Western District of Arkansas
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Van Buren Man Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Federal Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Fort Smith – A Van Buren man was sentenced today to 130 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Possession of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute. The Honorable P.K. Holmes, III presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fort Smith.
According to court documents, in September 2022, a patrol officer with Van Buren Police Department attempted to perform a traffic stop on Philip Ray Jones, age 44. Jones failed to pull over and a high-speed chase ensued. Ultimately Jones abandoned his vehicle in a residential area and tried to flee on foot. During the foot pursuit Jones dropped a bag on the ground. A search of Jones and the bag yielded methamphetamine, cash, a digital scale and other illegal controlled substances.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Van Buren Police Department and Crawford County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carly Marshall and Tyler Williams prosecuted the case.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 38 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Fentanyl Resulting in the Death of a PersonRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – A Farmington man was sentenced today to 456 months in federal prison without the possibility of parole followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $10,000.00 in fines on one count of Distribution of a Mixture or Substance that Contained Fentanyl Resulting in the Death of a Person. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, on February 3, 2022, the Fayetteville Police Department responded to a 911 call that reported the location of a dead body in an apartment building on Mt. Sequoya. Upon arriving to the scene, officers located the deceased body of a 29-year-old adult male. Next to the deceased’s body, officers located a small amount of a white substance, later determined to be fentanyl, and a syringe. Shortly after, family members of the deceased contact agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Fayetteville Resident Office, who launched a federal investigation.
DEA agents determined that on the night of January 31, 2022, the deceased and his girlfriend combined their money to purchase what they believed was heroin from Ethan Scott Driskill, age 33. The drug transaction took place in the parking lot of a gas station located on Leverette Street in Fayetteville. Upon arriving back to the Mt. Sequoya apartment, the couple diluted some of the white substance with water and injected it into their bodies via a syringe. The following morning, the deceased drove his girlfriend to her place of work and told her that he would pick her up later that evening. However, he never returned and had stopped responding to text messages and calls. On February 3, 2022, the girlfriend went to check on him and discovered his body. DEA agents were able to determine that upon returning to his apartment on the evening of February 1, 2022, the deceased male again injected himself with the fentanyl purchased from Driskill. Approximately nine (9) minutes later, he fell to the floor where his body remained until being discovered 2 days later.
During the ensuing investigation, DEA agents, conducted two controlled purchases of fentanyl directly from Driskill. On or about February 12, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Driskill’s Farmington residence and located, among other items, approximately 730 counterfeit pills containing Fentanyl, 240 gross grams of Fentanyl powder, and 2 firearms. Driskill and his co-conspirator Amber Adair, were arrested. During a post-Miranda interview, Driskill admitted to selling fentanyl in both powder and counterfeit pill form in Northwest Arkansas. Driskill also admitted to the drug transaction that occurred at the Leverette gas station on January 31, 2022. At the time of this conduct, Driskill was on active supervision from Arkansas Probation and Parole based on a previous state felony conviction.
Other members of the drug trafficking organization indicted federally are as follows:
Amber Nichole Adair: age 28, Farmington Arkansas – Aiding and Abetting Ethan Driskill, and others, in the Possession of 40 grams or more of Fentanyl with the Intent to Distribute– sentenced to 96 months imprisonment and 4-year term of supervised release.
Marchello Stephano Oliver: age 34, Farmington, Arkansas - Possession of 40 grams or more of Fentanyl with the Intent to Distribute. Sentencing date set September 21, 2023.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jarad Harper of the Drug Enforcement Administration Little Rock Field Office made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Benton County Sheriff’s Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Department, Bentonville Police Department, Rogers Police Department, Benton County Drug Unit, Farmington Police Department, Fayetteville Police Department, Springdale Police Department, 4th Judicial District Drug Task Force, Arkansas State Police and the Arkansas National Guard Counter Drug Unit investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin Roberts and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Harris prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov. WDAR Case No. 5:22 CR 50032-001-003.
Tennessee Man Sentenced to the Maximum Punishment of 20 years in Federal Prison for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – A Tennessee man was sentenced yesterday to 240 months (the statutory maximum) in prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Bank Robbery. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, on January 10, 2023, Danny Ray Madison, age 58, entered the First Security Bank on Wedington Drive in Fayetteville, represented that he was armed and robbed the bank, taking an undisclosed amount of U.S. currency. With the assistance of local businesses, detectives with the Fayetteville Police Department were able to identify and arrest Madison that same day. During an interview with a detective from the Fayetteville Police Department and a Special Agent with the FBI, Madison admitted that he traveled to Fayetteville for the sole purpose of robbing a bank. Court documents revealed that Madison has three prior federal bank robbery convictions from North Carolina, Florida and Tennessee.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Fayetteville Police Department and the FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Harris prosecuted the case.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov
Indiana Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Interstate Violation of Protection Order and Transportation of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
HOT SPRINGS – An Indiana man was sentenced Friday, September 1, 2023, to 30 years in prison for violating an order of protection issued out of Lake County, Indiana by taking a minor listed in the order of protection across state lines, as well as transporting images of child pornography across state lines. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Hot Springs.
According to court documents, Nathan Martin Curry-Fishtorn, age 26, of Saint John, Indiana was arrested in Arkansas in August 2019. On August 18, 2019, the Little Rock FBI Office was contacted by the FBI Indianapolis Field Office regarding a missing minor last seen two days before in Crown Point, Indiana. Law enforcement’s investigation led them to a residence in Malvern, Arkansas, where Curry-Fishtorn and the minor were located. Court documents show Curry-Fishtorn had previously been served an order of protection out of his home state of Indiana prohibiting him from having any contact with the minor. The minor told police Curry-Fishtorn had a gun during the twelve-hour drive and stated, “I have a gun, don’t try anything.” Also located in the vehicle was a SIM card from Curry-Fishtorn’s cellular phone. Forensic examination of the SIM card revealed images of child pornography.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Hot Springs County Sheriff's Department and the Lake County Sheriff's Department, Crown Point, Indiana investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Marshall prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov
Four Men Convicted of $18M Global Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal jury in the Western District of Arkansas convicted four men yesterday for their lead roles in an investment fraud and money laundering conspiracy that cheated victims out of more than $18 million.
“The defendants abused their positions of trust to entice victims into parting with more than $18 million,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The defendants then used their financial backgrounds to systematically launder the money through a web of international bank accounts. This case stands as a stark message to those who defraud others for their personal gain: you will be found, you will be prosecuted, and you will be convicted.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between at least 2013 and 2021, John C. Nock, 55, of Fayetteville, Arkansas; Brian Brittsan, 67, of San Marcos, California; Kevin Griffith, 67, of Orem, Utah; and Alexander Ituma, 57, of Lehi, Utah, conspired to engage in an investment fraud scheme through an entity known as “The Brittingham Group,” which Nock founded. Together, the four defendants falsely represented the nature of their investment offerings and promised outsize returns to victims that, in reality, the defendants could not and did not produce. To promote and conceal the conspiracy, Nock and Brittsan directed victims to send their money to bank accounts that Griffith, Ituma, and other co-conspirators controlled. Once the money was in the hands of the co-conspirators, the defendants transferred victim money through a complex web of worldwide bank accounts.
“Plain and simple, these four individuals ran a fraudulent scheme. They falsely represented the nature of their business and lied about potential investment returns to bilk unsuspecting victims out of more than $18 million,” said IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Chief Jim Lee. “I commend the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section who prosecuted the case, and our special agents and partners at the FBI uncovered the complex web of financial transactions that led to the defendants’ convictions yesterday.”
“The conviction of these defendants sends a strong message to criminals committing financial crimes. A single scam can destroy a company, devastate families by wiping out their life savings, or cost investors millions of dollars,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI would like to remind investors to be diligent and gather as much information as possible before making any investment. The FBI will continue to work aggressively with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who break the law and violate public trust.”
The jury convicted each defendant of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The defendants face a maximum of 20 years in prison on each count. The jury also convicted Nock of money laundering for which he faces a maximum of 10 years in prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. A federal district court judge will determine any sentences after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
IRS-CI and the FBI investigated the case. U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Arkansas provided invaluable assistance.
Trial Attorneys Philip Trout, Vasanth Sridharan, and Sara A. Hallmark of Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
Hope Man Sentenced to More Than 17 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
HOT SPRINGS – A Hope, Arkansas man was sentenced yesterday to 210 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release on one count of Possession of More Than Five (5) Grams of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the U.S. District Court in Hot Springs.
According to court documents, Kaiven Wesley, age 42, was identified by law enforcement to be part of a Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) distributing methamphetamine in the Malvern, Arkansas, geographical area. The Drug Trafficking Organization was led by Jedadire Leshawn Nellums, age 46, who was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison in May of 2023.
On August 17, 2020, searches were conducted at multiple properties associated with the Nellums’ DTO, resulting in investigators locating and seizing over 1,400 grams of pure methamphetamine. Additionally, Wesley was arrested on that same date and found to be in possession of an additional 49.04 grams of pure methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Achorn prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to More Than 7 Years in Federal Prison for Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
HOT SPRINGS – A Hot Springs man was sentenced yesterday to 90 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Hot Springs.
According to court documents, on or about July 11, 2021, officers with the Hot Springs Police Department were dispatched to a residential neighborhood after receiving a report of a drive-by shooting on a residence. Shortly after arrival to the area, Steven D. Young, age 41, arrived at the residence demanding to know who shot up his house.
As Young excited his vehicle, officers observed a .45 caliber handgun in the driver’s side floorboard. Young was subsequently arrested. The firearm was seized and determined to be loaded with live rounds of ammunition and to have previously been reported stolen. Investigating officers determined Young was a felon and prohibited from possessing firearms.
A Special Agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF) confirmed that the firearm was manufactured outside the State of Arkansas and, thus, had traveled in interstate commerce.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Hot Springs Police Department and the ATF investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Achorn prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov
Magnolia Man Sentenced for Killing a Bald EagleRead the Press Release
EL DORADO – A Magnolia man was sentenced on June 15, 2023, to 24 months of federal probation, with the first 60 days to be served on home detention and ordered to pay $2,025 dollars in restitution and fees on one count of Aiding and Abetting in the Taking of a Bald Eagle. The Honorable Magistrate Judge Barry A. Bryant presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in El Dorado.
According to court documents, on January 16, 2022, Officers with the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission were dispatched to Lake Columbia, which is within the Western District of Arkansas, El Dorado Division. Upon arrival, officers made contact with a witness who advised that he was duck hunting with his children when he observed a Bald Eagle fly over their location. The witness observed a subject shoot the Bald Eagle. The witness then observed a subject go out and retrieve the bird from the water. Shortly thereafter, officers made contact with Christopher Lane Shackelford, age 20. Shackelford initially denied shooting the Bald Eagle, but later confessed to the officers.
Bald Eagles are protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The violations of these statutes can carry maximum criminal penalties of up to $250,000 and/or two years in federal prison.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney’s David Harris, Bryan Achorn and Graham Jones prosecuted the case.
Anyone with information concerning violations of wildlife crimes is asked to call the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement in Conway, AR at (501) 513-4470; or contact the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission at (833) 356-0824 or text your tip to TIP411 (847411) (charges may apply).
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov
Midway Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE –A Midway, Arkansas, man was sentenced on June 7, 2023, to 240 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release on one count of Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing for the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, on September 8, 2022, investigators with the State of Arkansas 14th Judicial District Drug Task Force assisted Arkansas Department of Community Corrections Parole Officers with a search of the residence of Bobby Joe Amescua Gray, II, age 34, in Midway, Arkansas. Upon the arrival of investigators, Gray attempted to flee out of the rear of the residence but was quicky apprehended. Gray’s vehicle was searched, resulting in the discovery of 4.467 kilograms of 100% pure methamphetamine, a firearm, packaging and scales associated with methamphetamine sales and over $5,000 in United States Currency derived from methamphetamine sales.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The State of Arkansas 14th Judicial District Drug Task Force and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Carter prosecuted the case for the United States.
Today’s announcement is part of the Western District of Arkansas’ Operation Home on Ice, which is part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program. The OCDETF program is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s drug supply reduction strategy. OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illicit drug supply.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov , WDAR Case No. 3:22 CR 30013-001.
Lavaca Man Sentenced in $134 Million COVID-19 Health Care Fraud and Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
FORT SMITH – A Lavaca, Arkansas, man was sentenced today to 15 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $29,835,825.99 in restitution for conspiracy to commit health care fraud and money laundering.
Billy Joe Taylor, age 44, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and money laundering on October 27, 2022. According to court documents, Taylor and his co-conspirators submitted more than $134 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare in connection with diagnostic laboratory testing, including urine drug testing and tests for respiratory illnesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, that were medically unnecessary, not ordered by medical providers, and not provided as represented. Taylor and his co-conspirators obtained medical information and private personal information for Medicare beneficiaries, and then misused that confidential information to repeatedly submit claims to Medicare for diagnostic tests. According to court documents, Taylor and his co-conspirators received more than $38 million from Medicare on those fraudulent claims.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes for the Western District of Arkansas; Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge James A. Dawson, of the FBI’s Little Rock division; Special Agent in Charge Jason Meadows of the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Dallas Regional Office; and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Altemus of the IRS-Criminal Investigation, Dallas Field Office, made the announcement
The FBI, HHS-OIG, and IRS-Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Elser of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Arkansas and Senior Litigation Counsel Jim Hayes and Trial Attorney D. Keith Clouser of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section’s National Rapid Response Strike Force prosecuted the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, comprised of 15 strike forces operating in 25 federal districts, has charged more than 5,000 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $24 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
Lavaca Man Sentenced in $134 Million COVID-19 Health Care Fraud and Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
FORT SMITH – A Lavaca, Arkansas, man was sentenced today to 15 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $29,835,825.99 in restitution for conspiracy to commit health care fraud and money laundering.
Billy Joe Taylor, age 44, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and money laundering on October 27, 2022. According to court documents, Taylor and his co-conspirators submitted more than $134 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare in connection with diagnostic laboratory testing, including urine drug testing and tests for respiratory illnesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, that were medically unnecessary, not ordered by medical providers, and not provided as represented. Taylor and his co-conspirators obtained medical information and private personal information for Medicare beneficiaries, and then misused that confidential information to repeatedly submit claims to Medicare for diagnostic tests. According to court documents, Taylor and his co-conspirators received more than $38 million from Medicare on those fraudulent claims.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes for the Western District of Arkansas; Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge James A. Dawson, of the FBI’s Little Rock division; Special Agent in Charge Jason Meadows of the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Dallas Regional Office; and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Altemus of the IRS-Criminal Investigation, Dallas Field Office, made the announcement
The FBI, HHS-OIG, and IRS-Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Elser of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Arkansas and Senior Litigation Counsel Jim Hayes and Trial Attorney D. Keith Clouser of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section’s National Rapid Response Strike Force prosecuted the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, comprised of 15 strike forces operating in 25 federal districts, has charged more than 5,000 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $24 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov
Huntsville Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – A Huntsville man was sentenced yesterday to 240 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Distribution of Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, since August 2022, detectives with the Benton County Drug Unit and special agents with Homeland Security Investigations had been conducting an on-going narcotics investigation into the distribution of methamphetamine in Northwest Arkansas. During the investigation, law enforcement conducted multiple controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Richard Patrick Horton, age 56. Subsequently, investigators learned that Horton was receiving methamphetamine through the mail. Law enforcement ultimately intercepted a package bound for Horton’s address that contained two large bundles of suspected methamphetamine.
The purchased and seized methamphetamine was later submitted to the Homeland Security Investigations Crime Laboratory for testing where it was tested and determined to be methamphetamine. Between the controlled purchases and the intercepted parcel, Horton was held accountable for over 2 kilograms of methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Benton County Drug Unit and Homeland Security Investigations Fayetteville investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Eaton prosecuted the case.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov.
Former Car Dealership Manager Gets 2 Years in Prison, Must Pay $448,000 RestitutionRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.—A Cave Springs man and former general manager at several Northwest Arkansas car dealerships was sentenced Monday to 24 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay more than $448,000 in restitution for evading federal income taxes for seven years. U.S. District Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing, which followed the January 23, 2023, guilty plea entered by defendant Jonathan M. Wichman, 36, to a criminal information charging him with tax evasion.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Wichman worked from 2014 through 2020, mainly as a general manager at car dealerships in Northwest Arkansas. During these years, Wichman earned more than $2.3 million in wages. However, Wichman did not file timely tax returns with the IRS for any of those years despite receiving correspondence from the IRS asking why he had not filed his tax returns. In May 2019, the IRS issued assessments for Wichman’s 2014 and 2016 taxes, which he did not pay. In 2019, Wichman filed his tax returns for tax years 2014 through 2018, but did not make any payments. Also, in October 2018, Wichman accessed his employer’s online payroll system and caused the dealership to not withhold any federal income taxes or employment taxes from his 2019 and 2020 wages, and he again did not file returns in 2019 and 2020.
Wichman told investigating agents that he knew he owed past due taxes to the IRS. Wichman said he prepared his taxes using commercial software, and each year, the program showed he owed a large amount of taxes. Wichman claimed he did not have the money to pay his taxes, so he did not file his tax returns. However, the investigation revealed that Wichman did have money available to pay his taxes. From 2018 through 2021, Wichman made cash transactions at various casinos and banks totaling more than one million dollars. In addition, from 2014 through 2022, Wichman spent more than $513,000 on luxury vehicles, a travel trailer, and a Florida vacation
In total, Wichman evaded $276,244 in income taxes – $263,615 owed to the IRS, and $12,628 owed to the state of Arkansas. Judge Brooks ordered Wichman to pay $448,592 in restitution, which included penalties and interest – $445,715 to the U.S. Treasury and $12,997 to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation investigated the case, with assistance from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Mohlhenrich prosecuted the case for the United States.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.
Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to More Than 184 Years Combined in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – The final member of a Northwest Arkansas drug trafficking organization was sentenced to federal prison for crimes related to the Distribution of Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearings for the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, beginning in approximately September of 2020, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) initiated an investigation into a drug trafficking organization operating out of the Fayetteville Division responsible for distributing methamphetamine. During the course of their investigation, investigators identified both Steven Warner and Elmer Francis as leaders of this local group. Warner was further identified as a methamphetamine source of supply for the local group.
Those members of the drug trafficking organization indicted federally have been sentenced as follows:
Steven James Warner aka Misfit: age 46, McAlester, Oklahoma – Conspiracy to Distribute more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine – 400 months imprisonment and 5-year term of supervised release.
Elmer Nathaniel Francis aka Nathan: age 65, Cave Springs, Arkansas - Conspiracy to Distribute more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine – 327 months imprisonment and 5-year term of supervised release.
Vincent James Burrough: age 58, Spiro, Oklahoma - Conspiracy to Distribute more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine – 270 months imprisonment and 5-year term of supervised release.
Charley Edward Rouell Jr.: age 52, Stigler, Oklahoma – Conspiracy to Distribute more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine – 250 months imprisonment and 5-year term of supervised release.
Danial Wayne Plack: age 42, Fayetteville, Arkansas – Distribution of more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine – 188 months imprisonment and 5-year term of supervised release.
Michael Winberry: age 52, Cave Springs, Arkansas – Conspiracy to Distribute more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine – 180 months imprisonment and 4-year term of supervised release.
Cassandra Claire Webb: age 34, Fort Smith, Arkansas – Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine – 60 months imprisonment and 3-year term of supervised release.
Eunice Felicitas Cisneros: age 44, Moreno Valley, California – Conspiracy to Distribute more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine – 135 months imprisonment and 4-year term of supervised release.
Landon Dale Thompson Jr.: age 42, Van Buren, Arkansas – Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine – 87 months imprisonment and 3-year term of supervised release.
Christie Michelle Yandell Warner: age 49, Yukon, Oklahoma – Aiding and abetting in the distribution of more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine – 180 months imprisonment and 5-year term of supervised release.
Paul Eugene Wisdom: age 34, Fayetteville, Arkansas – Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine – 140 months imprisonment and 3-year term of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration Fayetteville Resident Office investigated the case, and were assisted by the following federal and local agencies: United States Marshals Service, ATF, FBI, Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Rogers Police Department, Benton County Drug Unit, Bentonville Police Department, 4th Judicial District Drug Task Force, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Arkansas Department of Community Corrections – Probation and Parole, Arkansas Counter Drug Unit, and the Arkansas State Police.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Harris prosecuted the case for the United States.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Springdale Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – A Springdale man was sentenced today to 168 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, on October 1, 2021, as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation, detectives with the Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at the residence of Maurice Kentrell Bright, age 45, in Springdale, Arkansas. During the search, detectives located approximately 283 grams of methamphetamine, two firearms, including a loaded handgun under his pillow, and drug paraphernalia.
The suspected methamphetamine was sent to the HSI lab and tested positive for methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sydney Butler prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Malvern Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
HOT SPRINGS – A Malvern man was sentenced today to 240 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the U.S. District Court in Hot Springs.
According to court documents, Jadadire Lashawn Nellums, age 46, was identified by law enforcement to be distributing methamphetamine in the Malvern, Arkansas, geographical area.
Between the months of July 2020 and August 2020, investigators were able to conduct multiple controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Nellums.
On August 17, 2020, searches were conducted at multiple properties associated with Nellums, resulting in investigators locating and seizing over 1,400 grams of pure methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Achorn and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Daniels prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov.
Sex Offender Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Child Pornography OffenseRead the Press Release
FORT SMITH – A Green Forest man was sentenced today to 240 months in prison without the possibility of parole on one count of Transportation of Child Pornography. The Honorable Judge P.K. Holmes, III presided over the sentencing hearing, which was held in the U.S. District Court in Fort Smith.
According to court documents, in February of 2019, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that an individual in Green Forest had posted images of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to the social media platform Twitter. The resulting investigation identified the individual who had posted the CSAM files as Pedro Saldivar, Jr, age 46. In a subsequent interview, Saldivar admitted to trading items of CSAM with other users. Saldivar is a sex offender out of the State of Texas.
Saldivar was indicted by a Grand Jury in the Western District of Arkansas in September of 2022 and entered a plea of guilty in December of 2022.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations Fayetteville, Green Forest Police Department, Eureka Springs Police Department, Fayetteville Police Department, and Springdale Police Department participated in the investigation of this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Marshall and Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Still prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to More than 15 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
FORT SMITH – A Fort Smith man was sentenced today to a total of 183 months in prison without the possibility of parole on one count of Conspiracy to Distribute More than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine and for violating the terms and conditions of his supervised release on a similar previous conviction. The Honorable Judge P.K. Holmes, III presided over the sentencing hearing, which was held in the U.S. District Court in Fort Smith.
According to court documents, in March and April of 2022, as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation, investigators with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the 12th/21st Judicial Drug Task Force, Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Smith Police Department, Arkansas State Police, and Arkansas National Guard Counterdrug intercepted three separate parcels containing approximately 871 grams of methamphetamine, 2,918 pills containing a fentanyl analog, and 3,637 pills of fentanyl, respectively. Further investigation revealed that Jesus Corral, age 40, was the intended recipient of each parcel and that Corral intended to further distribute the narcotics. Corral was under post-prison release supervision at the time of the offense.
Corral was indicted by a Grand Jury in the Western District of Arkansas in July of 2022 and entered a plea of guilty in December of 2022.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the 12th/21st Judicial Drug Task Force, Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Smith Police Department, Arkansas State Police, and Arkansas National Guard Counterdrug participated in the investigation of this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Still prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
Sex Offender Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Child Pornography OffenseRead the Press Release
TEXARKANA – A Hot Springs man was sentenced today to 300 months in prison without the possibility of parole on one count of Transportation of Child Pornography. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing, which was held in the U.S. District Court in Texarkana, Arkansas.
According to court documents, in early 2022, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that an individual in Hot Springs had posted numerous images of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to the social media platform Snapchat. The subsequent investigation determined that all the CSAM posts were made by the same user, who was identified as Brandon Joshua Napier, age 33. At the time, Napier had previously been convicted of Possessing or Viewing Child Pornography and was consequently required to register as a Sex Offender while residing in Garland County.
Napier was indicted by a Grand Jury in the Western District of Arkansas in June 2022 and entered a plea of guilty in September 2022.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Arkansas Department of Community Corrections, and the Hot Springs Police Department participated in the investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Marshall and Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Still prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Landscaping Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion After Not Filing and Paying Taxes for Nine YearsRead the Press Release
HOT SPRINGS – A Hot Springs man and owner of a landscaping business pleaded guilty today to evading more than $507,000 in federal income taxes. U.S. District Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the plea hearing, in which Jerry Christopher Wade, age 43, waived indictment and pleaded guilty to a criminal information charging him with tax evasion.
According to court documents, from 2011 through 2019, Wade owned and operated Four Seasons Landscaping, located in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. Wade started Four Seasons Landscaping approximately 12 years ago and is 100% owner. The landscaping business was Wade’s only source of income. Despite earning income each year, Wade did not timely file federal income tax returns for the years 2011 through 2019. Wade admitted to federal agents he knew he was required file his tax returns. Wade told agents he did not keep business records, including records documenting income or expenses. Wade further admitted he did not issue IRS Forms W-2 or 1099 to his workers or to himself and he did not keep payroll records for the wages paid to himself or his workers.
During the years under investigation, Wade received checks from customers (income) totaling $2,537,771.86 from 2011 through 2019. Wade did not deposit all of these checks into his bank accounts, and he received cash back from the bank totaling $878,983.48 when he negotiated the checks.
As part of his plea, Wade admitted he intentionally attempted to evade and defeat his income tax responsibilities by taking the following actions, amount others: conducting business transactions in cash, paying employees without reporting said payments to the IRS, cashing customer checks at his financial institution, and asking customers to write multiple checks in amounts of less than $10,000 to avoid bank reporting requirements.
In total, Wade did not pay federal income taxes of $507,554.00 to the IRS, and also admitted that he failed to file income taxes with the state of Arkansas. Wade agreed to pay restitution, including penalties and interest, to both the U.S. Treasury and Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.
Wade is scheduled to be sentenced at a later date and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, monetary penalties, and restitution. The U.S. District Judge will determine his sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Mohlhenrich is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Hot Springs Man Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
HOT SPRINGS – A Hot Springs man was sentenced today to 130 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the U.S. District Court in Hot Springs.
According to court documents, George Monroe Walston, age 51, was identified by law enforcement to be distributing methamphetamine in Hot Springs, Arkansas area. Between the months of May 2021 and October 2021, investigators were able to conduct multiple controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Walston.
On April 19, 2021, a search was conducted at Walston’s residence, resulting in investigators locating and seizing approximately 205.3 grams of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, located in various locations throughout the residence; approximately 359.7 grams of marijuana; nineteen (19) individual dosage units of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (aka “LSD” or “Acid”); $6,330 United States Currency; and ten (10) firearms, including five (5) handguns, two (2) shotguns, and three (3) rifles; and various ammunition for the recovered firearms.
The methamphetamine and the LSD recovered and seized, was subsequently forwarded to the Drug Enforcement Administration Laboratory for confirmatory testing.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations Little Rock, Hot Springs Police Department, Garland County Sheriff’s Department and 18th East Judicial District Drug Task Force investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Achorn and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Daniels prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
National Freight Carrier to Pay Civil Penalties and Implement Stormwater Compliance Measures for Clean Water Act NoncomplianceRead the Press Release
FORT SMITH – ABF Freight System Inc. (ABF), a freight carrier that operates more than 200 transportation facilities in 47 states and Puerto Rico, has resolved allegations that it violated requirements of the Clean Water Act (CWA) relating to industrial stormwater at locations across the country. Under the proposed settlement, ABF will enhance and implement its comprehensive, corporate-wide stormwater compliance program at all its transportation facilities except those located in the state of Washington, and will pay a civil penalty of $535,000, a portion of which will be directed to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, the State of Maryland, and the State of Nevada who all joined this settlement.
The complaint in the case, filed contemporaneously with the proposed consent decree, alleges that ABF failed to comply with certain conditions of their CWA permits (e.g., spills that had not been cleaned up; failure to implement required spill prevention measures; failure to implement measures to minimize contamination of stormwater runoff; failure to conduct monitoring of stormwater discharges as required; and failure to provide all required training to ABF’s employees) at nine of its transportation facilities.
“Water quality affects every citizen equally, it’s importance simply cannot be overstated,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Fowlkes for the Western District of Arkansas. “This agreement ensures that ABF will take significant steps towards ensuring that water quality is not negatively affected by its operations. This settlement would not have been possible without the commitment and cooperation of all the federal, state, and local agencies involved along with ABF.”
“Companies must comply with Clean Water Act provisions to prevent waterways from being contaminated by industrial pollutants,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “This consent decree ensures that measures will be implemented at hundreds of transportation facilities across the nation to protect nearby waterways and the communities that live along them.”
“Through this settlement ABF will implement an enhanced, comprehensive stormwater management program at transportation facilities they operate across the country,” said acting Assistant Administrator Larry Starfield of EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “This settlement exemplifies EPA’s commitment to working with companies like ABF who notify EPA of noncompliance and then work to improve compliance with the Clean Water Act to help ensure the protection of local water resources.”
In April 2015, ABF voluntarily disclosed to EPA that it failed to obtain industrial stormwater permit coverage at multiple facilities and had discovered additional areas of noncompliance with the CWA through the company’s own compliance audits which were conducted at nearly all its facilities during 2013 and 2014. Between October 2016 and April 2019, EPA, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, the State of Maryland, and the State of Nevada conducted 15 inspections of ABF’s facilities and observed noncompliance with applicable stormwater laws at both CWA permitted facilities and No Exposure Certification (NEC) facilities.
To address the extent of ABF’s noncompliance, the proposed consent decree requires ABF to continue to implement and enhance its comprehensive, corporate-wide stormwater compliance program. This includes a memorialization of stormwater roles and responsibilities, comprehensive employee training with contractor awareness, implementation of standard operating procedures, stormwater pollution prevention plan management, and tracking facility-specific corrective actions. The settlement also requires ABF to conduct tiered management oversight inspections at its permitted and NEC facilities throughout the three-year implementation of this consent decree.
Stormwater runoff from industrial facilities can pick up pollutants like trash, chemicals, oils and sediment that can harm waters throughout the country. Pollutants in stormwater can cause changes in hydrology and water quality that result in habitat modification and loss, increased flooding, decreased aquatic biological diversity, and increased sedimentation and erosion. It is critical that all facilities requiring permit coverage appropriately apply for permit coverage and adhere to applicable stormwater regulations to ensure environmental impacts are effectively minimized.
The injunctive relief measures set forth in the proposed consent decree are designed to result in effective stormwater runoff management at ABF’s facilities, including those facilities that conduct vehicle maintenance and equipment cleaning.
The consent decree, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas, is subject to a 30-day federal public comment period and approval by the federal court. The consent decree can be viewed at: www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees.
National Freight Carrier to Pay Civil Penalties and Implement Stormwater Compliance Measures for Clean Water Act NoncomplianceRead the Press Release
ABF Freight System Inc. (ABF), a freight carrier that operates more than 200 transportation facilities in 47 states and Puerto Rico, has resolved allegations that it violated requirements of the Clean Water Act (CWA) relating to industrial stormwater at locations across the country. Under the proposed settlement, ABF will enhance and implement its comprehensive, corporate-wide stormwater compliance program at all its transportation facilities except those located in the state of Washington, and will pay a civil penalty of $535,000, a portion of which will be directed to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, the State of Maryland, and the State of Nevada who all joined this settlement.
The complaint in the case, filed contemporaneously with the proposed consent decree, alleges that ABF failed to comply with certain conditions of their CWA permits (e.g., spills that had not been cleaned up; failure to implement required spill prevention measures; failure to implement measures to minimize contamination of stormwater runoff; failure to conduct monitoring of stormwater discharges as required; and failure to provide all required training to ABF’s employees) at nine of its transportation facilities.
“Companies must comply with Clean Water Act provisions to prevent waterways from being contaminated by industrial pollutants,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “This consent decree ensures that measures will be implemented at hundreds of transportation facilities across the nation to protect nearby waterways and the communities that live along them.”
“Through this settlement ABF will implement an enhanced, comprehensive stormwater management program at transportation facilities they operate across the country,” said acting Assistant Administrator Larry Starfield of EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “This settlement exemplifies EPA’s commitment to working with companies like ABF who notify EPA of noncompliance and then work to improve compliance with the Clean Water Act to help ensure the protection of local water resources.”
“Water quality affects every citizen equally, it’s importance simply cannot be overstated,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Fowlkes for the Western District of Arkansas. “This agreement ensures that ABF will take significant steps towards ensuring that water quality is not negatively affected by its operations. This settlement would not have been possible without the commitment and cooperation of all the federal, state and local agencies involved along with ABF.”
In April 2015, ABF voluntarily disclosed to EPA that it failed to obtain industrial stormwater permit coverage at multiple facilities and had discovered additional areas of noncompliance with the CWA through the company’s own compliance audits which were conducted at nearly all its facilities during 2013 and 2014. Between October 2016 and April 2019, EPA, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, the State of Maryland, and the State of Nevada conducted 15 inspections of ABF’s facilities and observed noncompliance with applicable stormwater laws at both CWA permitted facilities and No Exposure Certification (NEC) facilities.
To address the extent of ABF’s noncompliance, the proposed consent decree requires ABF to continue to implement and enhance its comprehensive, corporate-wide stormwater compliance program. This includes a memorialization of stormwater roles and responsibilities, comprehensive employee training with contractor awareness, implementation of standard operating procedures, stormwater pollution prevention plan management, and tracking facility-specific corrective actions. The settlement also requires ABF to conduct tiered management oversight inspections at its permitted and NEC facilities throughout the three-year implementation of this consent decree.
Stormwater runoff from industrial facilities can pick up pollutants like trash, chemicals, oils and sediment that can harm waters throughout the country. Pollutants in stormwater can cause changes in hydrology and water quality that result in habitat modification and loss, increased flooding, decreased aquatic biological diversity, and increased sedimentation and erosion. It is critical that all facilities requiring permit coverage appropriately apply for permit coverage and adhere to applicable stormwater regulations to ensure environmental impacts are effectively minimized.
The injunctive relief measures set forth in the proposed consent decree are designed to result in effective stormwater runoff management at ABF’s facilities, including those facilities that conduct vehicle maintenance and equipment cleaning.
The consent decree, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas, is subject to a 30-day federal public comment period and approval by the federal court. The consent decree can be viewed at: www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees.
Texarkana Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
TEXARKANA – A Texarkana, Arkansas, man was sentenced today to 30 years in prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, on one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor via Production of Child Pornography. There is no parole in the federal system. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the U.S. District Court in Texarkana.
According to court documents, Michael Ray Beam, age 32, used the social media service Snapchat to induce a 13-year-old Texarkana, Arkansas, girl to send him nude images and videos of herself, amounting to child pornography under federal law. The victim told authorities that Beam had left a “vape” device in her home mailbox in exchange for her sending him images and videos of herself engaging in specific sexual acts. Using the Snapchat service, Beam had been able view the victim’s real-time physical location, at her Texarkana, Arkansas, residence. Following Beam’s arrest on state charges, investigators obtained a warrant to search a smart phone found in his possession. In Beam’s phone, investigators found multiple ‘screen capture’ video recordings of the child pornography he had received via Snapchat from the young victim.
Beam was indicted by a Grand Jury sitting in the Western District of Arkansas in September 2021, and entered a plea of guilty in March 2022.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Miller County Sheriff’s Department, the Wake Village, Texas, Police Department, and the FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham Jones prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Springdale Woman Sentenced to More Than 9 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – A Springdale woman was sentenced yesterday to 110 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, on September 12, 2022, as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation, detectives with the Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force (DTF) executed a search warrant at the residence of Edna May Meadath, age 63, in Springdale, Arkansas.
During the search, detectives located multiple digital scales, multiple drug ledgers, packaging materials for the sale and distribution of methamphetamine, two methamphetamine smoking pipes, banking receipts, and approximately 661 grams of suspected methamphetamine.
The suspected methamphetamine was sent to the Homeland Security Investigations Crime Laboratory where it tested positive for methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sydney Butler prosecuted the case.
Career Offender Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – A Kansas, Oklahoma man was sentenced today to 168 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, on July 31, 2022, detectives with the Benton County Drug Unit were investigating Christopher Dale Lewellen, age 42, for drug trafficking and determined he was wanted on multiple outstanding warrants for state charges. Records showed he had an active search waiver as a condition of parole.
After learning that Lewellen was traveling in a vehicle on Highway 412, detectives were able to locate and stop that vehicle and place Lewellen under arrest. A search of the vehicle resulted in detectives locating a black bag containing approximately 450 grams of suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. The suspected methamphetamine was later submitted to the Homeland Security Investigations Crime Laboratory for additional testing where it was tested and determined to be methamphetamine. Under Federal law, Lewellen is considered a Career Criminal, subject to enhanced penalties.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Benton County Drug Unit and Homeland Security Investigations Fayetteville investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sydney Butler prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Springdale Man Sentenced to 33 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting a Minor and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – A Springdale man was sentenced yesterday to 396 months in prison without the possibility of parole on one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor via Production of Child Pornography and one count of Possession of Child Pornography. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the U.S. District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, in early 2022, the Springdale Police Department initiated a sexual assault investigation after a 13-year-old female disclosed to a counselor that, Pearson Pete Patrick, age 39, had been sexually abusing her over the past two years. During the ensuing investigation, Springdale Officers located Patrick, who during a post-Miranda interview, admitted to abusing the minor.
Law enforcement then obtained a residential search warrant for Patrick’s Springdale residence. A forensic examination of the electronic devices taken from the residence revealed multiple homemade videos depicting the sexual abuse of the 13-year-old victim. Further analysis revealed that Patrick had also recorded other minors via a hidden camera staged in the bathroom of his residence.
Patrick was indicted by a Grand Jury in the Western District of Arkansas in September 2022 and entered a plea of guilty in October 2022.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations Fayetteville, the Springdale Police Department and the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Williams prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Previously Convicted Felon Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking over Three Pounds of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – A Pea Ridge man was sentenced yesterday to 150 months in prison without the possibility of parole followed by five additional years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, on May 29, 2022, investigators with the Benton County Drug Unit, assisted by officers from Arkansas Probation and Parole, conducted a home compliance check with Dustin Vann, age, 33, who was on parole based on a previous felony conviction. Upon entry of his Pea Ridge residence, the investigators located Vann in his bedroom along with a backpack that contained 8 baggies of methamphetamine. The gross weight of the methamphetamine was approximately 3.6 pounds. The backpack also contained a drug ledger, clear plastic baggies, digital scales, and $764 in U.S. currency.
Vann was subsequently charged in federal court via Grand Jury and pleaded guilty to possessing and intending to distribute the approximate 3 pounds of methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Benton County Drug Unit and Arkansas State Probation and Parole investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Williams prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking while on ParoleRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – A previously convicted felon living in Rogers was sentenced today to 180 months in prison without the possibility of parole followed by five additional years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, in late 2020, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted an undercover investigation into large-scale methamphetamine trafficking in Northwest Arkansas. During the investigation, an informant, working at the direction of the DEA, made a controlled purchase of methamphetamine directly from Francisco Trujillo, age 26. On or about December 3, 2021, DEA agents, along with representatives from Arkansas Probation and Parole, preformed a home compliance check on Trujillo, who was on parole based on a previous felony conviction. During the search, agents located approximately four (4) pounds of methamphetamine.
Trujillo was subsequently charged in federal court via Grand Jury with drug trafficking and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. On or about August 15, 2022, Trujillo pleaded guilty to possessing the nearly four (4) pounds of methamphetamine and intending to distribute it.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Arkansas State Probation and Parole investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin Roberts prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Hot Springs Man Sentenced to More Than 7 Years in Federal Prison for Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
HOT SPRINGS – A Hot Springs man was sentenced yesterday to 92 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the U.S. District Court in Hot Springs.
According to court documents, on February 10, 2020, Investigators with the Hot Springs Police Department, Special Investigations Division, conducted a controlled purchase of a firearm from Larry Wayne Natt, Jr., age 36. The firearm Natt possessed and transferred was manufactured outside the State of Arkansas and therefore traveled in interstate commerce. Prior to Natt possessing the firearm, Natt was convicted of at least one felony offense and prohibited from possessing firearms. Furthermore, Natt was aware of his status as a convicted felon at the time of possession.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Hot Springs Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Harris prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to More Than 44 Years Combined in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
HOT SPRINGS – A Hot Springs drug trafficking organization was sentenced today to federal prison for crimes related to the Distribution of Methamphetamine. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the U.S. District Court in Hot Springs.
According to court documents, in 2020, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) began investigating a drug trafficking organization operating within the Western District of Arkansas, Hot Springs Division. During the course of their investigation, investigators identified Jose Luis Aguilar as the leader of this group. Jose Luis Aguilar regularly supplied narcotics to multiple dealers in the Hot Springs area between July 29, 2020, through at least September 25, 2020.
Those members of the drug trafficking organization indicted federally have been sentenced as follows:
Jose Luis Aguilar: age 61, Houston, Texas – one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and one count of Aiding and Abetting in the Possession with the Intent to Distribute 500 Grams or More of a Mixture or Substance Containing Methamphetamine – 235 months imprisonment and 5-year term of supervised release.
Eric Alexi Aguilar: age 25, Houston, Texas – one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and one count of Aiding and Abetting in the Possession with the Intent to Distribute 500 Grams or More of a Mixture or Substance Containing Methamphetamine – 120 months imprisonment and 5-year term of supervised release.
James Franklin Wells, Jr: age 60, Hot Springs, Arkansas – one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute More Than 50 Grams of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine – 180 months imprisonment and 4-year term of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations Little Rock, the Hot Springs Police Department, the 18th East Judicial District Drug Task Force and the Garland County Prosecutors Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Achorn and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Daniels prosecuted the case.
Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced to More Than 17 Years in Federal Prison for Receiving Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – A Springdale man was sentenced today to 212 months in prison without the possibility of parole followed by 25 years of supervised release on two counts of Receipt of Child Pornography. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the U.S. District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, in July 2016, the defendant, Richard Blane Gamblin, age 28, was convicted in the Western District of Arkansas, Fayetteville Division, of Receiving Child Pornography via the Internet. He was sentenced to 72 months imprisonment, followed by 10 years supervised release. On October 6, 2021, Gamblin was released from federal prison and began his 10-year term of Court ordered supervised release in the Western District of Arkansas.
On December 7, 2021, U.S. Probation officers did a compliance check on Gamblin’s Springdale residence and discovered he was in possession of a cellular phone. That phone was later turned over to the Department of Homeland Security, who forensically determined that it contained images of Child Sexual Abuse Material. Gamblin was subsequent indicted via Grand Jury on new charges of Receipt and Possession of Child Pornography. On or about August 11. 2022, Gamblin pleaded guilty to two (2) separate counts of Receipt of Child Pornography.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations Fayetteville, and the Northwest Arkansas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin Roberts prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Fayetteville Man Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – A Fayetteville man was sentenced yesterday to 140 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, on January 25, 2022, detectives with the 4th Judicial Drug Task Force were investigating Richard Heath Brown, age 46, for drug trafficking. During the investigation, detectives learned that Brown was in possession of methamphetamine and that he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. After receiving information of Browns vehicle, detectives were able to locate it and arrest him. A search of the vehicle resulted in detectives locating a black bag that contained approximately 412 grams of suspected methamphetamine.
The suspected methamphetamine was sent to the Department of Homeland Security forensic laboratory for further analysis.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The 4th Judicial District Drug Task Force investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sydney Butler prosecuted the case.
Fayetteville Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – A Fayetteville man was sentenced today to 168 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, on May 25, 2022, detectives with the 4th Judicial District Drug Task Force (DTF) received information that Reginald Everette Counts, age 49, was selling methamphetamine in the Northwest Arkansas area. Detectives learned Counts was residing at a hotel in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
As part of their investigation, detectives checked Counts through ACIC/NCIC and confirmed he was a probationer with a valid search waiver on file. Detectives then conducted surveillance at the hotel parking lot While conducting surveillance, detectives made contact with Counts in the parking lot as he was getting on his scooter. Detectives identified themselves as law enforcement officers and they searched Counts pursuant to his warrantless search waiver.
During the search of Counts, detectives located a pouch hanging around his neck. The pouch contained a bag of methamphetamine weighing approximately 28.5 grams, clear baggies and a digital scale. In Counts' jean pocket, detectives located a glass smoking pipe and $1,570.00 in U.S. currency. A search of Counts hotel room resulted in detectives locating five individually packaged bags of methamphetamine with an approximate weight of 143.3 grams. On May 27, 2022, Counts was released from custody on bond. On May 29, 2022, he was encountered again with a distribution amount of methamphetamine on his person. Counts attempted to flee the arresting officer and during the course of the arrest the officer sustained a torn ACL.
The drugs were subsequently sent to the Homeland Security Investigations Crime Laboratory where they tested positive for methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Harris prosecuted the case.
Farmington Man Sentenced to More Than 13 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – A Farmington man was sentenced today to 162 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, on February 15, 2022, an officer with the Farmington Police Department was dispatched to a report of a suspicious male carrying a backpack who matched the description of a recent theft suspect. The officer located the male and made contact. The male identified himself as Robert James Poindexter, age 39. When the officer reviewed Poindexter’s record, he showed to have a warrantless search waiver on file as a condition of being on probation.
The officer observed that Poindexter appeared to be intoxicated and asked Poindexter if he had anything illegal on him. Poindexter removed a pair of brass knuckles from his pocket and provided them to the officer. A search of Poindexter’s person and backpack resulted in officers locating approximately 248 grams of suspected methamphetamine in three separate baggies, a large bag of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
The suspected methamphetamine was sent to the Department of Homeland Security forensic laboratory where it was tested and determined to be methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Farmington Police Department and the 4th Judicial District Drug Task Force investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sydney Butler prosecuted the case.
Fayetteville Man Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – A Fayetteville man was sentenced today to 140 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, on June 15, 2022, detectives with the 4th Judicial District Drug Task Force (JDDTF) were requested to assist Springdale police officers who responded to a shots-fired call. After receiving a vehicle description and locating the vehicle, officers stopped and made contact with the driver, who was identified as Wayne Duvall Coleman, age 41.
The officer asked Coleman if there was anything illegal in the vehicle, and Coleman advised that there was marijuana in the center console. A search of the vehicle resulted in officers locating marijuana, multiple prescription pills, and drug paraphernalia.
Coleman was arrested and his vehicle was secured. On June 16, 2022, officers applied for and received a search warrant to conduct a more thorough search of the vehicle in reference to the shots-fired call the day prior. During that search, detectives located two small baggies containing suspected methamphetamine in the steering column of the vehicle.
The suspected methamphetamine was sent to the Department of Homeland Security forensic laboratory for further analysis. Subsequent testing confirmed that the substance contained methamphetamine and weighed 54.66 grams.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The 4th Judicial District Drug Task Force and the Springdale Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Eaton prosecuted the case.
Fentanyl Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to More Than 50 Years Combined in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – The final member of a Northwest Arkansas drug trafficking organization was sentenced yesterday to federal prison for crimes related to the Distribution of Fentanyl. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearings for the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, beginning in August of 2021, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) initiated an investigation into a drug trafficking organization operating out of the Fayetteville Division responsible for distributing fentanyl pills. During the course of their investigation, investigators identified Martin Platero as the leader of this local group. The pills distributed by the Platero group contained fentanyl and were made or pressed to look like M 30 Oxycontin prescription pills.
Those members of the drug trafficking organization indicted federally have been sentenced as follows:
Martin Platero: age 21, Rogers, Arkansas – Possession of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute – 210 months imprisonment and 3-year term of supervised release.
Ulises Valenzuela- Hernandez: age 25, Anaheim, California - Aiding and Abetting in the Possession of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute - 135 months imprisonment and 3-year term of supervised release.
Walker Bradley Michael: age 21, Rogers, Arkansas - Possession of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute -151 months imprisonment and 3-year term of supervised release.
Jaden Leeteril McCoy: age 20, Bentonville, Arkansas – Distribution of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Fentanyl – 87 months imprisonment and 3-year term of supervised release.
Macy Renee Patterson: age 19, Centerton, Arkansas – Maintaining a Drug Involved Premises – 18 months imprisonment and 3-year term of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration Fayetteville investigated the case, and were assisted by the following agencies: ATF, Rogers Police Department, Benton County Drug Unit, Bentonville Police Department, Benton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. This investigation was part of the DEA’s “One Pill Can Kill” initiative, for more information visit DEA’s website: https://www.dea.gov/onepill.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Harris prosecuted the case for the United States.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Louisiana Doctor Sentenced to Four Years in Prison, Ordered to Pay More Than $800,000 to Victims in Workers’ Comp Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE — Robert Clay Smith, age 61, an Alexandria, La., physician was sentenced yesterday to 48 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay more than $800,000 to workers’ compensation insurers, for his role in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud, health care fraud, and violations of federal anti-kickback laws. U.S. District Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
According to court documents, from 2013 until 2017, Smith conspired with a Rogers-based company to dispense pain creams and patches to his workers’ compensation patients, for which he received a split of the profits. The company acted as the billing agent for Smith, handling all the paperwork and submitting the claims to both the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs, which covers all federal employees, and to private insurers as well. In exchange, Smith admitted, the company paid him 50 to 55 percent of the profits collected from successfully billing insurers, at markups of 15 to 20 times what the medications cost.
In addition to receiving illegal kickbacks, Smith did not have a license to dispense medications from his clinic, required under Louisiana law, but nonetheless dispensed the medications to his workers’ compensation patients from his clinic.
Smith’s role in the scheme was found to have caused $1,476,383.47 in losses to workers’ compensation insurers, and Smith was ordered to repay $827,083.40 to identified victims.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by the Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, with the assistance of the Louisiana Department of Justice, the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, and the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hunter Bridges and Steven Mohlhenrich prosecuted the case for the United States.
Clarksville Man Sentenced to over 23 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
FORT SMITH – A Clarksville man has been sentenced to federal prison for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The Honorable Judge P.K. Holmes, III, presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fort Smith.
Over the course of a period spanning all of 2021 and until April of 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted an investigation regarding drug trafficking in the Clarksville, Arkansas area. The investigation revealed that multiple co-defendants were being supplied methamphetamine and cocaine from the organization’s leader, Victor Leon-Moya. During the investigation, DEA was able to conduct multiple controlled purchases of methamphetamine and cocaine from the organization. After identifying multiple stash houses, DEA executed search warrants resulting in the location and seizure of approximately 2 kilograms of cocaine, approximately 3 kilograms of methamphetamine, over 60 firearms and $48,844 in cash derived from the sale of methamphetamine and cocaine.
Victor Leon-Moya, age 46, of Clarksville, Arkansas, was sentenced yesterday to 280 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release on one count of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and one count of Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, State of Arkansas 5th Judicial District Drug Task Force, Fort Smith Police Department, Arkansas State Police, Conway Police Department, Greenwood Police Department, and the Crawford County, Logan County & Sebastian County Sheriff’s Departments investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Carter prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Springdale Man Sentenced to over 10 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – A Springdale man was sentenced today to 125 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, on August 20, 2021, Springdale Police Officers were dispatched to a hit and run accident. After receiving the vehicle description, officers were able to locate the vehicle parked in a nearby parking lot. Officers approached the driver’s door and immediately recognized the driver and sole occupant as, Prince Wayne Fondren, Jr., age, 43. Upon making contact, the officers observed that Fondren was passed out with the vehicle in drive mode. Fondren was then ran through dispatch where it was determined that he did not have a driver’s license and he was a parolee with an active search waiver. A search of the vehicle resulted in officers locating, a black zippered pouch in the front passenger floorboard that contained multiple baggies of suspected methamphetamine weighing approximately 100.58 grams, pills, a small amount of a marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.
The substance was later submitted to the Homeland Security investigations Crime Laboratory for testing where it was tested and determined to be methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Springdale Police Department, the 4th Judicial District Drug Task Force (DTF), and the Fayetteville Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sydney Butler prosecuted the case.
Ashdown Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
TEXARKANA – An Ashdown man was sentenced today to 360 months in prison without the possibility of parole, followed by 20 years supervised release, on one count of Production of Child Pornography. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the U.S. District Court in Texarkana.
According to court documents, in November of 2018 the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Texarkana, Arkansas received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that an individual had uploaded to the internet multiple images depicting the sexual abuse of a five-year old female. The subsequent investigation identified the defendant, Aaron Llyod Mitchell, age 25, as the individual who posted the images to the internet. On November 21, 2018, FBI agents conducted a search of Mitchell’s residence. During a post-Miranda interview, Mitchell admitted to producing the images of the five-year-old and uploading them to the internet. On December 13, 2018, Mitchell was indicted on multiple charges involving the sexual exploitation of a minor. On June 20, 2019, Mitchell pleaded guilty to production of child pornography.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin Roberts prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Noel, Missouri Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – A Noel, Missouri man was sentenced today to 180 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, on March 18, 2022, officers with the Sulphur Springs Police Department responded to the area of North Highway 59 to assist deputies from the McDonald County Sheriff’s Office in Missouri in the pursuit of Trevor Dean Meeker, age 31. While enroute to the area, the Sulphur Springs officers received notification that the suspect vehicle, operated by Meeker, wrecked out at the Dollar General Store located in Sulphur Springs.,
Upon arrival at the Dollar General, officers observed that the vehicle driven by Meeker went through a privacy fence owned by Dollar General and wrecked out near the entrance of the business. A search of the vehicle, resulted in officers locating a small backpack in the front passenger seat, which contained what appeared to be a large amount of methamphetamine, along with numerous plastic baggies and various counterfeit bills. As officers continued to search the scene of the crash, they located a black bag in the parking lot near the vehicle. Inside the bag officers located two loaded firearms.
On March 31, 2022, a Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force Officer conducted an interview of Meeker at the Benton County Jail. After being advised of and waiving his Miranda rights, Meeker admitted to knowledge of the methamphetamine and firearms seized on March 18, 2022. Meeker further admitted to being involved in the distribution of methamphetamine.
The suspected methamphetamine was sent to the Drug Enforcement Administration Laboratory in Miami, Florida, where it tested positive for 173 grams of actual methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department, the McDonald County, Missouri, Sheriff’s Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration Fayetteville Division investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Harris prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Fayetteville Man Sentenced to over 10 Years in Federal Prison for Heroin Trafficking and Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – A Fayetteville man was sentenced today to 123 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, in March of 2022, detectives with the 4th Judicial District Drug Task Force (DTF) received information that Thomas Daniel Alexander, age 36, was distributing heroin in the Fayetteville Division of the Western District of Arkansas. Detectives were able to confirm this by conducting two separate controlled purchases of heroin from Alexander.
On March 25, 2022, detectives executed a search warrant at Alexander’s residence in Fayetteville. The detectives noted that the residence is less than 1000 feet from an Elementary School and a Sports Complex.
A search of the residence resulted in detectives locating a black safe in the bedroom belonging to Alexander. Inside the safe, detectives located, a handgun, ammunition, approximately 79.1 grams of heroin, 13 amphetamine/dextroamphetamine pills, and 15 suboxone strips, miscellaneous drug paraphernalia and $540.00 US Currency.
The suspected heroin was sent to the Homeland Security Investigations Crime Laboratory where it tested positive for heroin.
The Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Harris prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Springdale Woman Sentenced to over 11 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – A Springdale woman was sentenced today to 137 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Distribution of Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, In March of 2021, local law enforcement began investigating a drug trafficking organization operating within the Western District of Arkansas, Fayetteville Division. Through source reporting, investigators learned that, Krystle Marie Owen, age 36, was a member of the organization.
In January of 2022, detectives with the Rogers police department conducted a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Owen. The suspected methamphetamine was subsequently sent to the Department of Homeland Security Laboratory and tested positive. In February of 2022, investigators with the Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force arrested Owen after she fled from detectives. Owen had just received a package containing over 1,600 fentanyl pills, which she intended to distribute. Owen was also held accountable for her role in a large-scale drug trafficking organization operating in Northwest Arkansas, which included defendants Antonio Hernandez, Michael Southerland, Troy Franklin and Skylar Houston. All were previously sentenced in Federal Court.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force investigated the case, assisted by the Rogers Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Harris prosecuted the case.
This effort is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Fort Smith Arms Dealer Arrested in Austin, TexasRead the Press Release
FORT SMITH – A Fort Smith man was arrested yesterday in Austin, Texas on criminal charges related to his alleged possession of an unregistered destructive device; namely, an improvised explosive bomb, which was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record as required by law. Mehta’s arrest ended a six-day manhunt, in which the public’s assistance was solicited in locating the defendant, who was assumed to be armed and dangerous.
According to court documents, Neil Ravi Mehta, 31, was found to be in possession of an “improvised explosive bomb” during a federal search warrant executed at his residence on Free Ferry Road, in Fort Smith, Ark. Law enforcement officers located the device in the top left corner of the kitchen island. The device was x-rayed by bomb technicians on-scene, made safe, and the evidence was collected. The following images were taken during the execution of the search warrant:
Mehta is charged in a Criminal Complaint with a single count of Unlawful Possession of an Unregistered Destructive Device. A Grand Jury will later hear evidence related to this investigation and determine whether additional criminal charges will be filed against Mehta. If convicted of the charge of Unlawful Possession of an Unregistered Destructive Device, Mehta faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
This is a joint investigation involving the following federal law enforcement agencies: the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), Office of Export Enforcement (OEE); the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General (DOL-OIG).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Mohlhenrich and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Elser are prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Hot Springs Man Sentenced to over 8 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
HOT SPRINGS – A Hot Springs man was sentenced on January 27, to 97 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the U.S. District Court in Hot Springs.
According to court documents, John Raymond Duran, age 58, was identified by law enforcement to be distributing methamphetamine in Hot Springs, Arkansas area.
Between the months of December 2020 and March 2021, investigators were able to conduct multiple controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Duran.
On April 12, 2021, a search was conducted at Duran’s residence, resulting in investigators locating and seizing approximately 1539 grams of a mixture or substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine.
The methamphetamine seized and purchased was subsequently submitted to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) laboratory for additional testing.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations Little Rock, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Hot Springs Police Department, and the 18th East Judicial District Drug Task Force investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Achorn and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Daniels prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Two Former Arkansas Sheriff’s Deputies Charged with Federal Civil Rights Offenses for Using Excessive ForceRead the Press Release
FORT SMITH – The Justice Department announced today that a federal Grand Jury returned an Indictment charging former Crawford County, Arkansas, Sheriff’s Deputies Levi White, age 32, and Zackary King, age 27, with federal civil rights offenses for using excessive force on a 27-year-old man during the arrest of that man at a gas station in Mulberry, Arkansas, on August 21, 2022.
Specifically, Count One of the Indictment alleges that, while the arrestee was lying on the ground, White struck him multiple times. Count Two of the Indictment alleges that King struck the arrestee multiple times, also while the arrestee was lying on the ground. The Indictment further alleges that the arrestee suffered bodily injury as a result of White and King’s actions.
If convicted, White and King face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for the excessive-force charge; both defendants also face up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.
United States Attorney David Clay Fowlkes for the Western District of Arkansas, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and Special Agent in Charge James A. Dawson of the FBI Little Rock Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Little Rock Field Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dustin Roberts and Devon Still for the Western District of Arkansas and Trial Attorneys Anna Gotfryd and Michael J. Songer of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.Cave Springs Man Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE — A Cave Springs man and former general manager at several Northwest Arkansas car dealerships pleaded guilty yesterday to evading more than $263,000 in federal income taxes. U.S. District Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the plea hearing, in Jonathan M. Wichman, 35, waived indictment and pleaded guilty to a criminal information charging him with tax evasion.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Wichman worked from 2014 through 2020, mainly as a general manager at car dealerships in Northwest Arkansas. In October 2018, Wichman accessed his employer’s online payroll system and caused the dealership to not withhold any federal income taxes or employment taxes from his 2019 and 2020 wages. During these years, Wichman earned a total of $856,882 in wages, including $360,739 from the dealership where he altered his federal tax withholdings.
Wichman did not file his tax returns with the IRS for tax years 2019 and 2020. Also, he did not timely file his tax returns for tax years 2014 through 2018 despite receiving correspondence from the IRS asking why he had not filed his tax returns. In May 2018, the IRS filed substitutes for returns for Wichman for tax years 2014 and 2016 and assessed additional taxes, which he also did not pay.
Wichman told investigating agents that he knew he owed past due taxes to the IRS. Wichman said he prepared his taxes using commercial software, and each year, the program showed he owed a large amount of taxes. Wichman claimed he did not have the money to pay his taxes, so he did not file his tax returns. However, the investigation revealed that Wichman did have money available to pay his taxes. From 2018 through 2021, Wichman made cash transactions at various casinos and banks totaling more than $1,079,000. In addition, from 2014 through 2022, Wichman spent more than $513,000 on luxury vehicles, a travel trailer, and a Florida vacation.
In total, Wichman did not pay $263,615 in income taxes to the IRS, and also admitted that he failed to pay income taxes to the state of Arkansas. Wichman agreed to pay restitution, including penalties and interest, to both the U.S. Treasury and Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.
Wichman is scheduled to be sentenced at a later date and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, monetary penalties, and restitution. The U.S. District Judge will determine his sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Mohlhenrich is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Bigelow Arkansas Woman Sentenced to over 12 Months in Federal Prison for Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
FORT SMITH – A Bigelow, Arkansas woman was sentenced yesterday to 12 months and one day in prison followed by two years of supervised release on one count of Assaulting, resisting, and impeding a Federal Officer. The Honorable Judge P.K. Holmes, III, presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fort Smith.
According to court documents, on June 24, 2021, two United States Park Rangers with the National Park Service, at Buffalo National River, contacted Kristie Leigh Hudson, age 30, who was involved in an apparent verbal domestic altercation with her partner in the Spring Creek Campground in Searcy County, after a citizen complaint to the officers. Upon making contact with Hudson and her partner, the officers determined Hudson appeared to be under the influence of an unknown substance(s) and had been fighting with her male companion.
Rangers attempted to identify Hudson who refused to cooperate with the investigation, and she began fighting with the officers after which she was detained.
Based on the statements of her traveling companion and her extreme erratic behavior, officers attempted to take her into custody at which time she began fighting with NPS Officers and an officer of the Marion County Sheriff's Department. During the contact and custodial arrest, one of the NPS Officers sustained injury. She was arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail where she was restrained and later taken for medical evaluation and subsequently tried to escape the officers.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The National Park Service, Investigative Services Branch and Buffalo National River investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Williams prosecuted the case.
California Man Sentenced to over 10 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
FORT SMITH – A Redlands, California man was sentenced today to 121 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release on one count of Possession with the Intent to Distribute Heroin. The Honorable Judge P.K. Holmes, III, presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fort Smith.
According to court documents, on January 22, 2022, a trooper with the Arkansas State Police stopped Pedro Armando Nava, Jr., age 34, for operating a vehicle with an expired registration sticker on the license plate. The stop occurred on Interstate 40 in Crawford County, Arkansas. Upon making contact with the two occupants of the vehicle, the trooper detected the odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle.
The trooper spoke with the occupants of the vehicle separately and obtained conflicting information regarding their travels.
After Nava admitted to having a marijuana joint in the vehicle, a search was conducted. The search resulted in troopers locating and seizing one (1) marijuana joint and four (4) suitcases containing eight (8) packages of narcotics.
All eight (8) packages were sent to the Drug Enforcement Adminiatration (DEA) crime lab for further testing. The DEA crime lab found the following substances and amounts: 7,451 grams of heroin and 3,016.3 grams of cocaine.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Arkansas State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Still prosecuted the case.