Western District of Arkansas
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Mountain Pine Arkansas Man Sentenced to over 13 Years in Federal Prison for Assault with A Dangerous Weapon and for Discharging A WeaponRead the Press Release
Hot Springs, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced today that Cedric Allen Wiley, age 30, of Mountain Pine, Arkansas, was sentenced to a total of 166 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm and one count of Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Hot Springs.
On Thursday, February 21, 2019, at approximately 7:00 p.m., National Park Service (NPS) agents responded to a shooting that occurred along Summit Drive of West Mountain within Hot Springs National Park, in the Western District of Arkansas. NPS Dispatch reported the shooting and that a victim had been shot in the back. Responding NPS officers were able to identify a possible suspect(s) based on information provided by the victim both on scene and at the hospital. Additionally, the victim later confirmed that the person who shot him or her was, Cedric “Ced” Wiley.
According to the victim, prior to the shooting, he or she had been riding around in a vehicle with Wiley and others when they stopped at the Hot Springs National Park. While at the Hot Springs National Park, Wiley turned around, drew a weapon from his person and fired the weapon as the victim ran toward the shoulder of the road. The victim stated that he or she was hit in the back and went over the embankment, and that as he or she ran into the woods and down the embankment, Wiley continued to shoot at them. Wiley left the scene and the victim was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.
On February 24, 2019, investigators interviewed Wiley in reference to this investigation. After being advised of his Miranda rights and voluntarily and knowingly waiving them, Wiley admitted he contacted the victim to arrange a meeting with him or her. Wiley advised that he was upset with the victim, and that he shot the victim in the National Park on February 21, 2019, with a firearm that Wiley had obtained prior to the shooting.
“Investigating and prosecuting violent crimes such as this one is a top priority in the Department of Justice and the Western District of Arkansas,” said First Assistant Fowlkes. “We will continue to work relentlessly to make our communities safer by ensuring that violent criminals are prosecuted using the full extent of our federal and state resources.”
Wiley was indicted by a federal grand jury in June of 2019, and entered a guilty plea in August of 2019.
This case was investigated by, the National Park Service. Assistant United States Attorney Bryan Achorn prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
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 over 15 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Hot Springs, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced today that OV Thomas, age 36, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, was sentenced to a total of 188 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release on one count of Distribution of a Controlled Substance that Contained Methamphetamine. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Hot Springs.
In the spring of 2019, Detectives with the 18th East Judicial District Drug Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration launched an investigation into Thomas for drug trafficking in the Western District of Arkansas. The investigation determined that Thomas was an upper level member of a drug distribution ring, which operated primarily in the Western District of Arkansas. In March, June and July of 2019, detectives conducted multiple controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Thomas.
Thomas was indicted by a federal grand jury in October of 2019, and entered a guilty plea in February of 2020.
This case was investigated by, the 18th East Judicial District Drug Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations Little Rock, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the 18th East Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Bryan Achorn and Special Assistant United States Attorney Trent Daniels prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
Crossett Man Sentenced to over 5 Years in Federal Prison for Being A Felon in Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
El Dorado, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Christopher Gibson, age 41, of Crossett, Arkansas, was sentenced today to 63 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for 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 El Dorado.
According to court records on October 9, 2019, Arkansas State Parole Officers and Ashley County Sheriff’s deputies conducted a parole search on Gibson at Gibson’s residence, which is located in the Western District of Arkansas. During the search of his residence, officers located and seized a loaded Mossberg 12-guage shotgun and several shotgun shells. Gibson was taken into custody without incident.
Gibson was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2019, and entered a guilty plea in February of 2020.
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.
This case was investigated by the Ashley County Sheriff’s Office, Arkansas State Probation and Parole Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Fire, Tobacco, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Bryan Achorn prosecuted the case for the United States.
Hot Springs Woman Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Hot Springs, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced today that Lessie Gallo, age 39, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, was sentenced to a total of 300 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release on one count of Distribution of a Controlled Substance that Contained Methamphetamine. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Hot Springs.
In the summer of 2019, Detectives with the 18th East Judicial District Drug Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration launched an investigation into Gallo for drug trafficking in the Western District of Arkansas. The investigation determined that Gallo was the head of an extensive drug distribution network that operated primarily in the Western District of Arkansas. In July and August of 2019, detectives conducted multiple controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Gallo.
Gallo was indicted by a federal grand jury in October of 2019, and entered a guilty plea in February of 2020.
This case was investigated by, the 18th East Judicial District Drug Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations Little Rock, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the 18th East Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Bryan Achorn and Special Assistant United States Attorney Trent Daniels prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
Texarkana Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Federal Prison for Connection with Hope Area Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Texarkana, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that on November 12, 2020, James Earl Bradford, 61, of Texarkana, Arkansas, was sentenced to 132 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for Possession of Cocaine Base with Intent to Distribute. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing, in the United States District Court’s Texarkana Division.
According to court records, Agents with the 8th North Drug Task Force (“DTF”) began investigating Bradford after receiving information that he was distributing narcotics in Hope, Arkansas. On April 11, 2019, Agents located and made contact with Bradford in Hope. Knowing that Bradford was on state parole, and had an active search wavier on file, the agents searched Bradford’s person and vehicle. Inside Bradford’s vehicle, Agents found multiple bags of suspected cocaine base, or “crack,” several baggies of marijuana, items drug paraphernalia and several thousand dollars in cash. Bradford later admitted, following Miranda warnings, that he had been selling crack in Hope for some time.
The bags of suspected cocaine base were taken to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for analysis. The crime laboratory later determined that they contained over 29 grams of a mixture or substance containing cocaine base.
Bradford was indicted by a federal grand jury in May of 2019, and entered a guilty plea in November of 2019.
This case was investigated by the 8th North Drug Task Force, Hempstead County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Graham Jones prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
El Dorado Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
El Dorado, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced today that on November 10, 2020, Thomas Lovett, 36, of El Dorado, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Methamphetamine. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in El Dorado.
In July 2019, as part of an ongoing operation targeting South Arkansas drug traffickers, agents of the FBI and the 13th Judicial Drug Task Force conducted a controlled purchase of methamphetamine that was arranged and facilitated by Lovett.
Lovett was indicted by a federal grand jury in November of 2019, and entered a guilty plea in May of 2020.
This case was investigated by the FBI, the 13th Judicial District Drug Task Force, the El Dorado Police Department and the Union County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Graham Jones prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
Magnolia Woman Sentenced to over 9 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
El Dorado, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Ashley Martin (a/k/a “Hey Bae Bae”), 34, of Magnolia, Arkansas, was sentenced November 6, 2020, to 110 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing, in the United States District Court’s El Dorado Division.
According to court records, on June 3, 2019, while conducting operations in the Columbia County area, investigators with the FBI and 13th Judicial District Drug Task Force saw Martin and co-defendant, Jarred “Chase” McDaniel, 34, also of Magnolia, Arkansas, in a vehicle traveling east on Highway 82. Knowing that Martin had an outstanding felony arrest warrant and that McDaniel (who was driving) did not have a valid driver’s license, investigators contacted Arkansas State Police. After an Arkansas State Trooper stopped the vehicle and placed Martin and McDaniel under arrest, the Trooper conducted a vehicle search. During the search, the Trooper located a red Nike shoebox that contained two zip-lock bags of suspected methamphetamine.
The DEA crime laboratory has since determined that the zip-lock bags contained approximately three and a half pounds of a substance containing methamphetamine.
Martin and McDaniel were indicted by a federal grand jury in June of 2019. Martin pleaded guilty in February 2020. McDaniel has also pleaded guilty, and is currently awaiting sentencing.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, 13th Judicial District Drug Task Force, Magnolia Police Department and Columbia County Sheriff’s Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Graham Jones prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
El Dorado Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
El Dorado, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Marcus Damon Howard, 42, of El Dorado, Arkansas, was sentenced on November 6, 2020, to 120 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and one count of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing, in the United States District Court’s El Dorado Division.
According to court records, on July 1, 2018, Investigators with the Criminal Apprehension Division (CAD), observed a vehicle fail to stop at a stop sign. As the vehicle continued travelling, Investigators observed the driver throw a cigarette pack wrapper out of the driver’s window. Based upon the observed violations, Investigators conducted a traffic stop. When the vehicle stopped, Investigators made contact with its driver and sole occupant Howard. Investigators were advised that Howard was on active state parole and had a search wavier on file. A search of the vehicle resulted in Investigators locating a clear plastic bag that contained 18 smaller plastic baggies of suspected marijuana and 2 baggies of suspected methamphetamine. CAD Investigators also conducted a search of Howard’s residence. That search resulted in Investigators locating three firearms, miscellaneous drug paraphernalia, fentanyl, additional marijuana and additional methamphetamine.
The suspected fentanyl and methamphetamine were sent to the DEA Crime laboratory for analysis. The laboratory was able to confirm positive test results for fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Howard was indicted by a federal grand jury in November of 2019, and entered a guilty plea in June of 2020.
This case was prosecuted as a part of the Department of Justice=s Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative, which is aimed at reducing gun and gang violence, deterring illegal possession of firearms and improving the safety of residents in the Western District of Arkansas. Participants in the initiative include federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 13th Judicial District Drug Task Force, El Dorado Police Department, and Union County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Graham Jones prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
Springdale Man Sentenced to over 22 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of A ChildRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Juan Ordenas-Lucas, age 27, of Springdale, Arkansas, was sentenced today to 276 months in federal prison without the possibility of parole followed by 20 years of supervised release on one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor via the Production of Child Pornography. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks, United States District Judge, presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, in November 2019 the Springdale Police Department was made aware of videos of child exploitation located on Ordenas-Lucas’ phone. A subsequent search warrant of the phone revealed a video recorded by Ordenas-Lucas of him sexually abusing a 7-year-old female.
Ordenas-Lucas was indicted in January of 2020 and entered a guilty plea in June of 2020.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations Fayetteville, the Northwest Arkansas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and the Springdale Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Carly Marshall prosecuted the case for the United States.
Springdale Man Sentenced to over 15 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking Related OffenseRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Robert Don Henderson, age 35, was sentenced today to 188 months in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release for Aiding and Abetting in the Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, on September 23, 2019, officers with the Lincoln Police Department initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by Henderson. Once the officers initiated a traffic stop, Henderson failed to stop his vehicle and fled from the officers at a high rate of speed. Henderson lost control of the vehicle, and crashed through a fence, at which point, he jumped out of the vehicle and continued his flight on foot. Officers eventually caught up to Henderson, and he surrendered by kneeling on the ground and placing his hands in the air. During a search of Henderson’s person, officers located two firearms. During an inventory search of the vehicle, officers located additional firearms. Later, after receiving additional information, investigators sought and obtained a search warrant for the vehicle driven by Henderson. Upon execution of the search warrant, investigators located approximately one-half of a pound of methamphetamine in a jacket inside the vehicle.
A federal grand jury indicted Henderson in March 2020, and he entered a guilty plea in July 2020.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the 4th Judicial District Drug Task Force and the Lincoln Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Kim Harris prosecuted the case for the United States.
Elkins Man Sentenced to over 33 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of A MinorRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas and Gilbert Trill, Acting Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New Orleans, announced today that Aaron Gatewood, age 32, of Elkins, Arkansas, was sentenced yesterday to 405 months in federal prison without the possibility of parole followed by lifetime supervised release on two counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor by Production of Child Pornography. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks, United States District Judge, presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, on or about September 24, 2019, Gatewood was arrested on state charges pursuant to an undercover operation being conducted in the Western District of Arkansas, Homeland Security Investigations Fayetteville, and the Northwest Arkansas Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce. According to court records, Gatewood arranged to meet with the undercover officer in order to have sexual contact with a minor. Subsequent to his arrest, a search of Gatewood’s cell phone resulted in law enforcement discovering child pornography that had been produced by Gatewood. A follow up investigation determined that Gatewood video recorded himself sexually abusing a 7-year-old female on two different occasions.
“This case is a great example of some of the most important work that we do in the Western District of Arkansas,” said First Assistant Fowlkes. “The work of protecting our communities from child predators, from child pornographers, and from other criminals who seek to abuse children is one of our top priorities. We are proud to work with our state and local partners at the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in this effort. The officers and agents on the task force work hard every day to build cases like this one and help protect our communities from child predators. They should be commended for their hard work on this case and the many others like it that the task force has developed.”
“Our special agents are committed to protecting innocent children and our communities from the scourge of child predators. Combining HSI efforts with our law enforcement partners enables us to increase capabilities, save lives, and prevent future atrocities,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Gilbert Trill. “We hope the lengthy prison sentence provides an opportunity for healing for the victims and their families.”
Gatewood was indicted in January of 2020 and entered a guilty plea in April of 2020.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations Fayetteville, the Northwest Arkansas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and the Benton County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Carly Marshall prosecuted the case for the United States.
Justice Department Honors Two Fayetteville Arkansas Police Officers in the Fourth Annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in PolicingRead the Press Release
Fort Smith, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, United States Attorney General William P. Barr and Justice Department leadership announced today that two Fayetteville, Arkansas Police Officers are recipients of the Fourth Annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Policing.
The Attorney General’s Award recognizes individual state, local, and tribal sworn rank-and-file police officers and deputies for exceptional efforts in policing. The awarded officers and deputies have demonstrated active engagement with the community in one of three areas: criminal investigations, field operations or innovations in community policing. This year, the department received 214 nominations recognizing a total of 355 individual officers, deputies, and troopers. There were 39 states represented in the nomination pool, covering state, local, campus, sheriff, and other agency types.
“We are so proud and thankful to work with tremendous law enforcement officers throughout the Western District of Arkansas,” said First Assistant United States Attorney David Clay Fowlkes. “Officer Eucce and Corporal Floyd both exemplify what we see in officers throughout Arkansas: dedication, bravery, and excellence in policing. The bravery and sound tactics that Officer Eucce and Corporal Floyd showed in the face of terrible danger and tragedy is remarkable. They are both certainly very deserving of this recognition. We are fortunate to have such courageous, selfless, and well-trained officers keeping our communities safe.”
“There is no career nobler than that of a police officer, and the 23 officers we honor this year demonstrate that clearly,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “These individuals are distinguished in their service for field operations and criminal investigations – from investigating homicides to drug trafficking to sexual exploitation and assault – to making positive change in their communities through innovative outreach to local residents. Their actions are a testament to what law enforcement officers contribute to our nation each day, keeping us safe from violent crime and building more trusting communities, and they are deserving of our collective thanks. I am pleased to honor these 23 officers for their distinguished service in policing.”
The Department of Justice works closely with local law enforcement and strives to be a ready resource for them. The Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Policing is just one more way the department can show its continued commitment to the profession and honor the men and women who so bravely serve it.
Attorney General Awards for Distinguished Service in Policing 2020
Officer Natalie Eucce and Corporal Seay-Peter Floyd, Fayetteville Police Department (Arkansas)
In December 2019, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, an individual determined to assassinate law enforcement officers, and armed with 100 rounds of ammunition, approached a police car and fired 10 times, killing Officer Stephen Carr. Hearing the shots and seeing the suspect, Corporal Seay-Peter Floyd – with no regard for his personal safety – pursued the suspect and fired. Officer Natalie Eucce (Officer Carr’s partner) and Sergeant James Jennings joined Corporal Floyd in pursuing the suspect and fired as well. The suspect was pronounced dead on the scene. It is very likely more officers would have lost their lives that night, if it were not for the bravery of Corporal Floyd and Officer Eucce.
Twenty-two other law enforcement officers and deputies from 12 jurisdictions across the country also received awards from the Attorney General.
Harrison Arkansas Man Charged in Connection to Setting A Wildland Fire in Buffalo National RiverRead the Press Release
Fort Smith, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Jacob Walls, age 28, of Harrison, Arkansas, has been arrested and charged in connection to a wildland fire set in February 2019 within the Buffalo National River.
In February 2019, National Park Service (NPS) Firefighters and US Park Rangers were dispatched to the report of a wildland fire, in Newton County, near Pruitt. The indictment alleges that Walls willfully and without authority and consent of the United States set fire to National Park Service land. The fire was contained by NPS Firefighters to prevent its spread onto private lands. Walls was indicted by a Federal Grand Jury in March and a trial date has been set for December 7, 2020. The Honorable Mark E. Ford, United States Magistrate Judge, presided over the arraignment in the United States District Court in Fort Smith.
The case was investigated by the National Park Service (NPS), Investigative Services Branch, the US Park Rangers at Buffalo National River, the Newton County Sheriff’s Department and the 14th Arkansas Judicial District Prosecutor's Office. Assistant United States Attorney Claude Hawkins is prosecuting the case for the United States.
An indictment is an allegation and Wells is presumed innocent until convicted. Wells faces up to five years in prison and fines up to $250,000.00 if convicted.
Harrison Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Attempted Enticement of A MinorRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Wayne King, age 66, of Harrison, Arkansas, was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison without the possibility of parole followed by 10 years of supervised release on one count of Attempted Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Illegal Sexual Activity. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks, United States District Judge, presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, in September of 2019, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Northwest Arkansas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, the Arkansas State Police, and several local law enforcement agencies conducted a joint operation to target online sexual predators in Northwest Arkansas. As part of the operation, undercover law enforcement investigators placed multiple advertisements on various online websites and mobile applications representing themselves to be minors.
On September 17, 2019, an individual who called himself Wayne (later identified as King) responded to a Craigslist advertisement and began emailing and text messaging with an undercover law enforcement officer who was posing as a 14-year-old female. Over the course of eight days, King exchanged several emails with the 14-year-old persona, in which he discussed performing sexual activities with the purported minor. King arranged a meeting with the purported 14 year old for a sexual encounter and was arrested upon arriving at the predetermined meeting location.
King was indicted by a federal grand jury in November of 2019, and entered a guilty plea in April of 2020.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, and the Arkansas State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Amy Driver prosecuted the case for the United States.
Arkansas Businessman Pleads Guilty to Income Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
A Bentonville, Arkansas, resident pleaded guilty today to income tax evasion announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
According to court-filed documents, James Brassart filed a 2006 individual income tax return reporting adjusted gross income of $1,502,749 and total tax due of $486,438. He did not pay all of the tax due and was assessed penalties and interest. In an effort to continue receiving income but to make it appear as if he did not have income or assets, Brassart used three nominee corporations, Eagle Creek Construction and Development Inc., Mono Pro LLC, and Sierra Madre Contracting LLC, to conduct his business and purchase assets. Between approximately 2010 and 2016, in an effort to further evade paying money owed on his taxes, Brassart filed four false bankruptcy petitions. Each of these petitions listed the IRS as a creditor. During the course of his bankruptcies, Brassart made false statements and filed fraudulent documents in which he concealed his ownership interests in the nominee corporations. As a result of Brassart’s actions, he caused a tax loss of approximately $1,360,682 to the IRS.
U.S. District Court Judge Timothy L. Brooks set sentencing for a later date. At sentencing, Brassart faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment on the charge. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman thanked special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Tax Division Trial Attorneys Robert Kemins and Terri-Lei O’Malley, who are prosecuting the case. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Arkansas (Fayetteville Division) for their substantial assistance.
Additional information about the Tax Division’s enforcement efforts can be found on the division’s website.
Springdale Man Sentenced to over 17 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Raul Martinez, age 40, was sentenced yesterday, to 210 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release and ordered to pay $25,000.00 in fines for the Distribution of more than 500 grams of Methamphetamine. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, during the course of an investigation into the distribution of controlled substances in the Western District of Arkansas, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) identified Martinez, as a distributor of methamphetamine in Northwest Arkansas, and an investigation was initiated into his criminal activity.
In December 2019, agents with the DEA and local law enforcement conducted a controlled delivery of methamphetamine from Martinez. The methamphetamine from Martinez was sent to the DEA crime lab to be tested. The lab determined that it contained 1306.2 grams of actual methamphetamine.
A federal grand jury indicted Martinez in May 2019, and he entered a guilty plea in September 2019.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Benton County/Rogers Police Department Narcotic Unit, Springdale Police Department and the 4th JDDTF. Assistant United States Attorney’s Amy Driver and Kim Harris prosecuted the case for the United States.
Leader of Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – On Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020, Marion Wise of Cave Springs, Arkansas, was sentenced to 25 years in prison conspiracy to distribute heroin. Wise is the final of 25 individuals responsible for a wide-ranging drug conspiracy to be sentenced.
David Clay Fowlkes, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas and Brad L. Byerley, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, announced today that all 25 individuals have now been sentenced by the United States District Court for their roles in a heroin and methamphetamine trafficking ring that operated in Benton and Washington Counties in Arkansas and also in the additional jurisdictions of California, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arizona and Mexico. The investigation and prosecution of this operation began mid-2018 through the October 6, 2020 sentencing. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearings in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
“Heroin and fentanyl drug use has reached epidemic proportions in many communities across the United States. These drugs are terribly addictive and extremely dangerous. The overdose deaths investigated in this operation are proof of how deadly these drugs are. This case is an excellent example of our plan to keep the trafficking of these drugs from causing even more deaths and even more damage to our communities in Northwest Arkansas. We will continue to focus our Federal Criminal Resources to investigate, convict, and obtain lengthy sentences for all those who would seek to import and distribute these deadly drugs into the Western District of Arkansas,” said First Assistant US Attorney David Clay Fowlkes.
“Nothing is more important than keeping our communities safe. DEA, along with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, will continue to utilize our combined resources to target individuals trafficking drugs and guns, threatening the safety of our citizens in this region of Arkansas and throughout the country. These convictions send a message of our unending resolve to pursue drug traffickers who wreak havoc in our communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley.
Federal grand juries returned multi-count indictments against 25 individuals in the Northwest Arkansas area and beyond for their roles in a large-scale drug trafficking conspiracy. This drug trafficking ring imported multiple kilograms of heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl into the Northwest Arkansas area from out of state for local distribution. Once sold to retail distributors, the heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl were distributed in communities throughout Northwest Arkansas. Two heroin/fentanyl related overdose deaths were tied to the investigation.
Defendants in this conspiracy received the following sentences:
Marion Wise, 50, of Cave Springs, Arkansas, was sentenced Oct. 6, 2020, to 25 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release on one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin. Wise was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty to an information in Feb. 2020.
Sherry Finn, 44, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, was sentenced Oct. 6, 2020, to 77 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin. Finn was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty to an information in Feb. 2020
Michael Wells, 49, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was sentenced May 20, 2020, to 68 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin. Wells was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Nov. 6, 2019.
Ari Sorto, 28, of Springdale, Arkansas, was sentenced May 19, 2020, to eight years in federal prison followed by one year of supervised release on two counts of Knowingly Using a Communication Facility in a Drug Trafficking Crime. Sorto was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Jan. 7, 2020.
Cole Coleman, 29, of Bentonville, Arkansas, was sentenced April 17, 2020, to 87 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin. Coleman was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Nov. 22, 2019.
Blaine Dehosse, 33, of Rogers, Arkansas, was sentenced April 17, 2020, to 106 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin and one count of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Offense. Dehosse was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Jan. 23, 2020.
Jonathan Hannah, 35, of Rogers, Arkansas, was sentenced Feb. 13, 2020, to 54 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Maintaining Drug-Involved Premises. Hannah was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas in and plead guilty on Sept. 26, 2019.
Stephanie Coleman, 47, of Bentonville, Arkansas, was sentenced Jan. 29, 2020, to 18 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin. Coleman was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Nov. 22, 2019.
Kourtney Wilson, 31, of Joplin, Missouri, was sentenced Jan. 29, 2020, to one year in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Distribution of Heroin. Wilson was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Oct. 22, 2019.
Robert Johnston, 54, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was sentenced Jan. 29, 2020, to 46 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin. Johnston was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Oct. 25, 2019.
Jennie Nutt, 59, of Rogers, Arkansas, was sentenced Jan. 28, 2020, to three years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin. Nutt was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Oct. 23, 2019.
Adrian Oviedo, 36, of Springdale, Arkansas, was sentenced Sept. 18, 2019, to 330 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release on one count each of Aiding and Abetting in the Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Felon in Possession of a firearm. Oviedo was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on July 9, 2019.
Brenda Martinez-Blevins, 48, of Springdale, Arkansas, was sentenced Aug. 22, 2019, to one year in federal prison on one count of Failure to Depart. Martinez-Blevins was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on May 3, 2019.
Vernon Williams, 53, of Watts, Oklahoma, was sentenced Aug. 14, 2019, to 248 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release on one count of Distribution of More Than 50 Grams of Actual Methamphetamine. Williams was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Mar. 12, 2019.
Gabriel Whitener, 36, of Watts, Oklahoma, was sentenced Aug. 14, 2019, to 210 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances. Whitener was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Mar. 12, 2019.
Aaron Bevill, 38, of Gravette, Arkansas, was sentenced Aug. 13, 2019, to 142 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances. Bevill was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Mar. 12, 2019.
Gregory Jobe, 32, of Sulphur Springs, Arkansas, was sentenced July 31, 2019, to 15 years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Distribution of Heroin. Jobe was previously indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Mar. 4, 2019.
Connie Sherrell, 56, of Watts, Oklahoma, was sentenced June 10, 2019, to 62 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances. Sherrell was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Feb. 19, 2019.
Harold Campbell, 36, of Rogers, Arkansas, was sentenced June 10, 2019, to 37 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin. Campbell was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Nov. 8, 2018.
Tyler Dellinger, 29, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, was sentenced May 11, 2020, to 13 years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance and one count of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Dellinger was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Feb. 4, 2020.
Matthew Woodrome, 38, of Rogers, Arkansas, was sentenced May 8, 2019, to seven years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin. Woodrome was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Nov. 8, 2018.
Robert Peeler, 31, of Rogers, Arkansas, was sentenced April 19, 2019, to 27 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin. Peeler was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Dec. 7, 2018.
David Moore, 32, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, was sentenced April 4, 2019, to 46 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin. Moore was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Nov. 15, 2018.
David Garduno, 35, of Rogers, Arkansas, was sentenced April 2, 2019, to 51 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Distribution of Heroin. Garduno was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Nov. 7, 2018.
John Botson, 27, of Garfield, Arkansas, was sentenced March 5, 2019, to 157 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin. Botson was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas and plead guilty on Nov. 7, 2018.
This prosecution was part of the Western District of Arkansas’ Operation Sticking Points, 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.
This OCDETF case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration in Fayetteville, Arkansas and Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Benton County/Rogers PD Narcotic Unit, the 4th JDDTF, Arkansas State Probation and Parole and the Arkansas National Guard Counter-Drug Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Kimberly Harris, Dustin Roberts and David Harris prosecuted the cases for the Western District of Arkansas.
Fayetteville Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Attempted Enticement of A MinorRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Scott Royal, age 38, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison without the possibility of parole followed by 15 years of supervised release on one count of Attempted Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Illegal Sexual Activity. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks, United States District Judge, presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, in September of 2019, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Northwest Arkansas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, the Arkansas State Police, and several local law enforcement agencies conducted a joint operation to target online sexual predators in Northwest Arkansas. As part of the operation, undercover law enforcement investigators placed multiple advertisements on various online websites and mobile applications representing themselves to be minors.
On September 18, 2019, an individual who called himself Jim Bass (later identified as Royal) responded to a Craigslist advertisement and began emailing with an undercover law enforcement officer who was posing as a 14-year-old female. Over the course of six days, Royal exchanged over 100 emails with the 14-year-old persona, in which he discussed performing various sexual activities with the purported minor. Royal also arranged a meeting with the purported 14 year old for a sexual encounter. The following day, Royal was arrested upon arriving at the predetermined meeting location.
Royal was indicted by a federal grand jury in October of 2019, and entered a guilty plea in February of 2020.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, and the Arkansas State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Dustin Roberts prosecuted the case for the United States.
Missouri Couple Sentenced to over 13 Years Combined in Federal Prison for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Fort Smith, AR – David Clay Fowlkes, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced today that David Ray Powers, age 29, of Marshfield, Missouri, was sentenced on September 30,2020, to 120 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count each of Bank Robbery and Being a felon in Possession of a Firearm and Lori Jo Stilley, age 42, of Marshfield, Missouri, was sentenced on September 17, 2020, to 41 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Bank Robbery. The Honorable P.K. Holmes III presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fort Smith.
According to court records, on January 30, 2020, Powers and Stilley traveled from Missouri to Boone County, Arkansas, for the purpose of robbing a bank. Stilley assisted in the plan to rob a bank by searching on her cellular phone for locations of banks to rob. Powers and Stilley viewed banks in order to determine if they could readily escape after a robbery. On January 30, 2020, they entered the Arvest Bank in Lead Hill, Arkansas, and stood in line waiting for a teller. Once called upon, Powers placed a hand written note on the teller’s desk that stated that this was a bank robbery and demanded money. The teller complied with the Powers demands. The Teller retrieved money from a drawer totaling $1,387.00. The Teller placed the money into a tan canvass bank bag and gave the money to Powers. Powers took the bank bag, the hand written note, and left the bank through the front door. After receiving a vehicle description, an Arkansas State Police Trooper located a vehicle that matched the description and initiated a traffic stop. After an interview, both Powers and Stilley were arrested. The Boone County Sheriff’s Office obtained a search warrant for the vehicle and searched it. Inside the vehicle was a purse containing $1,387.00 in U.S. currency. A loaded handgun was also located under the vehicle's front seat.
Powers plead guilty to an information in June of 2020 and Stilley plead guilty to an information in May of 2020.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, the Arkansas State Police and the Boone County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Claude Hawkins prosecuted the case for the United States.
Malvern Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that James Rhodes, age 35, was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison, followed by three 3 years of supervised release for being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, on or about December 9, 2019, Rhodes, having previously been convicted of a felony offense, was arrested for shoplifting and found to possess methamphetamine. During the investigation investigators learned that Rhodes had been staying at a hotel and that additional methamphetamine and a firearm were located in the hotel room. Investigators were able to verify that Rhodes had rented a room at a hotel in Bentonville, Arkansas. A search of the room resulted in Investigators locating a loaded handgun.
A federal grand jury indicted Rhodes in January 2020, and he entered a guilty plea in May 2020.
This case was prosecuted as a part of the Department of Justice=s Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative, which is aimed at reducing gun and gang violence, deterring illegal possession of firearms and improving the safety of residents in the Western District of Arkansas. Participants in the initiative include federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
This case was investigated by the Rogers Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Fire, Tobacco, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Amy Driver prosecuted the case for the United States.
Hot Springs Woman Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Drug PossessionRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Michelle Friedman, age 38, was sentenced yesterday to 168 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, on or about January 3, 2020, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) learned that Friedman was purported to be selling methamphetamine from a hotel room in Fayetteville, Arkansas. These agents contacted Friedman's supervising parole officer and learned that Friedman had an active arrest warrant for absconding supervision, and had an active search waiver on file.
DEA agents and her Parole officer located Friedman in her hotel room and made contact with her. Friedman immediately advised officers that everything in the room belonged to her. During a search of the room, Officers located a box and a flashlight that contained methamphetamine, as well as a digital scale.
The DEA crime lab tested the seized methamphetamine and determined that it contained 627grams of methamphetamine.
A federal grand jury indicted Friedman in March 2020, and she entered a guilty plea in June 2020.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Arkansas Probation and Parole. Assistant United States Attorney Hunter Bridges prosecuted the case for the United States.
Rogers Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Drug PossessionRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Shawn Schuckman, age 45, was sentenced today to 240 months in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, during the course of an investigation into the distribution of controlled substances in the Western District of Arkansas, the Drug Enforcement Administration Fayetteville Resident Office (DEA) identified Schuckman, as a distributor of methamphetamine in Northwest Arkansas, and an investigation was initiated into his criminal activity.
In January 2020, upon the conclusion of the investigation, agents and local law enforcement attempted to take Schuckman into custody for his outstanding warrants. Following a short pursuit, Schuckman was apprehended. Investigators located and seized approximately 1,341.4 grams of actual methamphetamine from Schuckman’s hotel room, from the roadway (where he had thrown it out of the window during the pursuit), from his vehicle, and from his person.
A federal grand jury indicted Schuckman in March 2020, and he entered a guilty plea in June 2020.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Benton County Narcotics Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Kim Harris prosecuted the case for the United States.
14 Defendants Arrested Following Drug Trafficking Investigation and RoundupRead the Press Release
Fort Smith, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, Brad L. Byerley, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration and Diane L. Upchurch, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, announced that 14 individuals were arrested today by federal, state, and local law enforcement as part of a roundup following an over year-long investigation into methamphetamine trafficking in Sebastian, Crawford, and Logan Counties in Arkansas.
“This investigation has dealt a serious setback to drug trafficking organizations that endanger not only our communities in the Western District of Arkansas but also other communities throughout the nation,” stated First Assistant U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes, “The indictments and arrests in this case were only made possible due to the unprecedented cooperation between Federal, State and Local Agencies.
“Today, DEA, in collaboration with our Federal, State and Local law enforcement partners, took down a violent methamphetamine trafficking organization, with direct ties to Mexico and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, and whose tentacles extended beyond Arkansas to many other states,” stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley. “These violent offenders not only sold large quantities of methamphetamine, but also used firearms and committed acts of violence in furtherance of their crimes. Because of persistent and collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies in the area, a major supplier of methamphetamine to this region of Arkansas is out of business.”
“The individuals arrested today enriched themselves off the misery and sufferings of others,” stated Special Agent in Charge Diane Upchurch of the FBI Little Rock Field Office. “Working alongside the DEA and our tremendous Arkansas law enforcement partners, we are committed to dismantling criminal organizations who flood our communities with dangerous narcotics and create violence in our neighborhoods. We urge anyone with information about Arkansas criminal organizations to contact our FBI office.”
In August 2020, a federal grand jury returned an Indictment charging several individuals in the Fort Smith, Arkansas area with a large-scale, multi-state drug trafficking and money laundering conspiracy. The indictment included fifteen counts, all of which involved the distribution of methamphetamine or laundering of money earned from the distribution of methamphetamine.
This Indictment is directly related to a previous Indictment issued in July 2020, in which four (4) additional defendants were charged in a similar methamphetamine distribution scheme. The four individuals were arrested on August 5, 2020, and are identified as Emmanuel Miranda, Israel Miranda-Zapata, Brenda Golden Day, and Alexis Tirado.
The defendants who were arrested today will be scheduled to appear in the United States District in Fort Smith before United States Magistrate Judge Mark Ford in the coming days.
This prosecution is part of the Western District of Arkansas’ Operation Bear Mountain Bingo, 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.
This OCDETF operation is a joint investigation between the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), the Fort Smith Police Department, the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, the Logan County Sheriff’s Office, the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenwood Police Department, the Paris Police Department and the Arkansas State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon Carter is prosecuting the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
An indictment is merely an accusation. An arrest warrant represents a finding of probable cause. A person is presumed innocent unless or until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The individuals arrested today are: Manuel “Chuy” De Jesus Perez-Echeverria, Humberto “Beto” Acosta-Martinez, Julio Ivan Enriquez-Munoz, Alberto Ledesma, Efrain Maciel-Martinez, Traye Everett Martin, Julie Ann Pyles, Ezequiel Rodriguez, Paula Lynne Rider, Ronal Salinas, Benjamin “Ben” Valdez, Amber Renee Vance, Emily Elizabeth Williams, and Michael Dean Wilson.
Winslow Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Attempted Enticement of A MinorRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Jay Edward Thompson, age 43, of Winslow, Arkansas, was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison without the possibility of parole followed by five years of supervised release on one count of Attempted Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Illegal Sexual Activity. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks, United States District Judge, presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, In September 2019, the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, the Arkansas State Police, and local law enforcement, set up an operation to target online predators in Northwest Arkansas. As part of the operation, undercover law enforcement investigators placed multiple advertisements on various online websites and mobile applications.
On September 25, 2019, an undercover investigator (UC), posing as a 13-year-old minor female, was contacted by Thompson after he responded to one of the advertisements using his email address. The following day, Thompson arranged to meet with the UC and was taken into custody.
Thompson was indicted in November 2019 and was found guilty by a federal jury sitting in Fayetteville, Arkansas on March 3, 2020.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and the Benton County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Carly Marshall, Assistant United States Attorney Amy Driver and Assistant United States Attorney Dustin Roberts prosecuted the case for the United States.
University of Arkansas Professor Indicted for Wire Fraud and Passport FraudRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice announced today that Simon Saw-Teong Ang, 63, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, was indicted by a federal grand jury in the Western District of Arkansas on 42 counts of wire fraud and two counts of passport fraud.
“Transparency and integrity have long sustained the pursuit of knowledge on America’s campuses,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. “Mr. Ang is alleged to have demonstrated neither when he failed to disclose his financial and other ties to companies and institutions in China to the University of Arkansas and to U.S. government agencies, despite an obligation to do so. This is a hallmark of the China’s targeting of research and academic collaborations within the United States in order to obtain U.S. technology illegally. The Department of Justice will continue to work with colleges and universities to protect U.S. research and development from exploitation by foreign powers and will prosecute those who defraud the U.S. Government.”
“This case is the result of the tireless efforts of our Federal law enforcement partners at the FBI and the State Department,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Fowlkes for the Western District of Arkansas. “The wire fraud in this case affected not only the University of Arkansas, but also several other important United States Government Agencies such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the United States Air Force. It is our sincere hope that this investigation sends a strong message to those who would attempt to defraud the Federal Government.”
“The significant federal charges leveled against Simon Ang demonstrate how real the PRC’s pervasive threat is to Arkansan innovation and businesses,” said FBI Little Rock Special Agent in Charge Diane Upchurch. “Our counterintelligence agents work tirelessly to protect our state’s economy from foreign adversaries. Throughout this investigation, we were proud to partner with the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, NASA’s Office of Inspector General, the Diplomatic Security Service and prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Western District of Arkansas.”
Ang was a professor and researcher at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas since 1988. At the University of Arkansas, Ang served as the Director of the High Density Electronics Center (HiDEC) until on or about May 8, 2020. During his employment with the University of Arkansas and as director of the HiDEC, Ang was the investigator and co-investigator for many grant contracts that were funded by United States Government Agencies. Annually, the University of Arkansas required Ang to disclose any conflicts of interest, including outside employment. Agents working with the FBI discovered that Ang received money and benefits from China and was closely associated with various companies based in China during the same time that he was receiving grants from various United States Government Agencies. The agents discovered that Ang did not disclose these conflicts of interest, even when specifically required to do so by the University of Arkansas and NASA, one of the agencies that awarded Ang and his research associates a Federal grant.
The indictment charges that beginning as early as June 9, 2013, and continuing to on or about May 8, 2020, in the Western District of Arkansas, and elsewhere, Ang, knowingly and willfully devised and intended to devise a scheme and artifice to defraud and to obtain money and property from unknowing United States Government Agencies, the University of Arkansas, and others by means of material false and fraudulent pretenses, representations and promises and the concealment of material facts for the purpose of obtaining money and intellectual property that he would not have received had the University of Arkansas and other government authorities known the facts involved in his scheme and artifice to defraud.
The indictment also charges Ang with two counts of making false statements on a passport renewal application. Specifically, the indictment states that on or about Aug. 5, 2019, in the Western District of Arkansas, Ang, willfully and knowingly made a false statements in an application for a passport with intent to induce and secure for his own use the issuance of a passport under the authority of the United States, contrary to the laws regulating the issuance of such passports and the rules prescribed pursuant to such laws, in that in such application the defendant stated that he was not known by any names other than “Simon Saw-Teong Ang,” which statement he knew to be false. The indictment also charges that Ang also listed immediate travel plans for a trip to Singapore with a departure date of Aug. 30, 2019 and a return date of Sept. 7, 2019, which statement he knew also to be false.
If convicted, Ang faces a statutory maximum punishment of 20 years in prison for each wire fraud count and 10 years in federal prison for each passport fraud count. If convicted, Ang’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including Ang’s prior criminal record (if any), Ang’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations.
The FBI and the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) is investigating the case. Acting U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Arkansas and Trial Attorneys Michael Eaton and Ali Ahmad from the National Security Division are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation. An arrest warrant represents a finding of probable cause. A person is presumed innocent unless or until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
University of Arkansas Professor Indicted for Wire Fraud and Passport FraudRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas David Clay Fowlkes, Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Diane Upchurch of the FBI Little Rock Field Office, announced today that Simon Saw-Teong Ang, 63, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, was indicted by a federal grand jury in the Western District of Arkansas on forty-two counts of wire fraud and two counts of passport fraud.
“This case is the result of the tireless efforts of our Federal law enforcement partners at the FBI and the Diplomatic Security Service, stated Acting US Attorney Fowlkes.” “The wire fraud in this case affected not only the University of Arkansas, but also several other important United States Government Agencies such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the United States Air Force. It is our sincere hope that this investigation sends a strong message to those who would attempt to defraud the Federal Government.”
“Transparency and integrity have long sustained the pursuit of knowledge on America’s campuses,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. “Mr. Ang is alleged to have demonstrated neither when he failed to disclose his financial and other ties to companies and institutions in China to the University of Arkansas and to U.S. government agencies, despite an obligation to do so. This is a hallmark of the China’s targeting of research and academic collaborations within the United States in order to obtain U.S. technology illegally. The Department of Justice will continue to work with colleges and universities to protect U.S. research and development from exploitation by foreign powers and will prosecute those who defraud the U.S. Government.”
“The significant federal charges leveled against Simon Ang demonstrate how real the PRC’s pervasive threat is to Arkansan innovation and businesses,” said FBI Little Rock Special Agent in Charge Diane Upchurch. “Our counterintelligence agents work tirelessly to protect our state’s economy from foreign adversaries. Throughout this investigation, we were proud to partner with the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, NASA’s Office of Inspector General, the Diplomatic Security Service and prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Western District of Arkansas.”
Ang was a professor and researcher at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas since 1988. At the University of Arkansas, Ang served as the Director of the High Density Electronics Center (HiDEC) until on or about May 8, 2020. During his employment with the University of Arkansas and as director of the HiDEC, Ang was the investigator and co-investigator for many grant contracts that were funded by United States Government Agencies. Annually, the University of Arkansas required Ang to disclose any conflicts of interest, including outside employment. Agents working with the FBI discovered that Ang received money and benefits from China and was closely associated with various companies based in China during the same time that he was receiving grants from various United States Government Agencies. The agents discovered that Ang did not disclose these conflicts of interest, even when specifically required to do so by the University of Arkansas and NASA, one of the agencies that awarded Ang and his research associates a Federal grant.
The Indictment charges that beginning as early as June 9, 2013, and continuing to on or about May 8, 2020, in the Western District of Arkansas, and elsewhere, Ang, knowingly and willfully devised and intended to devise a scheme and artifice to defraud and to obtain money and property from unknowing United States Government Agencies, the University of Arkansas, and others by means of material false and fraudulent pretenses, representations and promises and the concealment of material facts for the purpose of obtaining money and intellectual property that he would not have received had the University of Arkansas and other government authorities known the facts involved in his scheme and artifice to defraud.
The Indictment also charges Ang with two counts of making false statements on a passport renewal application. Specifically, the Indictment states that on or about August 5, 2019, in the Western District of Arkansas, Ang, willfully and knowingly made a false statement in an application for a passport with intent to induce and secure for his own use the issuance of a passport contrary to the laws regulating the issuance of passports, in that Ang stated that he was not known by any names other than “Simon Saw-Teong Ang,” which he knew to be false. The Indictment also charges that Ang also listed immediate travel plans for a trip to Singapore with a departure date of August 30, 2019 and a return date of September 7, 2019, which he knew also to be false.
If convicted, Ang faces a statutory maximum punishment of 20 years in prison for each wire fraud count and 10 years in federal prison for each passport fraud count. If convicted, Ang’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including Ang’s prior criminal record (if any), Ang’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations.
The FBI, the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), NASA Office of Inspector General and Air Force Office of Special Investigations are investigating the case. Acting United States Attorney David Clay Fowlkes from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Arkansas and Trial Attorneys Michael Eaton and Ali Ahmad from the National Security Division are prosecuting the case.
An Indictment is merely an accusation. An arrest warrant represents a finding of probable cause. A person is presumed innocent unless or until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Texas Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Hot Springs, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced today that Shane Ellis Krum, age 37, of Gilmer, Texas, was sentenced to 144 months in federal prison followed by four 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 United States District Court in Hot Springs.
On or about December 26, 2017, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, a Garland County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a brown sedan for a traffic violation. As the vehicle stopped, the driver, later identified as Krum, got out and walked to a fence on the side of the road. Krum lit a cigarette, then turned and walked back to the vehicle and sat down in the driver’s seat. After learning that Krum had a search wavier on file, a search of his vehicle was conducted. During the search, Deputies located a loaded semi-automatic handgun under the driver’s seat. Deputies also searched the area Krum had been standing and located a backpack that contained a plastic bag of suspected methamphetamine, a plastic bag of suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
The suspected methamphetamine was sent to the Arkansas Crime Laboratory where it was determined to be 50.7 grams of actual methamphetamine.
Krum was indicted by a federal grand jury in September of 2018, and entered a guilty plea in October of 2019.
This case was investigated by the Garland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney’s Bryan Achorn and Candace Taylor prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the IRS Criminal Investigation Remind Taxpayers of Upcoming Tax Filing Deadline; Urge Taxpayers to Remain Vigilant of ScamsRead the Press Release
Fort Smith, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation division reminded taxpayers of the July 15 filing and payment deadline and warned against an increase in tax and COVID-19 scams.
Due to COVID-19, the original filing deadline and tax payment due date for 2019 was postponed from April 15 to July 15. Taxpayers filing Form 1040 series returns must file Form 4868 by July 15 to obtain the automatic extension to Oct. 15.
As the filing deadline approaches, taxpayers should beware of tax and COVID-19 related scams. “Criminals use the tax filing deadline as an opportunity to steal personal and financial information”, said Acting U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes for the Western District of Arkansas. “Taxpayers should remain vigilant and know that the IRS will not initiate contact with them via phone, email or social media to request personal or financial information.”
“Although the extension provides additional time to file the tax return – it is not an extension to pay any taxes due”, said Tamera Cantu, Special Agent in Charge of IRS-CI’s Dallas Field Office. “For people facing hardships who cannot pay in full, including those affected by COVID-19, the IRS has several options available to help. The IRS encourages taxpayers to visit IRS.gov as soon as possible to explore these options and avoid accruing interest and penalties after the July 15 deadline.”
In the last few months, the IRS Criminal Investigation division (CI) has continued to see a tremendous increase in a variety of Economic Impact Payment scams and other financial schemes. CI continues to work with its law enforcement partners to put a stop to these schemes and bring criminals to justice.
Taxpayers can report COVID-19 scams to the National Center for Disaster Fraud. Taxpayers can also report fraud or theft of their Economic Impact Payments to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). Unsolicited (phishing) e-mails that appear to be from the IRS should be forwarded to [email protected].
For the most up-to-date information about the tax filing deadline and IRS impersonation scams, taxpayers can visit IRS.gov.
Prescott Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
El Dorado, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Larry Peters Jr., 37, of Prescott, Arkansas, was sentenced yesterday to 120 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiring to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing, in the United States District Court’s Texarkana Division.
According to court records, the South Central Drug Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) made a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Peters in Prescott, Arkansas, in January 2019. The substances purchased from Peters were submitted to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory, which found them to contain 159.71 grams (approximately 5.6 ounces) of pure methamphetamine.
Peters was indicted by a federal grand jury in May of 2019, and entered a guilty plea in October of 2019.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the South Central Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Graham Jones prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
Glenwood Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Being A Felon in Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
Hot Springs, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Jacob Anzaldua, age 39, of Glenwood, Arkansas, was sentenced today to 180 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for 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.
On or about May 4, 2018, around 3:00 a.m., Anzaldua broke into the John Pylar's Home Center located in Glenwood, Arkansas. Anzaldua was captured on surveillance footage and was observed operating a distinct 1998 Ford pick-up truck. On or about May 5, 2018, around 9:00 p.m., a Special Agent with the ASP observed the distinct 1998 Ford pick-up truck, operated by Anzaldua and attempted to stop it. Anzaldua failed to stop the vehicle and fled from the officer. Ultimately, Anzaldua's vehicle underwent a mechanical failure and came to a stop. Anzaldua was placed under arrest and his vehicle was searched. The search resulted in officers locating a loaded defaced handgun behind the center console.
Anzaldua was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2019, and entered a guilty plea in October of 2019.
This case was prosecuted as a part of the Department of Justice=s Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative, which is aimed at reducing gun and gang violence, deterring illegal possession of firearms and improving the safety of residents in the Western District of Arkansas. Participants in the initiative include federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
This case was investigated by the Arkansas State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Fire, Tobacco, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Bryan Achorn and Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA) Trent Daniels prosecuted the case for the United States.
Crossett Man Sentenced to over 5 Years in Federal Prison for Being A Felon in Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
El Dorado, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Tracy Wright Jr., age 25, of Crossett, Arkansas, was sentenced on June 30, 2020 to 70 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for 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 El Dorado.
On or about July 27, 2019, deputies with the Ashley County Sheriff’s Department and officers with the Crossett Police Department encountered Wright, a convicted felon. Upon contact with law enforcement, Wright was immediately recognized by law enforcement, who were aware of an active warrant that had been issued for Wright’s arrest. After Wright was taken into custody, a search of his persons resulted in officer’s locating two handguns in his pants pocket.
Wright was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2019, and entered a guilty plea in January of 2020.
This case was prosecuted as a part of the Department of Justice=s Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative, which is aimed at reducing gun and gang violence, deterring illegal possession of firearms and improving the safety of residents in the Western District of Arkansas. Participants in the initiative include federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
This case was investigated by the Ashley County Sheriff’s Office, the Crossett Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Fire, Tobacco, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Bryan Achorn prosecuted the case for the United States.
Arizona Adoption Attorney Pleads Guilty to Alien Smuggling for Financial GainRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – Acting U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes for the Western District of Arkansas, Special Agent in Charge Diane Upchurch of the FBI Little Rock Field Office and Peter Kapoukakis, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Miami Field Office announced today that Paul Petersen plead guilty to the offense of Conspiracy to Smuggle Illegal Aliens for Commercial Advantage and Private Financial Gain. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks accepted the plea in the U.S. District Court in Fayetteville.
“This plea agreement is one more step on a long road towards putting an end to the illegal adoption practices that have long plagued the Marshallese community in our District,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Fowlkes. “It is my sincere hope that this plea sends a strong message to those who would seek to take advantage of some of the more vulnerable members of our community. We will continue to investigate these cases and will continue to seek justice for all the parties involved. We will also continue to work to end this illegal adoption practice which is nothing more than a sophisticated scheme to not only take advantage of the Marshallese community, but also to swindle prospective adoptive parents out of large sums of money.”
According to the Plea Agreement filed in this case, the FBI, the DSS and local law enforcement, have been actively investigating the criminal activities of Paul Petersen, 44, of Mesa, Arizona, for several years. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement determined that the defendant, Paul Petersen, among other things, orchestrated the travel of several pregnant women from the Republic of the Marshall Islands to the Western District of Arkansas. The purpose of this travel was for Petersen to arrange adoption of their children by families living in the United States.
The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) is an island country near the equator in the Pacific Ocean, slightly west of the International Date Line. In 1983, the United States entered into a Compact of Free Association (hereinafter, the “Compact”) with the RMI government. The United States and the RMI signed an Amended Compact in 2003, which Congress codified at Public Law 108-188. Section 141 of the Compact grants RMI citizens the ability to freely enter and take up employment within the United States. Section 141(b) prohibits RMI citizens from entering the United States under the Compact agreement if their travel is for the purpose of adoption.
According to the Plea Agreement, the Defendant, Paul Petersen, is a licensed attorney who practices law in Arizona, Utah, and Arkansas. During the course of the investigation, FBI and DSS agents discovered that Petersen used credit card accounts that he controlled to purchase airline tickets for several women, all citizens of the RMI who did not have official authorization to enter or reside in the United States, to travel from the RMI to the Western District of Arkansas. This travel arranged and funded by Petersen was in violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act because the women were all citizens of the RMI and were not eligible for admission into the United States under the terms of the Compact. According to State of Arkansas Circuit Court records, the families who adopted these children paid Petersen significant sums of money for him to act as a legal facilitator of the adoptions. Finally, also according to the Plea Agreement, witness interviews conducted by the agents investigating Petersen revealed that it was part of the conspiracy that Petersen’s co-conspirators offered the women $10,000 to induce them to travel to the United States and consent to the adoptions.
“By preying upon both pregnant women from the Marshall Islands and loving Arkansan couples who wanted to adopt children, Mr. Peterson acted in a despicable manner and profited off individuals who simply sought to enrich their families,” said FBI Little Rock Special Agent in Charge Diane Upchurch. “We were proud to work alongside our partners at the Diplomatic Security Service on this investigation, and we hope Mr. Peterson’s case will serve as a warning to others who seek to financially benefit from illegal adoption practices.”
"The Diplomatic Security Service would like to thank our partners in this case, including the RMI government,” said DSS Special Agent in Charge Kapoukakis. “Together, we have prevented further victimization of Marshallese women and abuse of the Compact of Free Association between our countries that permits visa-free travel to the United States under certain conditions. The DSS remains firmly committed to leveraging our worldwide reach and partnerships to prosecute anyone who willfully violates federal law to exploit innocent and vulnerable families.”
Petersen’s sentence will be determined by the court at a later date. Petersen faces a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000 for alien smuggling.
The FBI and the DSS conducted the investigation. Acting U.S. Attorney Clay Fowlkes, Deputy Criminal Chief Kim Harris, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sydney Butler are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs of the Department’s Criminal Division also assisted in the investigation.
Hot Springs Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
Hot Springs, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced today that Tyler Merle Cable, age 34, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, was sentenced on June 22, 2020 to a total of 84 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and one count of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Hot Springs.
In the fall of 2019, Detectives with the 18th Judicial Drug Task Force launched an investigation into drug trafficking in the Western District of Arkansas. In September of 2019, detectives conducted a controlled purchase of methamphetamine and a firearm from Cable.
Cable was indicted by a federal grand jury in November of 2019, and entered a guilty plea in February of 2020.
This case was investigated by the 18th Judicial Drug Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations Fayetteville. Assistant United States Attorney Bryan Achorn prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
Hot Springs Man Sentenced to over 6 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Hot Springs, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced today that Dylan Lee Hooks, age 24, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, was sentenced June 15, 2020 to a total of 77 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Distribution of a Controlled Substance that Contained Methamphetamine. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Hot Springs.
In the fall of 2019, Detectives with the 18th Judicial Drug Task Force launched an investigation into Hooks for drug trafficking in the Western District of Arkansas. In September of 2019, detectives conducted multiple controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Hooks.
Hooks was indicted by a federal grand jury in November of 2019, and entered a guilty plea in February of 2020.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations Fayetteville and the 18th Judicial Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Bryan Achorn prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
Holiday Island Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Fort Smith, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Jeremy Michael Pumphrey, age 41, of Holiday Island, Arkansas, was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge P. K. Holmes III presided over the sentencing hearing today in the United States District Court in Fort Smith.
On May 1, 2019, law enforcement officers with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office and the Eureka Springs Police Department arrived at a residence in Holiday Island Arkansas to locate and arrest Pumphrey for an outstanding felony warrant. As officers approached the residence, Pumphrey was observed running out the back door and carrying a backpack. Officers located and arrested Pumphrey for the warrant. A search of the backpack resulted in officers locating four plastic bags of suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
The suspected methamphetamine was submitted to the Houston lab for testing and tested positive with a total weight of 31.82 grams.
Pumphrey was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2020 and entered a guilty plea in February 2020.
This case was investigated by the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office and the Eureka Springs Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Claude Hawkins prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
Denison Texas Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Calling in Bomb Threat to the Mena Post Office and for Setting Fire to A Mena BusinessRead the Press Release
Fort Smith, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Jacob Samuel Green, age 26, of Denison, Texas, was sentenced today to 60 months in federal prison followed by two years of supervised release and ordered to pay $145,272.25 in restitution on one count of Making Willful Threat by Mail or Telephone and one count of Maliciously Damaging and Destroying or Attempting to Damage and Destroy Real or Personal Property. The Honorable Judge P. K. Holmes III presided over the sentencing hearing today in the United States District Court in Fort Smith.
In the early morning hours of August 3, 2019, the Mena Police Department received a telephone call on its non-emergency phone line there was a bomb in one of the Postal Service vehicles at the Mena Post Office and when someone opens the door of the vehicle, it will blow up. Mena police officers responded to the Mena Post Office and while they were investigating, one of the officers noticed a fire had been set in the "Just for Kids" resale store located across the street of the post office. Police officers called the fire department, which were able to put out the fire after substantial damage to the building and its contents had occurred. At all relevant times, the resale store was operated by the Polk County Developmental Center which is a nonprofit corporation and the proceeds from the resale store were and are used to provide services for individuals with disabilities. During the investigation, officers were able to identify Green as being the caller and were able to trace the phone back to a hotel room in Mena that had been registered in Green’s name. Officers were able to locate and interview Green. During the interview, Green admitted to calling in the bomb threat and to setting the business on fire.
Green was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2020 and entered a guilty plea in February 2020.
This case was investigated by the Mena Police Department, Mena Fire Department, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, United States Postal Service, ATF and the Fort Smith Bomb Squad. Assistant United States Attorney Claude Hawkins prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
Springdale Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Ricardo Uribe, age 37 of Springdale, AR was sentenced today to 60 months in federal prison followed by 4 years of supervised release on one count of Distribution of More Than 50 Grams of a Mixture of Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing today in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records in March of 2019, special agents with Homeland Security Investigations, the Rogers Police Department and the Benton County Drug Unit initiated an investigation into Uribe concerning his drug distribution in Northwest Arkansas. Throughout the course of the investigation, investigators were able to conduct several controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Uribe.
Uribe was indicted by a federal grand jury in August of 2019, and entered a guilty plea in February of 2020.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Rogers Police Department, and the Benton County Drug Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Amy Driver prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
Hot Springs Woman Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Hot Springs, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced yesterday that Laurie Hooks-Lowrey, age 51, of Hot Springs, AR, was sentenced to a total of 96 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release on one count of Distribution of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable amount of Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Hot Springs.
According to court records, on or about October 17, 2019, Hooks-Lowrey distributed over 25 grams of methamphetamine. The court records also revealed that she distributed methamphetamine on at least four other occasions prior to October of 2019.
Hooks-Lowrey was indicted by a federal grand jury in November of 2019, and entered a guilty plea in February of 2020.
This case was investigated by the 18th East Judicial District Drug Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations Division. Assistant United States Attorney Bryan Achorn and Special Assistant United States Attorney Trent Daniels prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
Hot Springs Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
Hot Springs, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced today that Terry Gibbons, age 43, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, was sentenced to a total of 120 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and one count of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Hot Springs.
In November 2018, a Hot Springs Police Officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by Gibbons. While speaking with Gibbons, the officer observed a firearm in the storage compartment of the driver’s door. A check of the firearm determined that it had been reported stolen. Gibbons was placed under arrest and searched, at which time the officer located several baggies of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
The suspected methamphetamine was submitted to the Arkansas State Crime lab for testing and tested positive for methamphetamine with a total weight of 219.4 grams.
Gibbons was indicted by a federal grand jury in June of 2019, and entered a guilty plea in October of 2019.
This case was investigated by the Hot Springs Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Bryan Achorn prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
Two Southern California Men Sentenced to over 13 Years Combined in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Fort Smith, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Stephen Mark Cox, age 57, of Beverly Hills, California, was sentenced on May 14, 2020 to 120 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute more than 5 Kilograms of Cocaine and Scott Samuel Green, age 40, of Los Angeles, California, was sentenced on May 20, 2020 to 46 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine. The Honorable Judge P. K. Holmes III presided over the sentencing hearings in the United States District Court in Fort Smith.
On April 17, 2019, an Arkansas State Trooper was on duty and working on Interstate 40 in Crawford County, Arkansas. The Trooper observed a white SUV commit a traffic offense and initiated a traffic stop. The Trooper made contact with Green (the driver) and Cox (the passenger) and proceeded to interview them. After the interview and receiving consent to search the vehicle, the Trooper searched the vehicle and located approximately 17 kilograms of suspected cocaine. The suspected cocaine field tested positive for cocaine.
Cox and Green were indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2019 and entered guilty pleas in December 2019.
This case was investigated by the Arkansas State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorneys Candace Taylor and Aaron Jennen prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
Members of “Felony Lane Gang” Sentenced to over 5 Years Combined in Federal Prison for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced today that KALEY WILLIAMS, age 29, of Daytona Beach, Florida and MICHELLE JACKSON, age 51, of Pompano Beach, Florida were sentenced this week on bank fraud charges. Williams, age 29, was sentenced to to 46 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release on one count of Bank Fraud. Jackson, age 51, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release on one count of Bank Fraud. Williams was ordered to pay victim restitution in the amount of $42,744. Jackson was ordered to pay $21,116 in victim restitution. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks, United States District Judge, presided over the sentencing hearings in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
Williams and Jackson were part of a nationwide group known as the “Felony Lane Gang.” These individuals traveled from Florida to Arkansas and Iowa and the male co-conspirators broke into vehicles parked at fitness centers, day cares, trailheads and other areas, stealing checks, checkbooks, credit cards, driver’s licenses, and other means of identification. They would then forge the stolen checks making them payable to other individuals whose identification they had previously stolen. Using the stolen identification, the female members would then cash the forged checks by utilizing at drive-through windows at various banks. Other cells of the Felony Lane Gang have committed this fraud across the country.
Williams and Jackson were indicted in October 2019. Jackson entered a guilty plea December 2019. Williams entered a guilty plea in December 2019.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, and the Rogers, Fayetteville, Lowell, Springdale, Bentonville and Jonesboro Police Departments. Assistant United States Attorney Amy Driver prosecuted the case for the United States.
Arizona Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Fort Smith, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Scott Carl Mangum, age 40, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute more than 5 Kilograms of Cocaine. The Honorable Judge P. K. Holmes III presided over the sentencing hearings today in the United States District Court in Fort Smith.
On October 27, 2019, an Arkansas State Police Trooper conducted a traffic stop on a tractor-trailer traveling on Interstate 40 in Crawford County, Arkansas, which is located in the Western District of Arkansas. The Trooper made contact with Mangum, who was the driver and sole occupant of the tractor-trailer. Mangum consented to a search of the tractor-trailer, which resulted in Troopers locating a 9mm handgun and a meth pipe. During the search of Magnum’s person Troopers located a small baggie of methamphetamine in his pocket. A search of the trailer resulted in Troopers locating approximately 15 kilograms of suspected cocaine, which was concealed with the produce that Mangum was transporting.
The suspected cocaine was submitted to the DEA lab for testing and tested positive as cocaine with a total weight of 15.04 kilograms.
Mangum was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2019 and entered a guilty plea in December 2019.
This case was investigated by the Arkansas State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Kenneth Elser prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
Rogers Man Sentenced to over 5 Years in Federal Prison on Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced today that Martin Rosales-Rodriguez, age 20, of Rogers, Arkansas, was sentenced today to 70 months in federal prison followed by ten years of supervised release on one count of Receipt of Child Pornography. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks, United States District Judge, presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, in March 2018, members of the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force identified an IP address that was using a file sharing network to obtain suspected child pornography files. The IP address was traced to Rosales-Rodriguez’s residence in Rogers, Arkansas. On April 16, 2019, a federal search warrant was executed at Rosales-Rodriguez’s residence. Law enforcement confiscated and later searched digital devices from the residence and discovered images of child pornography.
Rosales-Rodriguez was indicted in June of 2019 and entered a guilty plea in October of 2019.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security and the Northwest Arkansas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Amy Driver prosecuted the case for the United States.
University of Arkansas Professor Arrested for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, David Clay Fowlkes, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Diane Upchurch of the FBI Little Rock Field Office announced today that Simon Saw-Teong Ang, 63, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, was arrested on Friday, May 8, 2020, on charges related to Wire Fraud. The complaint and complaint affidavit were unsealed this evening after Ang’s initial appearance in court before The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks at the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
In the one-count complaint, Ang was charged with one count of Wire Fraud. The complaint charges that Ang had close ties with the Chinese government and Chinese companies, and failed to disclose those ties when required to do so in order to receive grant money from NASA. These materially false representations to NASA and the University of Arkansas resulted in numerous wires to be sent and received that facilitated Ang’s scheme to defraud.
If convicted, Ang faces a statutory maximum punishment of 20 years in prison. If convicted, Ang’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including Ang’s prior criminal record (if any), the Ang’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations.
The FBI is investigating the case. Acting U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Arkansas and Trial Attorneys Michael Eaton and Ali Ahmad from the National Security Division are prosecuting the case.
A federal complaint is a written statement of the essential facts of the offenses charged and must be made under oath before a magistrate judge. The charges set forth in a complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
University of Arkansas Professor Arrested for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas David Clay Fowlkes, Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Diane Upchurch of the FBI Little Rock Field Office, announced today that Simon Saw-Teong Ang, 63, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, was arrested on Friday, May 8, 2020 on charges related to Wire Fraud. The complaint and complaint affidavit were unsealed this evening after Ang’s initial appearance in court before The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks at the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
In the one-count complaint, Ang was charged with one count of Wire Fraud. The complaint charges that Ang had close ties with the Chinese government and Chinese companies, and failed to disclose those ties when required to do so in order to receive grant money from NASA. These materially false representations to NASA and the University of Arkansas resulted in numerous wires to be sent and received that facilitated Ang’s scheme to defraud.
If convicted, Ang faces a statutory maximum punishment of 20 years in prison. If convicted, Ang’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including Ang’s prior criminal record (if any), Ang’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations.
The FBI is investigating the case. Acting United States Attorney David Clay Fowlkes from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Arkansas and Trial Attorneys Michael Eaton and Ali Ahmad from the National Security Division are prosecuting the case.
A federal complaint is a written statement of the essential facts of the offenses charged and must be made under oath before a magistrate judge. The charges set forth in a complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Rogers Man Sentenced to 13 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced today that Tyler Dellinger, age 29, of Rogers, Arkansas, was sentenced to a total of 156 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance and one count of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, on October 30, 2019, Arkansas Probation and Parole Officers along with Special Agents and Task Force Officers with the DEA, made contact with Dellinger after being advised that Dellinger was attempting to distribute heroin in northwest Arkansas and that he had a warrant out for his arrest. When the officers made contact with Dellinger, he was in possession of approximately one quarter pound of heroin, a stolen firearm with ammunition, drug paraphernalia, and a small amount of methamphetamine. Dellinger advised officers that he traveled out of state two or three times a week in order to obtain the heroin and that he purchased the firearm recently for protection.
Dellinger was indicted by a federal grand jury in November of 2019, and entered a guilty plea in February of 2020.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Arkansas State Probation and Parole. Assistant United States Attorney Kim Harris prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to over 21 Years in Federal Prison for Being A Felon in Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Austin Wenger, age 26, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, was sentenced today to 262 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for one count of being a Felon In Possession of a Firearm. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, on September 6, 2019, detectives with the Fayetteville Police Department were attempting to locate and arrest Wenger on a warrant related to a shooting he was involved in on September 5, 2019.
During the early morning hours on September 6, 2019, investigators received a tip that Wenger was located at a residence on North Club Drive in Fayetteville. At approximately 7:53 a.m. investigators, confirmed Wenger was inside the residence. Until approximately 3:40 p.m. on September 6, Wenger barricaded himself inside the residence and refused surrender to law enforcement. During this period, Wenger spoke with crisis negotiators who informed him that he was under arrest and directed him to release three children from inside the residence. Investigators spent hours attempting to negotiate with Wenger to release the children inside the residence, but were unsuccessful. Eventually the three children were released from a back window.
During the standoff, Wenger posted a live stream video on Facebook wherein he brandished a firearm, which he subsequently discharged on at least two occasions from inside the residence. One projectile from the gun nearly struck a uniformed police officer stationed outside the home.
During the standoff, Emergency Response Team members used multiple gas canisters and had to breach the door to force Wenger’s surrender, which eventually took place around 3:40 p.m. Subsequent to his arrest, a search warrant was executed and the firearm Wenger possessed and discharged was located. In addition, investigators located 6 spent shell casings of .40 caliber inside the residence.
Wenger has been previously convicted of multiple felonies in state court and is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms. Under federal law, Wenger is considered an Armed Career Criminal and subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of at least 15 years because he has three prior convictions for violent felony offenses.
Wenger was indicted by a federal grand jury in November of 2019, and entered a guilty plea in February of 2020.
This case was prosecuted as a part of the Department of Justice=s Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative, which is aimed at reducing gun and gang violence, deterring illegal possession of firearms and improving the safety of residents in the Western District of Arkansas. Participants in the initiative include federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
This case was investigated by the Fayetteville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney David Harris prosecuted the case for the United States.
Sulphur Springs Man Sentenced to over 12 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Donald Whitaker, age 35 of Sulphur Springs, AR was sentenced today to 150 months in federal prison followed by 5 years of supervised release on one count of Distribution of More Than 50 Grams of Actual Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing today in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records in June of 2019, the Drug Enforcement Administration initiated an investigation into Whitaker for drug trafficking offenses in the Western District of Arkansas. On August 13, 2019, investigators conducted a controlled purchase of approximately three ounces of methamphetamine from Whitaker. The substance purchased from Whitaker was submitted to the DEA laboratory and tested positive for 92.7 grams of actual methamphetamine.
Whitaker was indicted by a federal grand jury in November of 2019, and entered a guilty plea in February of 2020.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Amy Driver prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
Oklahoma Man Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced today that Eugene Blackwood, age 47, of Westville, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 146 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 records, in the fall of 2019, agents and taskforce officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration initiated an investigation into Blackwood concerning his drug distribution in Northwest Arkansas. Throughout the course of the investigation, investigators were able to conduct several controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Blackwood.
Blackwood was indicted by a federal grand jury in November of 2019, and entered a guilty plea in December of 2019.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Kim Harris prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
Fayetteville Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison on Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced today that Brion Carey, age 35, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, was sentenced on May 6, 2020, to 180 months in federal prison without the possibly of parole followed by twenty years of supervised release on two Counts of Transportation of Child Pornography and one Count of Access the Internet with the Intent to View Child Pornography. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks, United States District Judge, presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, in November of 2018, Homeland Security Investigations received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that an individual in Northwest Arkansas, later identified as Carey, uploaded numerous images of child pornography to a Google based email account. Further investigation revealed a second instance that the same Google email account was utilized to send an email containing child pornography. Carey was arrested in January of 2019. He was later indicted on three child pornography related charges. In December of 2019, a jury found Carey guilty of all charges.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security and the Northwest Arkansas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Dustin Roberts and Assistant United States Attorney Carly Marshall prosecuted the case for the United States.