North Tazewell Man Sentenced for Possessing Firearms, Explosive Devices

ABINGDON, Va. – A North Tazewell man, who possessed seven firearms, over 100 rounds of ammunition, an explosive detonator and a destructive device, was sentenced this week to 57 months in federal prison.

Timothy Wader Mitchell Jr., 45, pleaded guilty in August 2022 to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of possession of an explosive device by a convicted felon.

According to court documents, on May 22, 2022, law enforcement responded to the Mitchell residence in North Tazewell, Virginia to serve an outstanding warrant on Sandra Mitchell, Timothy Mitchell’s wife. While at the residence, deputies observed a methamphetamine pipe and several other drug paraphernalia items.

After obtaining a search warrant for the residence, deputies discovered a small quantity of methamphetamine, seven firearms, consisting of five long guns and two handguns, over 100 rounds of ammunition, an electric blasting cap, a fuse, and a destructive device categorized by experts as an explosive bomb.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Virginia State Police, and the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lena Busscher prosecuted the case.