Bristol Man Sentenced on Drug, Firearms Charges

ABINGDON, Va. – A Bristol, Virginia man, who possessed approximately 100 firearms while conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison.  In addition, Stout is forfeiting all of the firearms and ammunition he possessed. 

Zachary Stout, 26, pled guilty in September 2023 to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute  five grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of possession with the intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to court documents, on April 19, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the residence of Robert Hockett in Bristol, Virginia. During that search, law enforcement recovered more than 1,600 grams of nearly pure methamphetamine, 135 grams of heroin, 40 pills of fentanyl, approximately $28,000 in cash, firearms, ammunition, and two cellphones.

In addition, investigators learned that Hockett was being supplied methamphetamine from Tyshawn Blackwell and Zachary Stout.

On July 27, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Stout’s residence in Bristol, Virginia. During that search, authorities recovered approximately 30 grams of methamphetamine, digital scales, four cell phones, and approximately 100 firearms—many of which were loaded.  The firearms included semiautomatic rifles, pistols, and three sawed-off shotguns. Numerous high-capacity magazines and more than 3,300 rounds of ammunition were also seized.

In August 2023, Hockett was sentenced to 127 months in prison for his role in the conspiracy. Blackwell is awaiting sentencing in the Eastern District of Tennessee. 

United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh 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.

The investigation of the case was handled by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; and the Bristol, Virginia Police Department. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Whit D. Pierce is prosecuting the case for the United States.