Coeburn Man Facing Mandatory 20-Year Sentence Following Jury Conviction

ABINGDON, Va. – A federal jury convicted a Coeburn, Virginia man today for conspiring with others to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine in addition to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Last week, a jury convicted  Rodney Allen Pickett, 51, of one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, three counts of distribution of methamphetamine, one count of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition after having been convicted of a felony, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession of firearm silencers.

At sentencing, Pickett faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.

United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh of the Western District of Virginia and Special Agent in Charge Craig B. Kailimai of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement.

The Southwest Virginia Drug Task Force, the Coeburn Police Department, the Wise County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danielle Stone and Lena Busscher are prosecuting the case.