Mountain Top Media
Six charged in drug conspiracy centered on Wise County
WISE, Va. — A federal drug investigation involving six defendants in Southwest Virginia and southern West Virginia is now public after the case was unsealed this week following the arrest of the final suspect.
The investigation began in November 2025 and focused on an alleged conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and other controlled substances.
The defendants are Zechariah Luke Thomas, Dakota Allen Thomas, Joyce Roseann Clower, Jeffrey Shane Wells, Jonathan Houston Hamilton and James Michael Hill. Each is charged with conspiracy to distribute meth and fentanyl and possession of meth with the intent to distribute.
According to the federal affidavit:
- Zechariah Thomas is described as a major methamphetamine supplier. Investigators allege he supplied more than three pounds of methamphetamine in one March transaction.
- Dakota Thomas was with Zechariah during that transaction and was allegedly involved in the distribution operation.
- Joyce Clower told investigators she had been dealing methamphetamine and fentanyl and identified Thomas as one of her suppliers.
- Jeffrey Wells is described as a significant distributor who allegedly obtained drugs from Thomas and sold methamphetamine and fentanyl in the Wise County area.
- Jonathan Hamilton allegedly sold fentanyl and methamphetamine during controlled purchases involving investigators.
- James Hill, who had been cooperating with investigators, admitted making unauthorized drug transactions involving Clower, Wells and Thomas.
Federal investigators are seeking charges against all six for conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
The affidavit was initially sealed because investigators said releasing it could jeopardize the ongoing investigation. The defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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Retired Judge Hall receives Heaton Award
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Retired Floyd District Judge Eric D. Hall has been honored with the Judge Robert W. Heaton Award for his contributions to Kentucky’s judiciary and his service to his colleagues and community.
Hall received the award Sept. 15 during the Kentucky District Judges College. Judge Jimmy “Blue” Marcum and Judge Tyler Green presented Hall with the award.
The Judge Robert W. Heaton Award is presented to an elected or retired Kentucky district judge who has demonstrated enduring friendship among colleagues and judicial leadership.
According to the award criteria, recipients are recognized for contributing to the Commonwealth of Kentucky through volunteer service with civic organizations, promoting the image of the judiciary and legal profession, and maintaining a reputation for integrity, mentorship and scholarship.
Hall served as a Floyd District Judge before his retirement.
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