A cooperative group of law enforcment agencies seized a functioning meth lab on February 17, 2011 on the Wise/Dickenson County line. Authorities arrested Harlan Lynn Ward, 58, and charged him with Possesion of material used to create methamphetamine, Child Endangerment, Manufacturing Methamphetamine, and Possession with intent to distribute a schedule II controlled substance.

Agencies involved in the seizure included the Virginia State Police, Southwest Virginia Drug Task Force, Dickenson County Sheriff’s Department, the Wise County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, and the Town of Wise Police Department. Initial investigation of Ward started with Investigator Kevin Yates and Chief Tony Bates of the Wise Police Department.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Ron Elkins stated “It is always impressive to see our local law enforcement agencies work together so well. We have an extremely professional group of officers in Southwest Virginia, and we should be thankful for their efforts.”

On 7-1-2008, the vehicle of Donald Meade of Baker-Meade Road in Pound was found wrecked in a ditch near Bowser Hollow Road. Mr. Meade’s family had not seen or heard from him in hours. After a thorough search, Mr. Meade’s body was discovered in a creek, approximately a mile from his vehicle.

Mr. Meade was pronounced dead and the Wise County Sheriff’s Office opened an investigation into his death. The Investigative team was lead by Lt. Edward Jessee. An autopsy was performed on Mr. Meade and his cause of death was listed as blunt force head injuries.

After investigating multiple leads, the Wise County Sheriff’s Office enlisted the help of the Regional Forensic Center in Knoxville, Tennessee at the request of Meade’s family. After a full review, Donald Meade’s death was ruled as an accidental death, finding the blunt force head injuries were sustained due to a fall. This finding is supported by physical evidence and crime scene analysis by the Wise County Sheriff’s Office as well.

Due to the above listed facts, Mr. Meade’s case is now closed.

03 December 2010: Anthony Figueroa and Davie Gazda were convicted in a joint jury trial of grand larceny and conspiracy to commit grand larceny. The defendants both worked at the McDonalds in the Town of Wise and were convicted of stealing a customer’s purse. The jury sentenced Davie Gazda to 3 months in jail and Anthony Figueroa to 4 years in prison. Deputy Commonwealth Attorney Ken Lammers prosecuted the case.

The Commonwealth Attorneys Office wishes to thank the Town of Wise Police Department for its excellent work in this case. Without the hard work of Investigator Yates and Chief Bates the prosecution of this theft would not have been possible.

Anthony Figueroa & Davie Gazda (right)

Two men were convicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute More than 5 pounds of Marijuana, in connection with a June 11, 2010, seizure of 10.4 pounds of marijuana.  Jason A. Knight, of Greeneville, Tennessee, and Michael Raboin, of Big Stone Gap, Virginia were sentenced on November 15 and November 17 in Wise County Circuit Court.

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For full Press Release click HERE.

Our office will be closed Thursday, November 11, 2010 in honor of Veteran’s Day.  We would like to say a huge Thank You to all Veterans that have sacraficed so much for our Country.  Will will reopen Friday November 12, 2010 at 8:30am.  In case of emergency please call 911.  -RON

Wise—On Monday, October 25, 2010, the Wise County Sheriff’s Department, Southwest Narcotics Task Force, Virginia State Police, and police departments for the Towns of Big Stone Gap, Coeburn, and Wise combined to conduct a Mass Arrest of 43 offenders who were indicted by the 30th Judicial Circuit Multi-Jurisdiction Grand Jury. This Mass Arrest targeted individuals in the towns of Coeburn and Wise. These arrests stem from an ongoing investigation by the Southwest Narcotics Task Force, primarily focused on the distribution of pharmaceutical drugs. Since 2005, the investigation has resulted in over 550 arrests.

“We are lucky to have law enforcement agencies in Wise County that are dedicated to work together to combat drug dealers. A 5 year investigation takes a lot of time, manpower, teamwork, and dedication. I appreciate all of their efforts,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Ron Elkins.