ABINGDON, Va. (WJHL) – A Big Stone Gap man who pleaded guilty to possessing meth with the intent to distribute has been sentenced.

A news release from the Office of Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares states Joshua Derrick Ellis Vanover, 35, was sentenced on March 15 to 107 months in federal prison.

Vanover’s charges stem from a pursuit on Feb. 26, 2023.

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Crime Watch

The Big Stone Gap Police Department had reportedly attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Vanover’s vehicle, but he fled from police. A high-speed pursuit followed, and Vanover was arrested afterward.

The attorney general’s office reports police searched Vanover after the pursuit and found a “large bag of methamphetamine” hidden in his clothing. Police also reported finding two other large bags of methamphetamine in the vehicle along with drug paraphernalia.

“Vanover admitted he fled from police because he knew he was wanted, had drugs on him, and did not want to go back to jail,” the release states. “Vanover’s serious and significant criminal history, including prior drug-related convictions, were aggravating factors considered at his sentencing hearing.”

In total, more than 50 grams of meth were found in Vanover’s car.

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