The Shadow
FINCASTLE, Va. (VR) – As the result of an ongoing narcotics investigation, On March 4, 2025, the Botetourt
County Sheriff’s Office executed search warrants at a residence on West Cleo in the Cloverdale area of
the county and 13th Street in the Town of Buchanan.
At approximately 8:30 am, deputies responded to the area of West Cleo Ln, to serve a search warrant for
narcotics. To ensure the safety of deputies and the community, the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office
Emergency Response Team (ERT) was used to secure the location due to credible information indicating
that the suspect was possibly armed.
During the operation, Detectives recovered a firearm and suspected narcotics.
The suspects have been identified as:
Chad Allen Nichols, (43) of Roanoke, Virginia
-and-
Joseph Edward Davis, (24) of Roanoke, Virginia
Nichols and Davis were arrested for possession of schedule I or II narcotics and possession of a firearm
by a convicted felon. Both are being held in the Botetourt-Craig Regional Jail without bond. Pending the
results of lab analysis, additional charges may be filed.
At approximately 4:30 p.m., deputies responded to 13th Street in the Town of Buchanan to serve search
warrants for a firearm and narcotics. To ensure the safety of deputies and the community, the Botetourt
County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Response Team (ERT) was used to secure the location due to
credible information indicating that the suspect was possibly armed.
The suspect has been identified as:
Mary Lynn Southers (38) of Buchanan, Virginia
Detectives recovered suspected narcotics, which have been sent to the lab for identification.
Southers was arrested for an outstanding indictment for possession of schedule I or II narcotics and is
being held in the Botetourt-Craig Regional Jail on a $5,000.00 secured bond. Pending the results of the
lab analysis, additional charges may be filed.
-This information is based on a preliminary and ongoing investigation, which continues to evolve as
detectives interview witnesses, review physical and electronic records, and analyze forensic
evidence. The Department’s understanding of the facts and circumstances may change as
additional evidence is collected and analyzed-
Joseph Edward Davis, (24) of Roanoke, Virginia
Chad Allen Nichols, (43) of Roanoke, Virginia
Mary Lynn Southers (38) of Buchanan, Virginia
