ABINGDON, Va. – A Bristol, Virginia man, who conspired with others to distribute more than 600 fentanyl pills, pled guilty last week to federal gun and drug charges.Briar Stephens, 24, pled guilty last week to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime.According to court documents, between September 2024 and October 2024, Stephens, Bobby Arnett, and others, conspired to distribute fentanyl. Specially, over the course of the conspiracy, Stephens purchased fentanyl pills that he and Arnett further distributed in Washington County, within the Western District of Virginia, and elsewhere.On October 16, 2024, Stephens possessed approximately 600 fentanyl pills with the intent to further distribute them. Stephens also possessed a loaded Glock 23 .40 caliber pistol in his waistband in furtherance of the drug conspiracy.At sentencing, Stephens faces up to life in prison. Arnett pled guilty in July and will be sentenced in January 2026.Acting United States Attorney Robert N.
Tracci and Christopher C. Goumenis, Special Agent in Charge of DEA Washington Division, made the announcement.The Elizabethton Tennessee Police Department, Washington County Virginia Sheriff’s Office, Holston River Drug Task Force, and the Drug Enforcement Administration are investigating the case.Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Stone is prosecuting the case.