Convicted felon admits to drug distribution and illegal firearm possession in Virginia
Ivanhoe, Virginia – A Virginia man, previously convicted of a felony, recently pled guilty to federal charges related to drug distribution and illegal firearm possession. Troy Alexander Stamper III, 34, of Ivanhoe, Virginia, admitted to possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Incident Leading to Arrest
According to court documents, the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office was called to a residence in Fries, Virginia, on June 23, 2023, in search of a wanted individual. When officers arrived at the scene, a witness reported that both the wanted individual and Stamper fled upon spotting the deputies. The witness further informed deputies that Stamper was in possession of a firearm.
The wanted individual was eventually located hiding underneath the residence. He informed the deputies that Stamper had stashed a duffel bag, which contained a pistol, under the porch of the home. Upon investigation, officers found the bag containing a loaded 9 mm semiautomatic pistol, 87 grams of methamphetamine, .873 grams of fentanyl, and four oxycodone tablets.
Shortly thereafter, Stamper was arrested. He admitted that both the pistol and the drugs in the duffel bag belonged to him.
Legal Charges and Ongoing Investigation
Stamper pled guilty to two federal charges: one count of possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. These charges carry significant penalties, given his previous criminal history and the quantity of drugs involved.
United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh and James VanVliet, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement regarding Stamper’s guilty plea.
The Grayson County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are continuing to investigate the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary T. Lee is handling the prosecution.
Stamper’s guilty plea marks a serious violation of both drug and firearm laws, which often result in long-term incarceration, especially for individuals with prior felony convictions. His sentencing will follow in the coming months, as federal authorities pursue justice in the case.
This case underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat the illegal possession of firearms and the distribution of dangerous narcotics in Virginia.
