A Virginia Doctor Convicted Of More Than 800 Counts Of Illegally Distributing Opioids, Including Those That Cause A West Virginia Woman’s Death, Is Appealing His Conviction. Dr Joel Smithers Was Sentenced By A Federal Judge In Abingdon To 40 Years In Prison Earlier This Year. Authorities Say He Prescribed Opioids To Patients In Multiple States Including Tennessee. His Appeal Was Filed Earlier This Month In Abingdon Federal Court.