Two individuals from Buena Vista have been found guilty of several drug possession and conspiracy charges as part of an ongoing investigation being conducted by the James River Regional Drug Task Force, according to a press release from the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office last week.
Charles Byers III pled guilty to one count of possession of a schedule I or II drug with intent to distribute and to one count of distribution of a schedule I or II drug in Buena Vista Circuit Court on July 10. He received 20 year sentences for each charge for a total sentence of 40 years. All but five of those years were suspended per a plea agreement with the Buena Vista Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office. Byers also entered guilty pleas to two charges of possession of a schedule I or II drug and received a two-year suspended sentence for each. He is currently incarcerated at Rockbridge Regional Jail. Sheena Lewis was tried and convicted in Buena Vista Circuit Court on Aug. 14 on one count of possession of a schedule I or II drug with intent to distribute, one count of possession of a schedule I or II drug and one count of conspiracy to violate the drug control act. Following the verdict, her bond was revoked and she is currently incarcerated at Rockbridge Regional Jail. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for Oct. 16.
“These convictions are the result of a complex investigation and the outstanding collaboration between agencies that make up the James River Regional Drug Task Force,” Buena Vista Police Chief David Clements and Rockbridge County Sheriff Tony Mc-Faddin said in a joint statement. “The individuals involved in this conspiracy chose to bring dangerous narcotics into our communities, and today’s outcome demonstrates that those activities will not be tolerated. We remain committed to identifying, investigating, and prosecuting those responsible for distributing illegal drugs while working to keep our neighborhoods safe and improve the quality of life for the citizens we serve.”
The James River Regional Drug Task Force is comprised of law enforcement officers from the Office of the Sheriff for Rockbridge County and Lexington City, Buena Vista Police Department, Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office, Bedford County Sheriff’s Office, Town of Bedford Police Department, and the Virginia State Police.
