LYNCHBURG, VA – A botched methamphetamine deal in a crowded Walmart parking lot exploded into a brazen shootout in November 2021, and Jeriwon Lee Taylor, 42, of Salem, Virginia, is now facing a lengthy federal prison sentence after pleading guilty this week. Taylor admitted to distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and illegally possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.
The incident unfolded when Taylor arranged to meet Kendall Simonton in the Walmart parking lot to complete a drug transaction. According to court documents, Simonton arrived and immediately brandished a firearm, robbing Taylor of the methamphetamine. Rather than comply, Taylor exited his vehicle, armed with his own weapon, and opened fire on Simonton. Multiple shots were exchanged between the two men as they took cover behind vehicles, turning a mundane shopping center into a temporary warzone.
“This case is a direct result of the United States Attorney’s Office’s public commitment to prosecute federal crimes involving a discharged firearm,” stated U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh. “We will continue to vigilantly enforce our nation’s gun laws to hold accountable those individuals who commit violent acts in our community.” The investigation, a collaborative effort between the ATF, DEA, and Lynchburg Police Department, led to the seizure of not only the firearm used in the shooting but also significant quantities of fentanyl, heroin, counterfeit pills, and additional methamphetamine from locations linked to Taylor’s drug operation.
Law enforcement officials are painting a picture of a reckless disregard for public safety. DEA Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget emphasized that “drug traffickers have no respect for human lives and conduct criminal business in the open public, disregarding the damage they can cause.” Lynchburg Police Chief Ryan Zuidema echoed this sentiment, stating, “There is no place for this type of behavior in Lynchburg. This case sends a very clear message that the illegal use of firearms and related drug activity will not be tolerated.”
Simonton, the alleged robber, already pled guilty to related charges and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 8, 2023. Taylor now faces a minimum sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison. The final sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge, taking into account U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant factors. ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Weddel highlighted the importance of interagency cooperation, stating, “When we as law enforcement professionals collaborate effectively, our communities see tangible results such as this.”
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to dismantle Taylor’s drug trafficking organization. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the violent consequences of the illicit drug trade and the commitment of federal and local agencies to combat it. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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