appropriations. Press releases are posted and made available following the return to normal operations," according to an editor's note from authorities.
