Bobby John Arnett, Fentanyl Distribution, Virginia 2026

A Bristol, Virginia man, who conspired with others to distribute more than 600 fentanyl pills, has been sentenced to 60 months in federal prison.

Bobby John Arnett, 56, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

Arnett's co-conspirator, Briar Stephens, 25, was sentenced on April 30, 2026, to 10 years in federal prison for his role in the conspiracy.

According to court documents, between September 2024 and October 2024, Arnett, Stephens, and others conspired to distribute fentanyl.

Specifically, over the course of the conspiracy, Stephens purchased fentanyl pills that he and Arnett further distributed in Washington County, Virginia within the Western District of Virginia, and elsewhere.

During a search of Arnett's residence in September 2024, law enforcement officers found multiple fentanyl pills and powder at the residence, along with several firearms and numerous rounds of ammunition.

Arnett's sentence was announced by First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Christopher Goumenis, DEA Washington Division Special Agent in Charge.

The Elizabethton Tennessee Police Department, Washington County Virginia Sheriff's Office, Holston River Drug Task Force, and the Drug Enforcement Administration are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Stone is prosecuting the case.

Mandatory facts: Defendant's full name is Bobby John Arnett. The exact criminal charges are one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. The city and state are Bristol, Virginia. The exact date is April 30, 2026. The sentence or outcome is 60 months in federal prison.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdva/pr/bristol-virginia-man-sentenced-60-months-federal-drug-charges