McDowell Jury Convicts Warren on Drug Charges

MARION — On December 5, 2025, a McDowell County jury found 38-year-old Brian Kyle Warren guilty of two counts of felony Trafficking Opium or Heroin and felony Possession of Opiates. Warren was sentenced to a minimum of 118 months and a maximum of 166 months in prison.

Following the verdict, Warren also entered a guilty plea to Habitual Felon Status.

The charges stem from a February 2024 traffic stop in Old Fort by Detective David Jones with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office Community Impact Team. Officers discovered 14 grams of Oxycodone, marijuana, synthetic cannabinoids, a large amount of U.S. currency, and drug paraphernalia.

Chief Deputy Nathan Mace praised the efforts of law enforcement and prosecutors. “The performance of our CIT Team has been remarkable,” Mace said. “This investigation was handled exceptionally well by our detectives and staff. We are also grateful to District Attorney Ted Bell and his office, with special recognition to Assistant District Attorney Sean Odom for guiding the prosecution.”