Operation X-Nation Update: Princeton Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug Crime

BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – A Princeton man was sentenced to federal prison for his participation in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating between New York and Mercer County, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. David Simmons, 51, of Princeton, was sentenced to 24 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiring to distribute quantities of oxymorphone and oxycodone. Simmons, along with four other individuals, was charged as a result of a long-term, multi-state investigation known as Operation X-Nation.

“Thanks to the collaborative efforts of many law enforcement agencies, a multi-state pill distribution network has been shut down,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Southern West Virginia communities have been ravaged by prescription drug abuse and addiction. You can rest assured that we will not rest until all those responsible are held accountable.”

Simmons previously admitted that between August 2017 and August 31, 2019, he participated in a DTO operating in Mercer County. During this time period, Simmons worked with other members of the DTO to acquire and distribute prescription pills in and around Mercer County. In or about the month of August 2019, Simmons had telephone calls intercepted by law enforcement. During these calls, Simmons was discussing the distribution of oxymorphone and oxycodone with other members of the DTO. Simmons admitted that he was responsible for conspiring to distribute approximately 210 oxymorphone pills and approximately 257 oxycodone pills. Simmons also admitted it was the plan of the DTO to redistribute the pills in and around Mercer County.  

Stuart commended the cooperative investigative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, which is composed of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department, the Princeton Police Department and the Bluefield Police Department. Each agency provided additional and essential support throughout this investigation. 

Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess handled the prosecution. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence.