Former Beckley Resident Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Federal Drug Crime

BECKLEY, W.Va. – Zachary Mitchem, 36, formerly of Beckley, was sentenced to four years in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute 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 suspected controlled substances in Mitchem’s car.  The officer then conducted a search of the car and found approximately 21 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 14 grams of heroin and a firearm.  Mitchem was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to previous felony convictions.   After his arrest, Mitchem admitted that he intended to distribute the drugs in and around Raleigh County.

United States Attorney William S. Thompson 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 imposed the sentence.  Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess handled 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.

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