A Big Stone Gap, Virginia man, Joshua Derrick Ellis Vanover, has been sentenced to 107 months in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Vanover, 35, was found with more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in his car after fleeing from police during a traffic stop.
"Vanover admitted he fled from police because he knew he was wanted, had drugs on him, and did not want to go back to jail," the court documents revealed.
United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, and Craig B. Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement.
Vanover's serious criminal history, including prior drug-related convictions, were considered aggravating factors at his sentencing hearing.
The investigation involved the ATF, the Big Stone Gap Police Department, the Wise County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Suzanne Kerney-Quillen prosecuted the case for the United States.
The sentencing serves as a reminder of the consequences of drug possession and distribution, particularly in cases involving significant amounts of illicit substances.