GREENBRIER COUNTY- A Greenbrier County man is facing multiple felony charges following an Aug. 16 traffic stop that authorities say resulted in the discovery of suspected fentanyl, methamphetamine, THC wax, and a loaded firearm.
According to a criminal complaint, Lt. S.W. Hudnall of the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Department was patrolling Big Draft Road shortly after 6 a.m. when he observed a silver Subaru hatchback with a loud exhaust and an allegedly obstructed windshield. The officer followed the vehicle onto Montague Drive and conducted a traffic stop near Valley View Golf Course.
The driver was identified as Donald Steven Ryan Linton. The complaint states that Linton appeared nervous and told the officer he might have drugs in his pocket. During a search, Hudnall allegedly located a bag containing a crystal-like substance and another bag containing an off-white powder believed to be fentanyl.
A subsequent search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered additional suspected fentanyl, a container holding a yellowish, wax-like substance identified by Linton as THC wax and a fully loaded five-shot .32 H&R Magnum revolver inside a shoulder bag on the driver’s-side floorboard.
Linton was taken into custody and transported to the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Office for an interview. According to the complaint, Linton told investigators he had been selling fentanyl for several months and earning as much as $10,000 per week through the alleged sales.
Authorities reported that Linton has eight previous felony convictions, including convictions recorded in 2016, 2017, 2021 and 2023.
Linton is charged with one felony count of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, one count of possession of fentanyl with intent to deliver, one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver and 12 counts of delivery of fentanyl.
The charges contained in a criminal complaint are allegations. Linton is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
