Zachary T. Lee Acting United States Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia
A Bristol, Virginia man was sentenced on Apr. 30 to ten years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute more than 600 fentanyl pills and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.
Briar Stephens, age 25, admitted guilt to one count of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute at least 40 grams of fentanyl and one count related to using and carrying a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The sentencing comes as authorities continue efforts against illegal fentanyl distribution in the region.
“This office will continue to partner with law enforcement to target anyone who illegally distributes fentanyl in the Western District of Virginia,” First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci said.
Christopher Goumenis, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration Washington Division, said: “Keeping our communities safe is our top priority. We are committed to pursuing justice against drug traffickers who illegally distribute dangerous substances like fentanyl. Through collaboration and unwavering determination, we strive to uphold justice and protect the citizens we serve. The DEA Bristol Post of Duty will continue to partner with law enforcement to target anyone who illegally distribute fentanyl in Western Virginia.”
Court documents show that between September and October 2024, Stephens conspired with Bobby Arnett and others by purchasing fentanyl pills for further distribution within Washington County, Virginia, among other locations. On October 16, Stephens possessed about 600 fentanyl pills intended for distribution as well as a loaded Glock .40 caliber pistol connected with the conspiracy.
The case was investigated by multiple agencies including the Elizabethton Tennessee Police Department, Washington County Virginia Sheriff’s Office, Holston River Drug Task Force, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Stone prosecuted the case.
The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia promotes public safety through crime prevention initiatives and outreach according to its official website. The office operates sites across Roanoke, Charlottesville, Abingdon, Lynchburg, Danville and Harrisonburg according to its official website.
As part of the U.S. Department of Justice according to its official website, this office covers western portions of Virginia according to its official website while handling federal prosecutions and civil litigation for the government according to its official website. It works closely with federal, state and local law enforcement partners according to its official website.
