Merle Brook Stephens, Methamphetamine Distribution, Virginia 2022

A Mount Jackson, Virginia man was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison for his role in a massive methamphetamine distribution ring.

Merle Brook Stephens, 53, was found guilty of one count of knowingly or intentionally possessing with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

The charges stem from a larger law enforcement sting operation that led to Stephens’ arrest on December 7, 2018, while he was leaving his hotel room in Mount Jackson, Virginia.

At the time of his arrest, Stephens was in possession of more than 323 grams of methamphetamine, a loaded .45 caliber semiautomatic handgun with five loaded magazines, $3,637 in cash, and a variety of drug paraphernalia items.

According to U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh of the Western District of Virginia and Charlie J. Patterson, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Washington Field Division, the sentence is a significant blow to the methamphetamine trade in the region.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office, the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force, the Mount Jackson Police Department, the Woodstock Police Department, the Timberville Police Department, and the Shenandoah County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rachel B. Swartz and Ronald M. Huber prosecuted the case.

Stephens will serve 16 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release.

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