ABINGDON, VA – A Southwest Virginia methamphetamine pipeline stretching from Mexico to the streets of Bristol has suffered a major blow with the sentencing of Natasha Wallace, 42, to 156 months in federal prison. Wallace, a key player in the operation, continued to peddle the deadly drug even after several of her co-conspirators were busted.
Federal prosecutors revealed Wallace personally trafficked over 10 kilograms of methamphetamine, primarily sourced from Houston, Texas. When agents moved in on her in May 2021, they found her in possession of over 120 grams of nearly pure (99%) methamphetamine. She pleaded guilty in June 2022 to conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crystal methamphetamine.
Wallace wasn’t operating alone. The investigation, a joint effort by the ATF and DEA, exposed a sophisticated network funnelling drugs from Mexico through Atlanta, Georgia and Houston. Jason Eric Leab, 44, of Bristol, Virginia, was recently sentenced to 60 months for possessing with the intent to distribute and distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine throughout Southwest Virginia. He, like Wallace, admitted to his role in the conspiracy.
At the top of the food chain sat Joshua Desorcy, identified as the ringleader. Desorcy directed the flow of money – wired to contacts in Mexico – that fueled the operation. He’s already been handed a 40-year federal sentence. Other conspirators named in court records include Paul Crone and Marissa Wise, all implicated in the scheme to flood Southwest Virginia with methamphetamine.
“This case demonstrates the far-reaching impact of drug trafficking organizations,” said U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh of the Western District of Virginia. “The drugs originated in Mexico, moved through multiple states, and ultimately poisoned communities here in Southwest Virginia.” The investigation highlights the continuing threat posed by Mexican cartels and their ability to establish distribution networks within the United States.
Special Agent in Charge Charlie J. Patterson of ATF’s Washington Field Division and Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the DEA’s Washington Division oversaw the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Murphy prosecuted the case, securing the lengthy sentences for Wallace, Leab, and Desorcy, and aiming to dismantle this dangerous drug operation. The Grimy Times will continue to follow the fallout from this case as further details emerge.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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