News Release
March 22, 2006
Contact: PIO Laura DiCesare
(202) 305-8093

Bristol Man Charged With Possession Of Thousands Of Ecstasy Pills

MAR 22 --Shawn A. Johnson, Special Agent in Charge of DEA’s Washington Division announced today that Brent Andrew Jarvis, age 39, of Bristol, Virginia, was indicted by a federal Grand Jury sitting in Abingdon, Virginia. Jarvis was charged in a two-count indictment with conspiracy to distribute MDMA and possession with intent to distribute MDMA. During a search of Jarvis’ home, police found 8,000 MDMA or “Ecstasy” pills.

“This case is a fine example of federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutors working together to develop a narcotics investigation to its fullest extent. Due to the success of this case, the availability of Ecstasy in southwest Virginia has been significantly reduced,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Shawn A. Johnson.

“This is one of the largest Ecstasy seizures we’ve had in this district. The Grand Jury has alleged that Mr. Jarvis has been involved in a conspiracy to sell Ecstasy for the last six months,” said United States Attorney John Brownlee.

If convicted on all counts, Jarvis faces a maximum 40 years in prison and a $2 million dollar fine. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Virginia State Police, and Bristol, Virginia City Police. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Bockhorst will prosecute the case.

A Grand Jury indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the government to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.