A man from Wise, Virginia has been sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for his involvement in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy in Southwest Virginia. Keith Edward Payne, Jr., age 46, pleaded guilty to two counts of distributing methamphetamine and one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a substance containing methamphetamine.
Court documents indicate that Payne worked with several others—including Ashley Beverly, Brandon Boggs, Bradley Chester, Cody Rose, James Gamble, and Thomas Houston Jr.—to distribute large amounts of methamphetamine throughout the region. Payne acted as a primary distributor within the group, regularly providing co-conspirators with up to a quarter pound of methamphetamine at a time. The majority of these transactions took place at his residence in Wise.
Authorities found that Payne also possessed firearms while engaging in drug distribution. A search conducted during his arrest led law enforcement officers to seize 24 firearms, nearly 3,000 rounds of ammunition, digital scales, and drug packaging materials from his home.
Other members involved in the conspiracy have also received sentences: James Gamble was sentenced to over 12 years in prison; Bradley Chester received seven years; Cody Rose was given just over four years; and Thomas Houston Jr. was sentenced earlier this year to six years.
“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.”
