ABINGDON, Va. — A Wise County man has been sentenced to 16 years in prison after pleading guilty in a federal drug case.

Eric Bud Mullins, 34, of Big Stone Gap, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess more than 500 grams of meth with the intent to distribute, conspiracy to possess fentanyl with the intent to distribute, and possession of more than 50 grams of meth with the intent to distribute.

Prosecutors had asked the court for a sentence of more than 24 years, citing Mullins’ long criminal history and the fact that when he committed his crimes, he was under supervision after completing a 30-month sentence for Covid unemployment fraud.

Mullins’ attorney asked for a shorter sentence of 15 years, however, saying his crimes were a result of his own lifelong battles with addiction.

The judge agreed with the defense, sentencing Mullins to 15 years for the drug charges, plus an additional year for violating his supervision on the fraud charges. Following his release from prison, he will be on supervision for an additional five years.