A Wise County man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for trafficking significant amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin into Southwest Virginia. James Edward Williams, 43, pleaded guilty in February 2025 to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession with the intent to distribute at least 50 grams 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 from his home on two occasions to confidential informants. In July 2024, after being involved in a single-car accident, police searched the area and vehicle Williams was driving. They discovered a loaded handgun inside a black bag, roughly 25 grams of methamphetamine, two bags containing green plant material, and two metal smoking devices.
Two weeks later, officers stopped Williams after he left a known drug house in Wise County. He failed a sobriety test during the stop. Police found a small baggy with methamphetamine on him and located approximately 44 grams more methamphetamine in his vehicle along with three lock boxes each holding a pistol. Officers also seized an illegal silencer as well as a plastic bag containing fentanyl or xylazine.
Acting United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci announced the sentencing following proceedings before U.S. District Judge Thomas Cullen.
The investigation was carried out by several agencies including 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 United States.
