Western District of Arkansas
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Rogers Physician Pleads Guilty to Distribution of A Controlled Substance Without an Effective PrescriptionRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Dr. Robin Ann Cox plead guilty today to one count of Distribution of a Controlled Substance without an Effective Prescription.
According to the plea agreement, Dr.Cox was employed by the Arkansas Medical Clinic (AMC) in Rogers, Arkansas. Cox and the owner of AMC contacted the DEA by telephone to report that prescriptions from Cox' s previous employment had been fraudulently written and filled. Cox specifically identified a prescription for patient D.S. written on May 19, 2019 and filled on May 20, 2019, and a prescription for F. R. dated May 17, 2019 and filled on May 17, 2019. During the investigation into these prescriptions, the DEA discovered that Cox had written D.S. his/her prescription in the parking lot of a fast food restaurant in Fort Smith, Arkansas, in the Western District of Arkansas, Fort Smith Division.
Agencies participating in the investigation are the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), DEA Diversion Little Rock, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS), the Springdale Police Department and the Rogers Police Department. Special Assistant United States Attorney Anne Gardner is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Rogers Man Sentenced to 10 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 Alejandro Rodriguez, age 27, of Rogers, Arkansas was sentenced to 120 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 May of 2019 the FBI Safe Streets Task Force initiated an investigation into Rodriguez, for drug trafficking and firearms offenses in the Western District of Arkansas. Throughout the course of the investigation, investigators conducted three controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Rodriguez, as well as the controlled purchase of a firearm. Rodriguez has prior felony convictions and is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms.
The methamphetamine purchased was subsequently sent to the DEA laboratory in Miami and tested positive for 26.83 grams of methamphetamine.
Rodriguez 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 FBI Safe Streets Task Force . Assistant United States Attorney David Harris prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
Department of Justice Makes $850 Million Available to Help Public Safety Agencies Address Covid-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
$6,926,980.00 Available to Arkansas
Fort Smith, Arkansas –The Department of Justice today announced that it is making $850 million available to help public safety agencies respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19. The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump, will allow eligible state, local and tribal governments to apply immediately for these critical funds. The department is moving quickly to make awards, with the goal of having funds available for drawdown within days of the award.
“We are so thankful for our front-line law enforcement officers, first responders, and all others who work to protect the safety of our communities,” said Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas David Clay Fowlkes. “It is our sincere hope that these additional resources will help support them through the dangers they face during this pandemic.”
“This is an unprecedented moment in our nation’s history and an especially dangerous one for our front-line law enforcement officers, corrections officials, and public safety professionals,” said Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “We are grateful to the Congress for making these resources available and for the show of support this program represents.”
The solicitation, posted by the Bureau of Justice Assistance in the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will remain open for at least 60 days and be extended as necessary. OJP will fund successful applicants as a top priority on a rolling basis as applications are received. Funds may be used to hire personnel, pay overtime costs, cover protective equipment and supplies, address correctional inmates’ medical needs and defray expenses related to the distribution of resources to hard-hit areas, among other activities. Grant funds may be applied retroactively to Jan. 20, 2020, subject to federal supplanting rules.
Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for this emergency funding. A complete list of eligible jurisdictions and their allocations can be found at https://bja.ojp.gov/program/fy20-cesf-allocations.
For more information about the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, please visit https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553. For more information about the Office of Justice Programs, please visit https://www.ojp.gov/.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas urges the public to report suspected COVID-19 fraudRead the Press Release
Fort Smith, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, today urged the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or to the NCDF e-mail address [email protected].
In coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes.
Acting U.S. Attorney Fowlkes stated, “We intend to vigorously investigate and prosecute those criminals who would seek to take advantage of the uncertainty created by this pandemic to advance their criminal activity.”
Some examples of these schemes include:
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
- Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
- Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
- Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
In a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys issued March 19, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen also directed each U.S. Attorney to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the Coronavirus, direct the prosecution of Coronavirus-related crimes, and to conduct outreach and awareness activities.
The NCDF can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes. The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.
To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Northwest Arkansas Man Sentenced to 168 Months in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced yesterday that Bryant Keethe Smith Ford, age 29, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison followed by 4 years of supervised release, and to pay a $20,000.00 fine on one count of Conspiracy to Distribute More than 100 Kilograms of Marijuana and sentenced to 120 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release on one count of Money Laundering. These sentences were ordered to run concurrently. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, through their investigations, determined that from on or about January 1, 2017, and continuing to July 18, 2019, the Bryant Ford Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) operated in the Western District of Arkansas and was responsible for trafficking large quantities of marijuana into the Fayetteville, Arkansas area from other states. Once the marijuana was brought to Fayetteville by Ford, it was then distributed to others by Ford or at his direction. Further, during the investigation, it was determined that Ford used proceeds from his unlawful marijuana sales to pay for luxury cars in United States Currency (cash) and that he then titled the luxury vehicles in another individual’s name. On July 18, 2019, the day of Ford’s arrest, several federal search warrants were executed. As a result, over $260,000.00 in United States Currency, two loaded firearms, and three luxury vehicles were seized.
During the course of the investigation, over 300 pounds of marijuana were seized by law enforcement.
Ford was indicted by a federal grand jury in August of 2019, and entered a guilty plea in November of 2019.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. These federal agencies were assisted by many local law enforcement partners throughout the country during the course of this investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Harris prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
Northwest Arkansas Woman Sentenced to 10 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 Angeline Towery, age 41, of Fayetteville, Arkansas was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release on one count of Possession of more than 50 grams of Actual Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records in June of 2019, the Fourth (4th) Judicial Drug Task Force (DTF) in Fayetteville was investigating Towery for trafficking methamphetamine in northwest Arkansas. On July 2, 2019, detectives observed Towery conducting a drug transaction in a parking lot in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and subsequently leave the area as a passenger in a vehicle. Detectives pulled the vehicle over for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop, Towery was observed concealing a baggie on her person and throwing a baggie out of the vehicle. A search conducted by the detectives resulted in the detectives locating suspected methamphetamine, a digital scale, cocaine, several different pills, and counterfeit currency.
The suspected methamphetamine possessed by Towery was sent to the DEA crime lab in Miami, Florida and tested positive for 82.5 grams of actual methamphetamine.
Towery was indicted by a federal grand jury in October of 2019, and entered a guilty plea in December of 2019.
This case was investigated by the Fourth (4th) Judicial Drug Task Force (DTF) and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Sydney Butler prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
Texas Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced today that Eric Eugene Portier, age 45, of Dallas, Texas, was sentenced today to 84 months in federal prison followed by fifteen years of supervised release on one count of Receipt of Child Pornography. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records in September of 2017, Investigators with Homeland Security identified Portier, through his IP address, as an individual who was making multiple files of child pornography available for download while he was living in Centerton, Arkansas. Investigators executed a federal search warrant on his residence. Through an analysis of his devices, investigators found Portier to have received and possessed over one thousand images of child pornography and several videos of child pornography. Portier was arrested in Texas, where he had moved, and brought back to face federal charges in 2019.
Portier was indicted in June of 2019 and entered a guilty plea in November of 2019.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security and officers assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force in Northwest Arkansas. Assistant United States Attorney Ben Wulff prosecuted the case for the United States.
6 Defendants Sentenced to over 44 Years Combined for Drug Trafficking in South ArkansasRead the Press Release
El Dorado, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that six (6) people have been sentenced for their roles in a Union County methamphetamine distribution ring. The Honorable Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearings in the El Dorado Division of the United States District Court.
According to court records, the drug trafficking organization lead by Charles “Marty” Permenter and Donna Williams operated between 2014 and 2016, during which time it pushed large quantities of methamphetamine onto the streets of Union County.
Defendants in this conspiracy received the following sentences:
Charles “Marty” Permenter, age 56, of El Dorado, Arkansas, was sentenced on June 11, 2018, to 180 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Permenter was indicted in June 2016, and plead guilty in March 2017.
Donna Williams, age 64, of El Dorado, Arkansas, was sentenced on February 13, 2019, to 151 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Williams was also ordered to pay $24,480 in restitution to the Social Security Administration, representing disability payments she obtained unlawfully during the course of the drug conspiracy. Williams was indicted in July 2017, and plead guilty in June 2018.
Madia Nicole Parker, age 41, of El Dorado, Arkansas, daughter of Donna Williams, was sentenced on February 15, 2019, to 36 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Parker was indicted in July 2017, and plead guilty in May 2018.
Kasey Doss, age 39, of El Dorado, Arkansas, was sentenced on February 14, 2019, to 84 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Doss was also sentenced to a consecutive 12 months and 1 day in prison for possessing contraband while she was incarcerated. Doss was indicted in July 2017, and plead guilty in May 2018.
Marty Turner, age 45, of Calion, Arkansas, was sentenced on February 27, 2020, to 24 months and 8 days in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In accordance with the United States Sentencing Guidelines, the Court lowered Turner’s sentence from 70 months so as to make it retroactively concurrent with a related 216-month state prison sentence he has been serving since 2016. Turner was indicted in July 2017, and plead guilty in February 2019.
Kenny Haynes, age 42, of El Dorado, Arkansas, was also sentenced on February 27, 2020, to 63 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Haynes was indicted in July 2017, and plead guilty in February 2019.
This case was investigated by the Criminal Apprehension Division—a joint law enforcement effort of the Union County Sheriff’s Department, the El Dorado Police Department, and the 13th Judicial District Drug Task Force—along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorneys Graham Jones and Benjamin Wulff prosecuted the case for the United States.
Springdale Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Fort Smith, AR – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced today that Jaime Leonel Reinosa-Salguero, of Springdale, Arkansas, was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison on one count of Bank Robbery and one count of Use of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. The Honorable P.K. Holmes III presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fort Smith.
According to court records, Reinosa-Salguero entered the Arvest Bank in Alma at approximately 10:38 a.m. on May 29, 2019. He approached the teller and demanded money while brandishing a firearm. The teller placed a large amount of currency into Reinosa-Salguero’s backpack. Reinosa-Salguero then fired one round from his handgun directly over the teller’s head and the bullet impacted the north wall near the ceiling. Reinosa-Salguero then fled the bank. A short time later, Reinosa-Salguero was located traveling northbound on Interstate 49. When Arkansas State Police initiated a traffic stop and ordered him to exit the vehicle, Reinosa-Salguero refused and fled, reaching speeds in excess of 100 m.p.h. During the pursuit, Reinosa-Salguero fired multiple rounds at the trooper who returned fire and struck Reinosa-Salguero. At approximately 11:12 a.m., the trooper performed a pursuit intervention technique causing Reinosa-Salguero’s vehicle to crash near the 55 mile marker. A subsequent search of the vehicle and surrounding area revealed the firearm used in the robbery, the money taken from the bank, and 15 rounds of ammunition. Arvest Bank’s deposits were insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Reinosa-Salguero was indicted by a federal grand jury in June of 2019 and entered a guilty plea in October of 2019.
The investigation was conducted by the Alma Police Department, Arkansas State Police and FBI. Assistant United States Attorney David Harris is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Former Executive Director of Non-profit is Sentenced for Illegally Diverting Charity Funds to Unnamed State Senator and Convicted LobbyistRead the Press Release
El Dorado, AR – A former executive director of South Arkansas Youth Services (SAYS), an Arkansas-based nonprofit, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiring to unlawfully divert over $380,000 from the charity to an Arkansas state senator and the lobbying firm of a convicted lobbyist.
Acting U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes for the Western District of Arkansas and Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division made the announcement.
Chief U.S. District Judge Susan O. Hickey sentenced Jerry Walsh, 72, of Magnolia, Arkansas, who previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to misapply the nonprofit’s funds without authority from the board of directors. Judge Hickey also ordered Walsh to pay $515,631.56 in restitution.
As part of his plea, Walsh admitted that beginning in 2013, while serving as executive director for SAYS, he agreed to divert SAYS funds to convicted lobbyist Milton “Rusty” Cranford and an unnamed Arkansas state senator in exchange for the state senator’s influence in protecting the non-profit’s state contracts with the Arkansas Department Health Services (DHS) and DHS’ Division of Youth Services (DYS). As part of that agreement, Walsh was to provide a monthly “legal retainer” to the Arkansas state senator without the expectation that the senator ever provide any legal work. Instead, the purpose of the payments was to obtain the senator’s assistance in preserving the contracts by influencing DHS and DYS officials. According to the plea, Cranford negotiated the amount paid to the senator, which amounted to over $120,000.
Additionally, as part of the conspiracy, Walsh admitted to paying Cranford’s lobbying firms above-market prices and employed a relative of Cranford who had a “no-show” job with SAYS. In total, Walsh illegally diverted approximately $262,000 in charity funds to Cranford’s lobbying firm and relative.
The FBI investigated this case along with the assistance of the Magnolia Police Department and the 13th Judicial District of Arkansas Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Wulff of the Western District of Arkansas and Senior Litigation Counsel Marco A. Palmieri of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Deputy Prosecutor Ryan Phillips with the 13th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. This is a combined investigation with the Public Integrity Section the Eastern District of Arkansas, Western District of Arkansas, and the Western District of Missouri.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Holiday Island Sex Offender Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison in Child Exploitation CaseRead the Press Release
Fort Smith, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced today that Lucas Montagne, age 33, of Holiday Island, Arkansas, was sentenced yesterday to life in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release on one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor via the Production of Child Pornography and a sentencing enhancement for having a prior sex conviction in which the victim was a minor. The Honorable P. K. Holmes, III presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fort Smith.
According to court records, in April 2019 Homeland Security Investigations received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding media files that contained what was believed to be images of child pornography being uploaded onto Google. The CyberTip noted that metadata from one of the image files indicated it may have been taken in February 2019 near Holiday Island, Arkansas.
Further investigation led Investigators to Montagne’s residence in Holiday Island. A federal search warrant was sought and obtained and was executed on the residence in May 2019. During execution of the search warrant, Montagne and two minors were located inside the home.
A forensic analysis of electronics seized from the residence revealed multiple images of child pornography depicting two separate minors under the age of ten.
Montagne was a registered sex offender having been convicted in 2013 in Montgomery County, Texas for Sexual Assault of a Child and in 2014 out of Harris County, Texas for Sexual Assault of a Child.
Montagne 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, the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, Eureka Springs Police Department, Arkansas State Police and Carroll County Probation and Parole. Assistant United States Attorney Carly Marshall prosecuted the case for the United States.
Van Buren Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal Prison for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Fort Smith, AR – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced today that Roy Dean Lamproe, age 43, of Van Buren, Arkansas, was sentenced today to 96 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, Lamproe entered the Arvest Bank in Van Buren at approximately 2:50 p.m., on July 2, 2019. He approached the teller line, displayed a hand gun and told the tellers he had a bomb that he would detonate unless the tellers gave him the bank’s money. A teller placed a large amount of money into a small box and Lamproe fled the bank. Lamproe’s physical description provided by bank employees as well as an image captured by the bank’s surveillance camera enabled law enforcement agents to identify Lamproe as the bank robber and located him at his last known address. A parole waiver and consent to search was granted by a relative that allowed law enforcement agents to enter Lamproe’s residence. A subsequent search of the residence revealed the proceeds of the bank robbery were inside the residence. Lamproe was arrested and taken into custody.
Lamproe was indicted by a federal grand jury in August of 2019, and entered a guilty plea in October of 2019.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Van Buren Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Kyra Jenner prosecuted the case for the United States.
Three Defendants Sentenced to More Than 15 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 three (3) individuals were sentenced by the United States District Court for Possession with Intent to Distribute More Than 100 Grams of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Heroin. The Honorable Judge P.K. Holmes, III presided over the sentencing hearings in the United States District Court in Fort Smith.
According to court records, Marion Sue Denton, Jesus Baeza Limon and William Ray Eldridge were arrested on April 26, 2019 in Van Buren, Arkansas, while in possession of approximately 330 grams of heroin and 43 grams of actual methamphetamine.
Defendants in this conspiracy received the following sentences:
Marian Sue Denton, age 50, of Van Buren, Arkansas was sentenced today, February 5, 2020 to 63 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release. Denton was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas in May 2019, and plead guilty in July of 2019.
Jesus Baeza Limon, age 23, of Bakersfield, California was sentenced January 13, 2020 to 57 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release. Denton was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas in May of 2019, and plead guilty in September of 2019.
William Ray Eldridge, age 60, of Van Buren, Arkansas was sentenced February 3, 2020 to 70 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release. Eldridge was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas in May of 2019 and plead guilty in August of 2019.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, 12/21st Drug Task Force, and the Van Buren Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Candace Taylor prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
7 Defendants Sentenced to over 96 Years Combined for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Fort Smith, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas announced that seven (7) individuals were sentenced by the United States District Court for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge P.K. Holmes, III presided over the sentencing hearings in the United States District Court in Fort Smith.
According to court records the drug trafficking organization headed up by Cory Phillips operated primarily in Crawford and Sebastian Counties as well as Eastern Oklahoma. During 2018, the organization distributed approximately 900 pounds of methamphetamine.
Defendants in this conspiracy received the following sentences:
Megan Casey, age 28, of Fort Smith, Arkansas was sentenced February 4, 2020, to 37 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. Casey was indicted in May of 2019 and entered a guilty plea in August of 2019.
Russell Alvin Hofer, age 36, of Van Buren, Arkansas was sentenced January 13, 2020, to 135 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. In April of 2019, Hofer waived his right to prosecution by federal indictment and consented to prosecution by information.
Ryan Thomas Miller, age 38, of Pocola, Oklahoma was sentenced February 4, 2020, to 240 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. Miller was indicted in May of 2019 and plead guilty in July of 2019.
Christopher Franklin Murphy, age 23, of Van Buren, Arkansas was sentenced February 6, 2020, to 151 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release. Murphy was indicted in May of 2019 and plead guilty in August of 2019.
Jarrod Michael Osborn, age 29, of Fort Smith, Arkansas was sentenced February 3, 2020, to 140 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. Osborn was indicted in December of 2018 and entered a guilty plea in April of 2019.
Cory Jeremiah Phillips, age 36, of Uniontown, Arkansas was sentenced January 15, 2020, to 300 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. Phillips was indicted was indicted in May of 2019 and plead guilty in August of 2019.
Quan David Phung, age 40, of Van Buren, Arkansas was sentenced February 6, 2020, to 151 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. Phung was indicted in May of 2019 and entered a guilty plea in August of 2019.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Fort Smith Police Department, Van Buren Police Department, Greenwood Police Department, Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office and the 12/21st Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Candace Taylor prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
Northwest Arkansas Woman Sentenced to More Than 11 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 Jennifer Brunos, age 38, of Fayetteville, Arkansas was sentenced to 136 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute more than 50 grams of a mixture or substance containing Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records Brunos was stopped by law enforcement officers for a traffic violation. Subsequently, Brunos was found to possess 293.7 gross grams of methamphetamine in nine (9) separate bags hidden in different areas in the vehicle.
The methamphetamine possessed by Brunos was field tested and tested positive for the presence of methamphetamine. Additionally, the methamphetamine was sent to the DEA laboratory and tested positive for 274 grams of actual methamphetamine.
Brunos 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 Fourth Judicial Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Amy Driver prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
Northwest Arkansas Man and Woman Sentenced to over 18 Years Combined 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 Richard Calvin Artz, age 54, from Gravette, Arkansas was sentenced to 87 months imprisonment followed by three years supervised release and Rebekah Ann Wiser, age 36, from Rogers, Arkansas was sentenced to 130 months imprisonment followed by five years supervised release for Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearings in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, on December 17, 2018, an undercover police officer purchased 186.75 grams (approximately seven (7) ounces) of methamphetamine from Rebekah Wiser for $3,500. Present near the transaction was Richard Artz, who the investigation determined provided Rebekah Wiser with the methamphetamine to sell to the undercover police officer.
Artz and Wiser were indicted by a federal grand jury in March of 2019 and entered guilty pleas in September of 2019.
This prosecution and investigation was 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 case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Rogers, Arkansas Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon Carter prosecuted the case for the United States.
Northwest Arkansas Man and Woman Sentenced to More Than 10 Years Combined 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 Matthew Barnes, age 29, from Bentonville, Arkansas was sentenced to 77 months imprisonment followed by 3 years supervised release and Sonia Werline, age 24, from Fayetteville, Arkansas was sentenced to 51 months followed by 3 years supervised release for Aiding and Abetting in the Possession of More Than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearings in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, narcotics investigators encountered Barnes and Werline at a Fayetteville motel and questioned them regarding suspected drug trafficking. After Barnes and Werline admitted to possessing a large quantity of methamphetamine, investigators located approximately one kilogram of methamphetamine under the sink.
The methamphetamine was subsequently sent to the DEA crime lab in Miami, Florida where it was found to contain 977 grams of actual methamphetamine.
Barnes and Werline were indicted by a federal grand jury in June of 2019 and entered guilty pleas in September of 2019.
This case was investigated by the Fourth Judicial Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Amy Driver prosecuted the case for the United States.
Farmington Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Federal Prison for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Christopher Hauser, age 33, of Farmington, Arkansas, was sentenced yesterday to 72 months in federal prison followed by fifteen years of supervised release for one count of Receipt of Child Pornography. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks 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 peer-to-peer file sharing network to obtain suspected child pornography files. The IP address was traced to Hauser. On May 31, 2018, a federal search warrant was executed at Hauser’s residence in Farmington, Arkansas. Law enforcement confiscated a digital device that had been connected to the internet with intent to view child pornography. A forensic analysis of that device revealed that it did in fact contain images of child pornography.
Hauser was indicted in May 2019 on federal charges and entered his guilty plea in September 2019.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Northwest Arkansas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Amy Driver prosecuted the case for the United States.
Fayetteville Man Sentenced Under the Armed Career Criminal Act for 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 Charlie Foster, age 39, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, was sentenced yesterday to 210 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 Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, On March 5, 2019, Officers with the Springdale Police Department initiated a traffic stop on a black Toyota Avalon in Springdale Arkansas. The driver later identified as Foster appeared to be extremely nervous while speaking with Officers.
After learning that Foster was on parole with a search waiver on file, he was asked to exit the vehicle and a pat down search was conducted. During the search, Officers located a loaded .45 caliber pistol tucked inside Foster's waistband. The firearm had a round in the chamber. Foster was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2018, and entered a guilty plea in February 2019.
Foster was sentenced under the Armed Career Criminal Act, which provides a sentencing range of fifteen years to life for individuals who have been convicted of federal gun crimes and have at least three prior felony convictions for crimes of violence and/or serious drug offenses.
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 Springdale Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Fire, Tobacco, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney David Harris prosecuted the case for the United States.
Missouri Man Sentenced to 14 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 Bruce Richter, age 51, of Exeter Missouri, was sentenced today to 168 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute More Than 50 grams of a Mixture or Substance Containing Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
In June of 2019, officers with the Rogers Police Department Narcotics Unit stopped a red GMC truck for a traffic violation. While officers spoke with the driver they noticed, the passenger later identified as Richter to have a bulge in his left front pocket that was suspected of being a weapon. During a pat down search, officers located a package of methamphetamine in Richter’s pocket. Richter admitted to having more methamphetamine in the vehicle and a subsequent search resulted in officers finding a small white box between the driver and passenger seat, which contained two additional bags of methamphetamine and several clear baggies used for packaging narcotics.
The methamphetamine field-tested positive for methamphetamine and was submitted to the Department of Homeland Security for additional testing. At sentencing, Richter was held accountable for 371.71 grams of actual methamphetamine.
Richter was indicted by a federal grand jury in August of 2019, and entered a guilty plea in October of 2019.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security and the Rogers Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Sydney Butler prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
Washington State Man Sentenced to over 17 Years in Federal Prison for Child ExploitationRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Kyle Paul Vance, age 24, of Shelton, Washington, was sentenced today to 210 months in federal prison without the possibility of parole followed by 15 years of supervised release on one count of enticing a minor to Produce to Child Pornography and 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 January 12, 2018, a concerned father came to the Gravette Police Department to report that an individual, later identified as Vance solicited sexually explicit images of his 9-year-old daughter via Facebook Messenger. The investigation was turned over to the FBI, who obtained a search warrant for Vance’s Facebook records. Among the records produced by Facebook, law enforcement located a messenger conversation in which Vance solicited multiple sexually explicit images from the minor. The FBI subsequently executed a search warrant on Vance’s residence located in Washington. While at the residence, FBI agents interviewed Vance, who admitted to engaging in online conversations with minors and receiving nude images of underage females.
In October of 2019, Vance was found guilty by a federal jury sitting in Fayetteville of Production of Child Pornography and Knowing Receipt of Child Pornography.
This case was investigated by the Gravette Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney’s Carly Marshall and Dustin Roberts prosecuted the case for the United States.
Fayetteville Man Sentenced to over 15 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 Richard Elmo Warren, age 41, was sentenced today to 188 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release on one count of Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing today in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
In April of 2019, officers with the Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force observed Warren leaving a residence in Fayetteville, AR, which is within the Western District of Arkansas. Once Warren’s identity was confirmed, a traffic stop was initiated. Prior to making contact with the officers, Warren fled on foot and was ultimately apprehended and taken into custody. Search incident to Warren’s arrest, detectives located a large amount of a methamphetamine mixture that was divided into individual baggies.
The methamphetamine was subsequently sent to the DEA Southeast Laboratory in Miami, Florida and tested positive for 222 grams of methamphetamine.
Warren was indicted by a federal grand jury in May of 2019 and entered a guilty plea in August of 2019.
This case was investigated by the Arkansas Fourth (4th) Judicial District Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney David Harris prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
Fayetteville Man Sentenced to over 11 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 Adam Lee Facundo, age 26, was sentenced to 140 months in federal prison followed by five 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 hearings today in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
In December of 2018, the Drug Enforcement Administration launched an investigation on Facundo for drug trafficking in the Western District of Arkansas. In February of 2019, detectives with the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Facundo.
The methamphetamine purchased was subsequently sent to the DEA laboratory in Miami and tested positive for 141 grams of pure methamphetamine.
Facundo was indicted by a federal grand jury in June of 2019 and entered a guilty plea in September of 2019.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney David Harris prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
David Clay Fowlkes to Serve as Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of ArkansasRead the Press Release
Fort Smith, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes will serve as Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas.
Mr. Fowlkes previously served the Office in the position of the First Assistant United States Attorney, and supervised the Criminal and Civil Divisions. He has been an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) since December of 2007.
During his time in the United States Attorney’s Office, Mr. Fowlkes also previously served as the Coordinator for the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Unit of the USAO, and has prosecuted a variety of criminal cases. He has also held the positions of Criminal Chief and Senior Litigation Counsel. Mr. Fowlkes received the Executive Office of the United States Attorney Director’s Award for Outstanding Litigation Team in 2011 (Recognized for his work on the U.S. v. Bernie Hoffman, aka Tony Alamo jury trial) and the Executive Office of the United States Attorney Director’s Award for Outstanding Performance by an Assistant United States Attorney in the Criminal Division in 2014 (Recognized for his work on the “Operation Great Scott” and “Operation Pantera Negra” OCDETF cases).
Prior to coming to the USAO, Mr. Fowlkes was a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for Benton County, Arkansas, from September 2003 to December 2007.
Born in Harrison, Arkansas, Mr. Fowlkes is a graduate of Arkansas State University and University of Arkansas School of Law.
Mr. Fowlkes succeeds DAK Kees, who served as U.S. Attorney until resigning, January 17, 2020.
Arizona Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Fort Smith, Arkansas – Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas; announced yesterday that Marc Stovall, age 32, was sentenced 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 a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Cocaine. The Honorable Judge P. K. Holmes III presided over the sentencing hearing yesterday in the United States District Court in Fort Smith.
In March of 2019, an Arkansas State Police (ASP) Trooper made consensual contact with the driver and passenger of a Nissan Pathfinder while the vehicle was parked at the rest area in Van Buren, Arkansas on Interstate 40. During the consensual encounter, a K-9 was called to the location. After the K-9 alerted on the vehicle, Officers searched it. The search revealed approximately five and one half kilograms of suspected cocaine located inside the rear cargo compartment of the vehicle. The front passenger, later identified as Stovall was interviewed and he advised Officers that the suspected cocaine belonged to him.
Stovall was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2019 and entered a guilty plea in August 2019.
This case was investigated by Arkansas State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Assistant United States Attorney Candace Taylor prosecuted the case for the United States.
Springdale Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Federal Prison for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Kristopher Still, age 43, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, was sentenced yesterday to 135 months in federal prison followed by 20 years of supervised release on one count of Receipt of Child Pornography. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, in October 2018, federal law enforcement became aware that a Northwest Arkansas resident was uploading child pornography from the social media application, Tumblr. In response, a federal search warrant was sought and obtained for the residence. Upon gaining entry, law enforcement encountered Kristopher Still. During a post-Miranda interview, Still admitted to obtaining images and videos of child pornography online.
Still was indicted in June of 2019 and entered a guilty plea in August of 2019.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Northwest Arkansas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Carly Marshall prosecuted the case for the United States.
Fayetteville Man Sentenced to over 15 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas; announced today that Danny Witt, age 50, was sentenced today to 188 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute More Than 50 grams of a Mixture or Substance Containing Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearings today in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
In January of 2019, detectives with the 4th Judicial Drug Task Force learned that Witt was trafficking methamphetamine in the Northwest Arkansas area. On January 7, 2019, knowing that Witt had a search waiver on file, detectives located and approached Witt in the parking lot of a motel in Fayetteville, Arkansas. While speaking with Witt, he spontaneously admitted to being in possession of a firearm. During the search of Witt’s person, Detectives located approximately 4 ounces of methamphetamine on his person.
The methamphetamine was subsequently sent to the DEA Crime Lab in Miami, Florida and tested positive for 111.5 grams of methamphetamine.
Witt 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 State of Arkansas Fourth (4th) Judicial District Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney David Harris prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
Fayetteville Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drugs and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas announced today that, James Blair, age 59, was sentenced today to 103 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release on one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and one count of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearings today in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
In the month of April 2019, detectives with the Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force began investigating the defendant Blair for trafficking methamphetamine in the Western District of Arkansas, Fayetteville Division.
During the investigation, Detectives learned that Blair would be travelling to the Tulsa Oklahoma area to re-supply methamphetamine. On May 12, 2019, upon his return to Fayetteville from Tulsa, Detectives stopped the vehicle and made contact with Blair. During the stop, Detectives located a firearm on Blair’s person. A search of the vehicle resulted in Detectives locating a distribution amount of methamphetamine on the floorboard.
The methamphetamine was subsequently sent to the DEA Southeast Laboratory in Miami, Florida and tested positive for 182 grams of methamphetamine. Blair was indicted by a federal grand jury in June of 2019 and entered a guilty plea in September of 2019.
This case was investigated by the State of Arkansas Fourth (4th) Judicial District Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney David Harris prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
Fayetteville Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Federal Prison for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced yesterday that Chad Skirvin, age 38, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, was sentenced yesterday to 72 months in federal prison followed by fifteen years of supervised release on one count of Accessing the Internet with Intent to View Child Pornography. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, investigators with the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Taskforce conducted a search of Skirvin’s residence and located multiple computer devices. A forensic review of the devices revealed numerous images of child pornography.
Skirvin was indicted in May of 2019 and entered a guilty plea in September of 2019.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Amy Driver prosecuted the case for the United States.
Fort Smith Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Fort Smith, Arkansas – Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Jay Don Gifford, age 26, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, was sentenced today to 420 months in federal prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release on one count of Production of Child Pornography and one count of Offense by a sex Offender. The Honorable P. K. Holmes, III presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fort Smith.
According to court records, in October 2018, officers with the Northwest Arkansas Internet Crimes Against Children taskforce received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that at ninety (90) files of suspected child pornography were uploaded to Dropbox by an individual. Further investigation showed the individual to be Gifford, a registered sex offender who was residing in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Law enforcement located and interviewed Gifford who admitted to taking explicit photographs and videos of two minors.
Gifford was indicted in February of 2019 on federal charges and entered a guilty plea to Counts 1 and 7, Production of Child Pornography and Offense by a Sex Offender in August 2019.
This case was investigated by Arkansas State Police and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Carly Marshall prosecuted the case for the United States.
Contract Postal Carrier Arrested on Theft of Mail ChargesRead the Press Release
Fort Smith, Arkansas – Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas and Thomas Noyes, Inspector in Charge of the U. S. Postal Inspection Service’s Fort Worth Division, announced today that Joshua Wayne Williams was arraigned yesterday on federal charges. A federal grand jury in the Western District of Arkansas indicted Williams on four counts of Theft of Mail last month.
According to the Indictment, in October 2019, the Paris, Arkansas, Postmaster contacted a U.S. Postal Inspector and explained that several customers had complained about their greeting cards being stolen.
It was later learned that Williams was the driver on the route and that he had been working for Moore US Mail Contractors Incorporated delivering mail for the US Postal Service.
On October 30, 2019, Postal Inspectors conducted an undercover operation and were able to identify Williams as being the individual responsible for the mail theft.
A vehicle stop was conducted and Williams was placed under arrest for mail theft.
Duane (DAK) Kees, the United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas stated, “I applaud the hard work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and their efforts to combat and prevent those in our society that would take advantage of this holiday season in order to prey upon the innocent.”
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Fort Worth Division Inspector in Charge Thomas Noyes stated, “With the upcoming holidays, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to protecting our employees, customers, and the nation’s mail system from criminal attacks. We work to ensure America’s confidence in the U.S. Mail by enforcing over 200 federal laws in investigations of crimes that may adversely affect postal customers or the fraudulent use of the U.S. Mail. We will investigate any violation of the American public’s trust in the mail system and bring those responsible to justice. We encourage the public to visit our website, www.uspis.gov, to learn how best to protect themselves and how to report mail related crimes. We will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Logan County Sheriff’s Office and our federal and local law enforcement partners in the pursuit of justice.”
United States Magistrate Judge Mark E. Ford presided over Williams’s arraignment yesterday.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Logan County Sheriff’s Department is conducting the investigation and Assistant United States Attorneys Claude Hawkins and Kyra Jenner are prosecuting the case for the United States.
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.
Franklin County Arkansas Sheriff Charged with Assaulting Three Individuals in CustodyRead the Press Release
Fort Smith, Arkansas – Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment on November 20, 2019, charging Anthony Boen, the current Sheriff of Franklin County, Arkansas, with federal civil rights offenses. Boen, age 49, is charged with three counts of deprivation of rights under color of law, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 242.
The indictment alleges that Boen used unreasonable force to punish pretrial detainees on three separate occasions. On Sept. 14, 2017, Boen allegedly punched a detainee multiples times in the head and body while the detainee was handcuffed and shackled in the back of a police car. The indictment further alleges that, on Nov. 21, 2018, Boen pushed a detainee onto the floor and grabbed his hair or beard during an interrogation. Two weeks later on December 3, 2018, Boen allegedly struck a detainee multiple times in the head while the detainee was shackled to a bench inside the Franklin County Jail and was not resisting. The indictment alleges that all three detainees suffered bodily injury as a result of Boen’s actions.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. If convicted, Boen faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
The case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon T. Carter of the Western District of Arkansas and Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Michael J. Songer.
Arkansas Sheriff Charged with Assaulting Three Individuals in CustodyRead the Press Release
An indictment was unsealed today charging Anthony Boen, the current sheriff of Franklin County, Arkansas, with federal civil rights offenses. Sheriff Boen, age 49, is charged with three counts of deprivation of rights under color of law, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 242.
The indictment alleges that Boen used unreasonable force to punish pretrial detainees on three separate occasions. On Sept. 14, 2017, Boen allegedly punched a detainee multiples times in the head and body while the detainee was handcuffed and shackled in the back of a police car. The indictment further alleges that, on Nov. 21, 2018, Boen pushed a detainee onto the floor and grabbed his hair or beard during an interrogation. Two weeks later on Dec. 3, 2018, Boen allegedly struck a detainee multiple times in the head while the detainee was shackled to a bench inside the Franklin County Jail and was not resisting. The indictment alleges that all three detainees suffered bodily injury as a result of Boen’s actions.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. If convicted, Boen faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
The case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon T. Carter of the Western District of Arkansas and Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Michael J. Songer.
Three Defendants Convicted as Part of “Operation Iced Ozarks” Sentenced for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Fort Smith, Arkansas – Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas; announced that on December 16, 2019, three (3) individuals were sentenced by the United States District Court for their roles in a methamphetamine trafficking ring which operated in Boone and Carroll Counties in Arkansas and other jurisdictions such as California and Iowa. This investigation and prosecution operation lasted from approximately February of 2019 through today’s final sentencing hearing. The Honorable Judge P.K. Holmes, III presided over the sentencing hearings today in the United States District Court in Fort Smith.
According to court records, on April 5, 2019, a search warrant was obtained by the FBI and served on a home in Alpena, Arkansas, where over 140 gross pounds of methamphetamine was located. The home was owned by defendant Walter Alvarez, who allowed his son Jason Alvarez, and an associate, Daniel Perez-Lebron to receive large quantities of methamphetamine at the location and prepare it for sale in both the Western District of Arkansas and in Iowa. It appeared from the evidence that the methamphetamine would arrive concealed within special compartments inside the wheels of vehicles in a compressed state, requiring the methamphetamine to be reconstituted in order to be sold and consumed. This reconstituting process required chemicals such as acetone, of which a large amount was located along with the methamphetamine.
Defendants in this conspiracy received the following sentences:
Jason Alvarez, age 34, of Harrison, Arkansas was sentenced December 16, 2019 to 292 months in federal prison followed by 5 years of supervised release on one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine. Jason Alvarez was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas on May 8, 2019 and plead guilty on August 7, 2019.
Walter Alvarez, age 58, of Alpena, Arkansas was sentenced December 16, 2019 to 120 months in federal prison followed by 5 years of supervised release on one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine. Walter Alvarez was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas on May 8, 2019 and plead guilty on August 7, 2019.
Daniel Perez-Lebron, age 27, of Harrison, Arkansas was sentenced December 16, 2019 to 180 months in federal prison followed by 5 years of supervised release on one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine. Perez-Lebron was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas on May 8, 2019 and plead guilty on August 12, 2019.
The Harrison-based methamphetamine distribution network for a portion of the methamphetamine seized from Jason Alvarez, Walter Alvarez, and Daniel Perez-Lebron is pending sentencing before the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas in the related case, United States vs. Manning et. al., case number 3:19 CR 30003. The twenty-one defendants in this related matter have all been convicted and are expected to be sentenced in early 2020.
This prosecution was part of the Western District of Arkansas’ Operation Iced Ozarks, 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation in Fayetteville, Arkansas; the State of Arkansas Fourteenth (14th) Judicial District Drug Task Force, the Harrison Police Department, the Boone County Sheriff’s Office; the Arkansas State Police; and the Arkansas National Guard Counter-Drug Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon Carter prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
Four Individuals Sentenced in Federal Court for FraudRead the Press Release
El Dorado, Arkansas – Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas announced that four individuals were sentenced by the United States District Court for their roles in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud in south Arkansas. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearings in the United States District Court in El Dorado, Arkansas.
According to court records, in January 2015, the decedent, a survivor of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico that occurred in 2010, received a substantial amount of wealth through lawsuit settlements related to the explosion. In January 2015, he died in a car accident at the age of 34, leaving an estate worth approximately $1.7 million. When he died, his then-17-year-old son was his sole surviving heir. Six days later, Donna Christina Herring used Marion Diane Kinley’s debit card to establish an account on Formswift.com, an internet-based platform that prepares and provides legal documents, including wills, to customers. Herring drafted a fraudulent Last Will and Testament in the decedent’s name which named Herring’s daughter, Jordan Alexandra Peterson, as the executor and the majority beneficiary of the decedent’s estate. Peterson and the decedent were in a long-term relationship at the time of his death.
Herring presented a copy of the fraudulent will to her sister, Marion Kinley, and her brother-in-law, John Wayne Kinley, Jr., and had them sign as witnesses when all three knew that the decedent was deceased. Herring then put the fraudulent will in a sealed envelope. The envelope contained a photocopy of the fraudulent will created by Herring and signed by the Kinleys after the decedent’s death. The photocopied fraudulent will was then delivered to an attorney. When Herring learned that only an “original” copy of a will would be probated, she again presented a copy of the fraudulent will she created on Formswift.com to the Kinleys and the Kinleys signed as Testation Clause witnesses even though the Testator signature line was blank.
Peterson provided Herring the combination to the decedent’s gun safe located in his residence. Herring then asked Peterson to leave the decedent’s residence. After Peterson left the residence, Herring placed the fraudulent will she created in the safe. She then asked her husband and a family friend to search the safe for the decedent’s will and gave them the combination. When the safe was opened, Herring’s husband and the family friend found the fraudulent will that had been placed there by Herring.
In 2016, investigators led by the FBI executed search and seizure warrants and conducted interviews regarding the document fraudulently purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of the decedent. During Peterson’s interview, investigators asked about the whereabouts of the decedent’s cell phone. Peterson told investigators that she had it shortly after his death but no longer had it or knew where it was. This statement to investigators was false because, in fact, Peterson had given the cell phone to a third party a few months earlier. After the interview concluded, Peterson retrieved the cell phone from the third party and placed it in a safe at her stepfather’s business. At no time did Peterson provide the cell phone to law enforcement or inform them of its whereabouts.
The fraudulent will created by Herring and signed by the Kinleys left all but $50,000 of the decedent’s estate to Peterson. It was filed in the Ouachita County Circuit Court in March 2015, resulting in Peterson entering into a settlement with the decedent’s heir, whereby the heir received $50,000 provided for in the fraudulent will, an additional $250,000, and several items of personal property. Peterson received all other assets of the estate minus some items given to the decedent’s brother. The total value of estate assets distributed to Peterson was approximately $1,300,000.
Defendants in this conspiracy received the following sentences:
Donna Christina Herring, age 51, of Camden, Arkansas was sentenced November 12, 2019, to serve 41 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud. Herring was first indicted in the Western District of Arkansas in July 2017 and entered her guilty plea in January 2018.
John Wayne Kinley Jr., age 57, of Camden, Arkansas was sentenced November 12, 2019, to serve 12 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release on one count of Wire Fraud. John Kinley Jr. was first indicted in the Western District of Arkansas in July 2017 and entered his guilty plea in April 2018.
Marion Diane Kinley, age 57, of Camden, Arkansas was sentenced November 13, 2019 to serve 18 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release on one count of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud. Marion Kinley was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas in July 2017 and entered her guilty plea in April 2018.
Jordan Alexandra Peterson, age 23, of Camden, Arkansas, was sentenced November 13, 2019 to serve 6 months home confinement followed by 3 years of supervised release on one count of Making a False Statement to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Peterson was first indicted in the Western District of Arkansas in July 2017 and entered her guilty plea in January 2018.
Duane (DAK) Kees, the United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas stated, “I hope that the conviction and sentence in this matter represents some comfort to Matthew Jacob’s son, Jordan Jacobs, who was the victim of this scheme to disinherit him in the wake of his father’s tragic passing. I also hope that these sentences send a message to those who would seek to abuse the integrity of the Arkansas State Court system. This particular scheme, through its use of a fraudulent will and fake attestations was an assault on the rule of law. I am thankful to the FBI in particular for their dogged determination in pursuing this million dollar fraud and to the District Court for making clear that when white collar offenders go big, they don’t get to go home with probationary sentences.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Arkansas State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin Wulff prosecuted the case for the United States.
Two Men Sentenced to More Than 22 Years Combined in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas - Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Ronald Hovey, age 66, and Dennis Pacheco, age 30, were sentenced to 275 months combined in federal prison followed by 7 years of supervised release for Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute More Than 500 Grams of a Mixture of Methamphetamine. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearings in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, in 2018, the Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force launched an investigation into Pacheco and Hovey for trafficking methamphetamine in Northwest Arkansas. In 2019, law enforcement received information that Hovey would be meeting Pacheco to pick up several pounds of methamphetamine. Law enforcement initiated surveillance of their vehicles and located them in a parking lot in Winslow, Arkansas, standing outside of Hovey’s vehicle with the trunk open. A search of Hovey’s vehicle revealed approximately 3,055.8 grams of actual methamphetamine and a digital scale. In September 2018, a search of Hovey’s residence also resulted in the seizure of methamphetamine.
Hovey, of Fayetteville, was sentenced today to 188 months in federal prison as a career offender followed by 5 years of supervised release. Pacheco, of Little Rock, was sentenced last month to 87 months in federal prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
Pacheco and Hovey were indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2019. They entered guilty pleas in July 2019.
This case was investigated by the Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Sydney Butler prosecuted the case for the United States.
Fayetteville Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas - Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Zachary Cook, age 27, was sentenced today to 168 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of 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, in January 2019, surveillance began of Cook’s residence after investigators received information that Cook was expecting to receive methamphetamine and heroin deliveries. Having previously been convicted of a felony, Cook had a valid search waiver on file. Officers approached Cook while he was sitting in the passenger seat of a vehicle owned by a visitor to his residence. Officers located approximately 29 grams of actual methamphetamine inside the car with Cook and further evidence of drug distribution inside Cook’s residence.
Cook was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2019 and entered a guilty plea in June 2019.
This case was investigated by the Fourth Judicial Drug Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Amy Driver prosecuted the case for the United States.
Texas Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Being A Felon in Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that James Elmer Sneed IV, age 35, was sentenced last week to 84 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 Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Hot Springs.
According to court records, during the course of drug investigations in Clark County, Arkansas, in 2018, investigators of the Group 6 Narcotics Enforcement Unit received information that Sneed was involved in drug trafficking. Sneed is a convicted felon who investigators learned was wanted in Texas for parole violations. Group 6 was also warned that Sneed was in possession of multiple firearms and a bulletproof vest. In February 2018, while attempting to locate and arrest Sneed, investigators executed a search warrant at a residence in Caddo Valley, Arkansas. Sneed was found in a bedroom inside. Within Sneed’s reach were a stolen AR-15, a loaded .380 caliber pistol, and evidence of drug distribution. In the residence, Group 6 investigators also found and seized two rifle magazines holding .223 caliber ammunition, a bulletproof vest, and several thousand dollars in cash.
Sneed was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2018, and he entered a guilty plea in April 2019.
This case was investigated by Group 6 Narcotics Enforcement Unit and the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Graham Jones prosecuted the case for the United States.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Hot Springs Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
Hot Springs, AR – Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Berry Roland Bishop, age 67, was sentenced today to serve 60 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for his conviction on one felony count of Bank Fraud. The Honorable Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Hot Springs.
According to court records, in 2011, Bishop was the president and sole owner of Alliance Insurance Group of Arkadelphia and the president of M&B Insurance Properties, Incorporated. An investigation by the FBI revealed that Bishop misrepresented his financial condition to induce Citizens Bank to extend him loans that would not have otherwise been authorized. Bishop also forged the signatures of his insurance agency clients to obtain loans from the Bank of Prescott without the authorization or permission of those clients. The fraudulent loans obtained by Bishop exceeded $3.5 million dollars.
To improve the cash flow of his business, Bishop misrepresented his financial condition to induce Citizens Bank to extend him loans. Bishop represented that M&B properties had no liabilities when, in fact, he was concealing an outstanding $150,000 mortgage and an outstanding $150,000 liability for the assignment of rents. Because Bishop misrepresented the liabilities and net value of M&B, he induced Citizens Bank to delay repayment of a $200,000 loan in 2017 and 2018. That loan has never been repaid.
Bishop also induced the Bank of Prescott to extend him loans. Bishop entered into loan agreements on his clients’ behalf without their knowledge or authorization by offering the value their insurance policies as collateral to the Bank of Prescott. In furtherance of this scheme, Bishop forged the signatures of his clients without their knowledge or authorization.
Bishop was named in an Information filed in December 2018, in the Western District of Arkansas, Hot Springs Division, and entered his guilty plea in December 2018.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI. Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin Wulff and Aaron Jennen prosecuted the case for the United States.
Rogers Physician Arrested for Over-Prescribing Opiates and for Making A False StatementRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas and Justin King, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, announced today that Dr. Robin Ann Cox was arrested today on federal charges. A federal grand jury in the Western District of Arkansas indicted Dr. Cox on one count of Prescribing Without a Legitimate Medical Purpose Outside the Scope of a Professional Practice and one count of Willfully and Knowingly Making a Material False Statement to Federal Investigators.
According to the Indictment, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Little Rock District Office (LRDO) Tactical Diversion Squad and Diversion groups along with the DEA Fayetteville Resident Office (FRO) initiated an investigation into the Arkansas Medical Clinic in Rogers, AR in 2019. Investigators received multiple complaints from local pharmacists, residents, and police departments in the Northwest Arkansas area of a suspected “pill mill” located in Rogers, Arkansas. Investigators identified Dr. Cox as the physician associated with the clinic and analyzed prescription drug monitoring data attributed to Dr. Cox’s prescribing habits from the date the clinic opened in May 2018 through the middle of September 2019. This analysis revealed Dr. Cox to be a suspected over-prescriber of opioids, and other evidence in the case revealed that many of Dr. Cox’s opioid prescriptions were not written in the usual course of professional practice. Further, Dr. Cox made false statements to agents of the DEA regarding the legitimacy of prescriptions bearing her signature. In the time period analyzed, Dr. Cox prescribed 214,050 tablets of oxycodone, with a street value of approximately $3,204,765 if diverted. Investigators also discovered that approximately 90% of the patients to whom Dr. Cox prescribed controlled substances during that time received a prescription for at least one opioid.
Other agencies participating in the investigation are the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Texarkana Police Department, the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS), the Springdale Police Department and the Rogers Police Department. Special Assistant United States Attorney Anne Gardner is prosecuting the case for the United States.
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.
Rogers Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Wire Fraud and Bankruptcy FraudRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Monserrate Morales, age 29, was sentenced yesterday to serve 33 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for her conviction on one felony count of Wire Fraud and one felony count of Bankruptcy Fraud. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, in 2011, Morales began working for a local law firm where she conducted data entry into bankruptcy software, gathered documents, and drafted correspondence for two attorneys. Throughout her employment with the law firm, with rare exception, Morales was not authorized to collect client payments or deposit them without the assistance of other personnel. In April 2018, the FBI began investigating Morales based upon a bankruptcy fraud referral from the United States Trustee’s office.
The investigation revealed that Morales was converting cash payments from potential clients to her own use during the course of her employment with the law firm. In an effort to lull the potential clients and forestall inquiries into their cases, Morales told them that their documents were being prepared and their cases being filed, when, in many cases, the law firm was unaware that the potential clients had ever sought to retain the firm or made any payments. When the law firm was aware that clients had sought to retain the firm, Morales told attorneys that the clients had not been in contact, and, in some events, caused the closure of client files without informing the attorneys of payments made by those clients.
In furtherance of this scheme, Morales forged bankruptcy documents that contained the signatures of a Federal Judge, the Clerk of the Court’s name and title, and the seal of the Court on documents. She falsely informed potential clients that bankruptcy petitions were being filed on their behalf and forged court documents, bankruptcy documents, and other correspondence. These documents were created by Morales in order to forestall inquiries from clients, lull the clients into continuing payments to Morales, and to conceal her fraudulent behavior from the law firm and attorneys.
Morales was named in a two-count Information filed in May 2019, in the Western District of Arkansas, Fayetteville Division, and entered her guilty plea in May 2019.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Springdale Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin Wulff prosecuted the case for the United States.
Fayetteville Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas - Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Jerry Lawson, age 35, was sentenced yesterday to 180 months in federal prison followed by 4 years of supervised release for one count of 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, in 2018, detectives received information that Lawson was distributing methamphetamine in the Fayetteville area. Detectives set up two controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Lawson. Upon the execution of search warrants, detectives located a stolen pistol and 324 grams of actual methamphetamine. Lawson was subsequently found to be in possession of a distribution amount of heroin.
Lawson was indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2019, and he entered a guilty plea in July 2019.
This case was investigated by the 4th Judicial Drug Task Force and the DEA. Assistant United States Attorney David A. Harris prosecuted the case for the United States.
Email Address Created for Questions Pertaining to Victims Affected by the Arrest of Paul PetersenRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, AR – Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced today that a dedicated email address has been created to allow anyone affected by Paul Petersen’s arrest to email the United States Attorney’s office at [email protected]. A direct link is available on our website at www.justice.gov/wdar. Mr. Kees encourages anyone who is involved in ongoing adoption proceedings with Paul Petersen to send an email to this address with any questions or concerns about how Petersen’s arrest may affect them.
The identity of involved parties and information received will be strictly confidential.
Information about Paul Petersen’s arrest can be found at https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdar/pr/arizona-adoption-attorney-arrested-adoption-fraud-and-alien-smuggling.
Siloam Springs Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that David Ely, age 34, was sentenced yesterday to 120 months imprisonment followed by four years of supervised release for one count of Possession of More Than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, in April 2019, investigators received information that Ely was in route from Siloam Springs, Arkansas to Fayetteville, Arkansas in possession of a large amount of methamphetamine. During a search incident to Ely’s arrest, officers located a duffle bag behind the passenger’s seat that contained 13 bags of methamphetamine, each weighing just over one ounce, a bag of unused syringes, a digital scale, and multiple baggies. The DEA lab results determined that the substance contained 334.7 grams of actual methamphetamine.
Ely was indicted in May 2019 on federal charges and entered his guilty plea in July 2019.
This case was investigated by the 4th Judicial District Drug Task Force (JDDTF), the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and the DEA. Assistant United States Attorney Amy Driver prosecuted the case for the United States.
Local Business Owner Sentenced to Federal Prison for Tax Evasion and Ordered to Pay $409,958.99Read the Press Release
Fayetteville, AR – Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced today that Derek E. Sands, age 37, of Lincoln, Arkansas, was sentenced to serve 9 months in federal prison followed by another 9 months of home detention while under electronic monitoring and a term of supervised release for 27 months. He was further ordered to pay a total of $409,958.99 in restitution for his conviction on one felony count of Attempt to Evade or Defeat Tax. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, Sands owned and operated a fencing business in Northwest Arkansas using the business names Sands Fencing, Sands Fencing & Outdoor Living Areas, and Sands Enterprises, Inc. The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division began investigating Sands after receiving information that he was, among other things, cashing thousands of dollars of his customer’s checks instead of depositing the checks into a bank account. The investigation revealed that Sands last filed a personal federal income tax return for the tax year 2009, and thus has not filed personal federal income tax returns for tax years 2010-2017, even though he earned income and was required to file a return during each of those years.
The investigation revealed that Sands willfully evaded payment and assessment of income tax. He paid his employees in cash and converted customer’s checks to cash. Sands also gave a family member out-of-state customer’s checks to deposit into the family member’s bank account and then had the family write Sands a check for the same amount so he could cash it at his local bank. When customers paid Sands by credit card, he ran the credit card through his company’s material supplier’s bank account and then had the credit applied to his materials account. As a result of Sand’s actions, the tax loss to the United States is $409,958.99.
Sands was named in a one-count Information filed in the Western District of Arkansas, Fayetteville Division, in June 2019. United States Magistrate Judge Erin L. Wiedemann accepted Sands’ guilty plea in June 2019.
The investigation was conducted by IRS Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Harris prosecuted the case for the United States.
Springdale Man Received Maximum Possible Sentence in Federal Prison for Being A Felon in Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas - Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Jackson Abed Rodriguez-Robles, age 36, of Springdale, Arkansas, was sentenced today to 120 months imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $2500 in fines and special assessments 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, in 2001, Rodriguez-Robles was convicted of a felony in the United States territory of Puerto Rico. In February 2019, officers responded to a crime in progress at Rodriguez-Robles’ apartment in Springdale. Upon entry into the apartment, Rodriguez-Robles fled out of the back of the apartment but was apprehended by officers. Inside the apartment, officers located a firearm. Rodriguez-Robles later admitted ownership of the firearm.
Rodriguez-Robles was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2019. He entered a guilty plea in June 2019.
This case was investigated by the Springdale Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Fire, Tobacco, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Brandon Carter prosecuted the case for the United States.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Arizona Adoption Attorney Arrested for Adoption Fraud and Alien SmugglingRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas; Andrew Parker, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS); Diane Upchurch, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI and Leslie Rutledge, Arkansas Attorney General announced today that Paul Petersen was arrested on federal charges. A federal grand jury in the Western District of Arkansas indicted Petersen on one count of Conspiracy to Smuggle Illegal Aliens for Commercial Advantage and Private Financial Gain, four counts of Aiding and Abetting in Alien Smuggling for Commercial Advantage and Private Financial Gain, seven counts of Wire Fraud, five counts of Mail Fraud, one count of Conspiracy to Commit Visa Fraud, and one count of Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering.
According to the Indictment, Petersen is a licensed attorney who practices law in Arizona, Utah, and Arkansas. Beginning in 2014, Petersen devised a scheme to defraud and obtain money and property from unknowing adoptive parents and others. He paid pregnant Marshallese women large sums of United States currency to induce them to travel to the Western District of Arkansas and to put their babies up for adoption in the Western District of Arkansas. He purchased airline tickets for them and caused them to conceal their true travel purpose from the authorities in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) and the United States.
In furtherance of this scheme, Petersen caused adoption case files to be opened that were supported by documents containing fraudulent material false statements. He caused these court documents to be filed in the Circuit Clerk’s Offices in Washington and Polk counties and further caused case documents to be sent through the U.S. mail to government offices in Little Rock, Arkansas. Petersen is alleged to have intentionally concealed his involvement in the payments and conducted wire transactions to transfer more than one million dollars into a bank account.
The Indictment charges that Petersen, for the purpose of commercial advantage and private financial gain, encouraged and induced three RMI citizens to come to, enter, and reside in the United States when he knew it to be in violation of the law. Petersen conspired to cause them to make false claims to government officials and further conspired to transport and move them within the United States. The Indictment also charges that Petersen conducted wire communications in furtherance of his scheme to defraud and conspired to conduct financial transactions involving the proceeds of the aforementioned unlawful activities.
The DSS and the FBI are conducting the investigation and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Clay Fowlkes is prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs of the Department’s Criminal Division also assisted in the investigation.
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.
Texarkana Physician Arrested for Over-Prescribing Opiates and Other Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
Texarkana, Arkansas – Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas and Justin King, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, announced today that Dr. Lonnie Joseph Parker was arrested today on federal charges. A federal grand jury in the Western District of Arkansas indicted Dr. Parker on nine counts of Prescribing Without a Legitimate Medical Purpose Outside the Scope of a Professional Practice.
According to the Indictment, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Little Rock District Office (LRDO), Tactical Diversion and Diversion Groups initiated an investigation into Dr. Parker of Texarkana, Arkansas in 2018 after receiving complaints from local law enforcement about a suspected pill mill and possible overdose death of a patient. Investigators analyzed prescription drug monitoring data attributed to Dr. Parker, and the investigation revealed Dr. Parker was an over-prescriber of controlled substances, to include opiates, benzodiazepines, and promethazine with codeine cough syrup in the Texarkana area. In the two-year period analyzed, Dr. Parker prescribed approximately 1.2 million dosage units of opiates, including oxycodone and hydrocodone, to approximately 1,508 patients (approximately 847 dosage units per patient). Dr. Parker also prescribed approximately 16 gallons of Promethazine with Codeine cough syrup to approximately 29 patients during the same time period. These prescriptions included several prescriptions written in combination with narcotics and sedatives to high diversion risk patients.
Other agencies participating in the investigation are the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Texarkana Police Department, and the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS). Special Assistant United States Attorney Anne Gardner is prosecuting the case for the United States.
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.
Springdale Man Pleads Guilty to Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Fort Smith, AR – Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced today that Jaime Leonel Reinosa-Salguero, of Springdale, Arkansas, has pleaded guilty to one count of Bank Robbery and one count of Use of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. The Honorable P.K. Holmes III accepted the plea in the United States District Court in Fort Smith on October 1, 2019.
According to court records, Reinosa-Salguero entered the Arvest Bank in Alma at approximately 10:38 a.m. on May 29, 2019. He approached the teller and demanded money while brandishing a firearm. The teller placed a large amount of currency into Reinosa-Salguero’s backpack. Reinosa-Salguero then fired one round from his handgun directly over the teller’s head and the bullet impacted the north wall near the ceiling. Reinosa-Salguero then fled the bank. A short time later, Reinosa-Salguero was located traveling northbound on Interstate 49. When Arkansas State Police initiated a traffic stop and ordered him to exit the vehicle, Reinosa-Salguero refused and fled, reaching speeds in excess of 100 m.p.h. During the pursuit, Reinosa-Salguero fired multiple rounds at the trooper who returned fire and struck Reinosa-Salguero. At approximately 11:12 a.m., the trooper performed a pursuit intervention technique causing Reinosa-Salguero’s vehicle to crash near the 55 mile marker. A subsequent search of the vehicle and surrounding area revealed the firearm used in the robbery, the money taken from the bank, and 15 rounds of ammunition. Arvest Bank’s deposits were insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Reinosa-Salguero’s sentence will be determined by the court at a later date. In this case, Reinosa-Salguero faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment for the bank robbery and life imprisonment for the use of a firearm.
The investigation was conducted by the Alma Police Department, Arkansas State Police and FBI. Assistant United States Attorney David Harris is prosecuting the case for the United States.
St. Paul, Arkansas Woman Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Drug PossessionRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas - Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Rachael Shackelford, age 30, of St. Paul, Arkansas was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release and ordered to pay $2,500.00 in fines 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, beginning around November of 2018, law enforcement officers received information that Shackelford was distributing methamphetamine from her residence in St. Paul, Arkansas. During the investigation, deputies with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office applied for and executed a search warrant on Shackelford's residence on January 9, 2019. Inside the residence, deputies located Shackelford along with syringes, digital scales, drug packaging materials, approximately 238 grams of methamphetamine and several firearms.
The DEA crime lab tested the seized methamphetamine and determined that it contained 190.89 grams of actual methamphetamine.
A federal grand jury indicted Shackelford in March 2018, and she entered a guilty plea in April 2019.
This case was investigated by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, the Arkansas State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Denis Dean prosecuted the case for the United States.