VIRGINIA — Three people were arrested as part of a drug distribution investigation in Wythe County, according to the Wythe County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff’s officials said deputies have been conducting a lengthy investigation into the distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl within Wythe County. The investigation led to multiple arrests on Friday, December 12, in and around the town of Wytheville.
Deputies said they attempted to arrest Richard Allen Nichols on South 11th Street in Wytheville on a probation violation related to drug distribution and carrying a concealed weapon.
According to investigators, Nichols fled on foot but was taken into custody after a brief pursuit. During his arrest, deputies said they seized a large quantity of illegal narcotics. Nichols has been identified as a suspect in the ongoing investigation and is believed to have been selling large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl in Wythe County.
A short time later, deputies conducted a traffic stop involving Stephen Cody Ford and Krystal Rose Hoover, who were also identified during the investigation. Investigators allege Ford and Hoover were involved in distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl and funneling the drugs into Wythe County.
As a result of the operation, deputies said they seized more than 100 grams of methamphetamine and over 20 grams of fentanyl.
Nichols was charged with felony probation violation and misdemeanor probation violation and is being held at the New River Valley Regional Jail without bond. Hoover was charged with possession of a Schedule I or II drug and is being held at the same facility on a $5,000 secured bond. Charges against Ford have not been released, but authorities said he is also being held at the New River Valley Regional Jail.
