Beckley Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Crime

BECKLEY, W.Va. – Zachary Mitchem, 36, of Beckley, pleaded guilty today to possession with the intent to deliver methamphetamine and heroin.

According to court documents, Mitchem was found passed out in a car parked in front of a local business near Beckley on July 5, 2019.  When a law enforcement officer came to check on Mitchem, she observed what she suspected to be controlled substances in Mitchem’s car.  The officer then conducted a search of the car and found approximately 21 grams of methamphetamine and approximately 14 grams of heroin.  The officer also found a gun which Mitchem was prohibited from possessing due to previous felony convictions.   After his arrest, Mitchem admitted that he intended to distribute the drugs in and around Raleigh County.

Mitchem faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on November 5, 2021.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Beckley Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

United States District Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the hearing.  Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is handling the prosecution.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:20-cr-00032.

###