Investigations and operations by the James River Regional Drug Task Force have resulted in indictments in both Rockbridge County and Buena Vista, according to a pair of press releases from the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office last week.
According to the first release, Timothy Wayne Brown, 44, of Verona was originally taken into custody on Nov. 4 after members of the drug task force and deputies with the sheriff’s office attempted to conduct a traffic stop on North Lee Highway as part of an active and ongoing drug investigation.
Brown failed to stop and fled, resulting in a pursuit that ended near the Interstate 81 off-ramp in the Timber Ridge area. He was taken into custody without further incident, and charged with one felony count of eluding police, one felony count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute (third or subsequent offense) and one misdemeanor count of driving without a valid license. During the arrest, approximately one ounce of methamphetamine was seized from Brown’s vehicle.
The grand jury directly indicted Brown on four additional felony charges: three counts of distribution of methamphetamine (third or subsequent offense) and one count of distribution of 20 grams or more of methamphetamine (third or subsequent offense). These charges connect to incidents that occurred between Oct. 16 and Oct. 27, 2025. The indictments were sealed until Brown was served with warrants for the charges at the Rockbridge Regional Jail, where he has been held without bond since his arrest in November.
“This case is the result of a solid, long-term investigation by the James River Regional Drug Task Force and outstanding cooperation among all participating agencies,” Rockbridge County Sheriff Tony McFaddin said in the press release. “Through this investigation, more than two and a half ounces of methamphetamine were removed from our community. That represents a significant impact on public safety and demonstrates what can be accomplished when agencies work together toward a common goal.”
According to the second release, the drug task force and officers of the Buena Vista Police Department conducted a joint operation which included a traffic stop on Brandon Dean Smith, 39, of Buena Vista on Sept. 10, 2025. A K9 from the BVPD was deployed during the stop and alerted on the vehicle, indicating the presence of illegal drugs. A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately a quarter ounce of Methamphetamine.
Smith was indicted by a Buena Vista grand jury on Jan. 28 for one felony count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute (third or subsequent offense). When agents with the drug task force and officers with the BVPD located and arrested Smith on the charge, an additional quarter ounce of methamphetamine and was charged with an additional count of possession of a schedule I or II drug. He is currently being held without bond at the Rockbridge Regional Jail.
“The Buena Vista Police Department is sincerely appreciative of the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office and our partner agencies within the James River Regional Drug Task Force for their continued collaboration and shared commitment to addressing the significant harm caused by drug trafficking organizations distributing methamphetamine throughout our region,” Interim BVPD Chief David Clements said in the press release. “These coordinated enforcement efforts are critical to disrupting the flow of dangerous drugs, holding repeat offenders accountable and protecting the safety and well-being of our communities. The success of this operation underscores the importance of strong interagency partnerships in confronting complex, multijurisdictional drug activity.” - The following indictment from the Feb. 2 Rockbridge County grand jury was also recently been unsealed: Hayley Brooke Ratcliffe, 28, for one count of possession of a schedule I or II drug (methamphetamine) on Feb. 26, 2025. - The following indictments from the Jan. 28 Buena Vista grand jury have also recently been unsealed: Ronell Lee Anderson, 51, for one count of distribution of a schedule I or II drug (methamphetamine) on June 18, 2025.
Brandon Lee Ayers, 37, for one count of possession of child pornography with intent to distribute and nine counts of possession of child pornography with intent to distribute (second or subsequent offense) on July 7, 2024.
Tiffany Renee Lilley, 44, for five counts of distribution of a schedule I or II drug (Buprenorphine) and five counts of selling or distributing drugs on school property between Sept. 18 and Oct. 27, 2025.
Charles William Byers III, 44 for one count of conspiracy to sell or distribute a schedule I or II drug between April 29 and July 10, 2025.
Jeffrey Wayne Reynolds II, 35, for one count of possession of a schedule I or II drug on Sept. 12, 2025.
Amber B. Wills, 27, for one count of fraudulently obtaining $1,000 or more in public assistance between Sept. 1 and Oct. 31, 2025, nine counts of failing to notify of a change in circumstances related to public assistance between Aug. 11, 2021, and June 25, 2025, and seven counts of making a false application for public assistance between Dec. 29, 2021, and June 25, 2025.
