On October 5, 2016 the Wise County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff’s Response Team, Virginia State Police Tactical Team and Special Agents, Southwest Virginia Regional Drug Task Force, Virginia Alcohol and Beverage Control Bureau of Law Enforcement, ATF, Wise County Deputies, Norton Police, Big Stone Gap Police, and assisted by the Wise County Commonwealth’s Attorney Office executed search warrants at eight different locations throughout Wise County. The search warrants were obtained from an extensive three years long investigation into the distribution of synthetic drugs. The following are the names and locations where the search warrants were executed:
- Lawrence Franklin Mathias, 10162 Glady Fork Road in Pound, VA
- David Dwayne Mathias, 8615 Hubbard Mountain Road in Pound, VA
- Matthey Ryan Addington, 9744 Vanover Road in Pound, VA
- James Clettis Mullins, 10747 Right Fork Road in Pound, VA
- 10027 Orby Cantrell Highway in Pound, VA
- Three separate banking institutions
A total of 676 grams of synthetic cannabinoid with a street value of $16,650.00, over $14,000.00 in cash, 7 rifles, 4 pistols, and 21 vehicles were seized during the execution of the search warrants.
During the execution of the search warrant at 8615 Hubbard Mountain Road in Pound, VA, David Dwayne Mathias, age 49, was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition after being a convicted felon. Mr. Mathias was one of thousands of felons who have recently had their rights restored. He is currently being held in the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail in Duffield, VA with no bond.
The investigation is still ongoing with more charges pending.
Wise County Sheriff Ronnie Oakes stated, “My office will continue to fight the drug epidemic that is destroying people’s lives and families. We will work hand in hand with Commonwealth’s Attorney Chuck Slemp to bring the best possible cases for prosecution. I appreciate the joint effort by all local, state, and federal agencies that were involved in helping to break up this major synthetic drug ring. Wise County Commonwealth’s Attorney Chuck Slemp stated, “I am thankful for the amazing teamwork of our law enforcement community and the opportunity to work alongside them yesterday in the field. Yesterday’s efforts demonstrates our continued commitment to fighting drug dealing and substance abuse throughout Southwest Virginia.