A Wise, Virginia resident has been sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for his involvement in a methamphetamine trafficking operation in Southwest Virginia. Keith Edward Payne, Jr., 46, pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of a substance containing methamphetamine.
Court documents indicate that Payne worked with several individuals, including Ashley Beverly, Brandon Boggs, Bradley Chester, Cody Rose, James Gamble, and Thomas Houston Jr., to distribute large amounts of methamphetamine throughout the region. Authorities described Payne as a significant distributor within the group. He regularly supplied other members with up to a quarter pound of methamphetamine at a time. Most transactions occurred at his residence in Wise.
Payne’s activities also involved firearms. When law enforcement executed a search warrant at his home on the day of his arrest, they found 24 firearms, nearly 3,000 rounds of ammunition, digital scales, and drug packaging materials.
Other members involved in the conspiracy have also received sentences. In April, James Gamble was sentenced to over twelve years (151 months) for his role. Bradley Chester received seven years (84 months), Cody Rose was sentenced to just over four years (49 months), and Thomas Houston Jr. was given six years (72 months).
“Acting U.S. Robert N. Tracci and Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement.”
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Southwest Drug Task Force, and Wise County Sheriff’s Office.
“Assistant U.S. Attorney Lena Busscher prosecuted the case for the United States.”
