A Bristol, Virginia man has been charged with federal drug and gun crimes after conspiring with others to distribute more than 600 fentanyl pills.
Briar Stephens, 24, pleaded guilty last week in the Western District of Virginia to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, between September 2024 and October 2024, Stephens, Bobby Arnett, 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, within the Western District of Virginia, and elsewhere.
On October 16, 2024, Stephens possessed approximately 600 fentanyl pills with the intent to further distribute them. Stephens also possessed a loaded Glock 23 .40 caliber pistol in his waistband in furtherance of the drug conspiracy.
At sentencing, Stephens faces up to life in prison. Arnett pled guilty in July and will be sentenced in January 2026.
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.
Defendant: Briar Stephens, 24, of Bristol, Virginia.
Criminal Charges: Conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime.
City and State: Bristol, Virginia.
Exact Date: September 2024 to October 2024 (conspiracy period), October 16, 2024 (possession of fentanyl pills).
Sentence or Outcome: Up to life in prison at sentencing.
Related Federal Cases
- Jennifer Lynn Heishman, Distributing Acetyl Fentanyl and Fentanyl, Virginia 2019 · Kansas
- Roger Coley, Methamphetamine Conspiracy, Virginia 2023 · Tennessee
- Lynn Hartwell, Phentermine Distribution, Virginia 2024 · New Hampshire
- Melissa Barrett, Methamphetamine Distribution, Virginia 2023 · Idaho
- Jamie A Harris, Fentanyl Trafficking, Kentucky 2024 · Tennessee
Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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