Western District of Arkansas
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Northwest Arkansas Man Sentenced to 15 years for Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identify TheftRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – An Arkansas man was sentenced yesterday to 180 months in prison for attempting to sell real estate he did not own and unlawfully trying to use another person’s identify in the attempt. The Honorable Chief Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville. Smith was sentenced to 156 months for Wire Fraud and 24 months for Aggravated Identity Theft, these sentences will run consecutively. Smith was also sentenced to three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment.
According to court documents, Steven James Smith, age 41, engaged in a scheme to defraud in which he identified real property in the Northwest Arkansas area and attempted to sell the property, despite having no legal claim or authority to sell the property. Smith entered into purchase agreements with buyers to sell the property, which he transmitted to various title companies through email and electronic communication, under the appearance that he had legal authority to sell the property. As part of his scheme, Smith used a fraudulent driver’s license bearing another individual’s name and information.
U.S. Attorney Kevin R. Holmes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Marshall prosecuted the case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.
Hot Springs Couple Sentenced to More Than 20 Years Combined in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
HOT SPRINGS – An Arkansas husband and wife were sentenced yesterday to more than 20 years combined in Federal Prison to be followed by five years of Federal Supervised Release for Conspiracy to Distribute More Than 500 Grams of a Mixture or Substance Containing Methamphetamine. The Honorable District Judge John Thomas Shepherd presided over the sentencing hearings, which took place in the United States District Court in Hot Springs.
According to court records, in late 2024 into early 2025, law enforcement agent conducted undercover controlled purchases of methamphetamine from William Bostick, age 45, and his wife, Ashley Bostick, age 42, both of Hot Springs. On June 16, 2025, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at the Bosticks’ residence, during which they located a large quantity of methamphetamine. It was also determined that both William and Ashley Bostick have prior felony convictions.
On December 2, 2025, William Bostick pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute More Than 500 Grams of a Mixture or Substance Containing Methamphetamine. During a separate hearing on the same date, Ashley Bostick pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute More Than 500 Grams of a Mixture or Substance Containing Methamphetamine. William and Ashley Bostick appeared in separate proceedings before District Judge John Thomas Shepherd on July 13, 2026, in Hot Springs. William Bostick was sentenced to a term of 126 months imprisonment to be followed by five years of Federal Supervised Release. Ashley Bostick was sentenced to a term of 135 months imprisonment also to be followed by five years of Federal Supervised Release. Combined, the husband-and-wife duo was sentenced to a total of 261 months of imprisonment.
United States Attorney Kevin R. Holmes made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan A. Achorn prosecuted the case for the United States. The Department of Homeland Security, Investigations Division and the 18th East Judicial District Drug Task Force investigated the case. The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney for the 18th East Judicial District also assisted with the prosecution and investigation of this matter.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the U.S. Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.
New Hampshire Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl and Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
HOT SPRINGS – A New Hampshire man has been sentenced to 15 years in Federal Prison to be followed by five years of Supervised Release for Possession of Fentanyl with the Intent to Distribute and Possession of a Firearm in furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense. The Honorable District Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearings, which took place in the United States District Court in Hot Springs.
According to court records, in April of 2025 a Trooper with the Arkansas State Police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle being operated by Robert Liles, age 31, of Manchester, New Hampshire. During the course of the traffic stop, the Trooper located and seized over 7,300 fentanyl pills, three (3) firearms, body armor, and a large amount of United States Currency. It was also determined that Liles had previously been convicted of a felony.
On November 18, 2025, Liles pleaded guilty to Possession of Fentanyl with the Intent to Distribute and Possession of a Firearm in furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense. On July 7, 2026, United States District Judge Susan O. Hickey sentenced Liles to a term of imprisonment of 120 months for the fentanyl possession, to a term of imprisonment of 60 months for the weapons possession, to run consecutive to each other, for a total term of imprisonment of 180 months, or 15 years, to be followed by 5 years of Supervised Release.
United States Attorney Kevin R. Holmes made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan A. Achorn prosecuted the case for the United States. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Arkansas State Police investigated the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the U.S. Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.
Hot Springs Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine and Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
HOT SPRINGS – A Hot Springs, Arkansas man was sentenced yesterday to 20 years in Federal Prison to be followed by five years of Supervised Release for Possession of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of a Firearm in furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense, and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person - Felon. The Honorable Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearings, which took place in the United States District Court in Hot Springs.
According to court records, in July of 2024 law enforcement agent conducted undercover controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Markevin Duwayne Taylor, age 33. On August 5, 2024, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Taylor’s residence, during which they located a large quantity of methamphetamine and a handgun. It was also determined that Taylor was a multiple time convicted felon.
On June 26, 2025, Taylor pleaded guilty to Possession of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of a Firearm in furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense, and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person - Felon. During Taylor’s sentencing hearing on July 6, 2026, the Court determined that Taylor was an Armed Career Criminal based on the number and type of Taylor’s prior felony convictions.
“Career criminals will not have safe harbor inside the Western District of Arkansas,” said United States Attorney Kevin R. Holmes. “Our state, local and federal law enforcement partnership is strong, and we will work together to ensure that these dangerous offenders get the time in prison they deserve.”
“This investigation highlights our unyielding resolve to target drug traffickers who bring weapons and dangerous narcotics into our neighborhoods. Through Operation Take Back America, we will continue to deploy the full force of the Department of Justice to protect our communities from violent crime,” said Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge John P. Scott, New Orleans Field Division.
“We are thankful for our relationship with the US Attorney’s Office,” said Hot Springs Police Chief Chris Chapmond. “The aggressive prosecution of these types of offenders sends a clear message to those that want to commit offenses that endanger our citizens.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan A. Achorn prosecuted the case for the United States. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Hot Springs Police Department investigated the case. The 18th East Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office also assisted with the prosecution and investigation of this matter.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the U.S. Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.
Armed Bank Robber Sentenced to More Than 9 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
EL DORADO – A southwest Arkansas man was sentenced on June 29, 2026, to 114 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for robbing a Union County, Arkansas, bank at gunpoint. The Honorable Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court at El Dorado.
According to court records, on the afternoon of April 2, 2024, Melvin Wiltshire, age 58, of Mount Ida, entered the Strong, Arkansas Simmons Bank, wearing a camouflage face mask and a hooded gray sweatshirt. Wiltshire pointed a black revolver at three bank employees and instructed them to put cash into a green and black backpack he was carrying. After the employees had placed $23,850 into the backpack, mostly in $50 and $100 bills, Wiltshire ordered them to get down on the floor and stay there for two minutes. He then fled the bank on foot, with the backpack.
State and federal investigators who came to the scene soon learned that a nearby doorbell camera had captured video of possible suspect vehicle. The video showed a distinctive gray Ford pickup driving away from a wooded area behind Simmons Bank after the robbery. Later that evening, a Union County Deputy Sheriff saw a gray Ford pickup in Strong that appeared identical to the one seen in the doorbell camera video. When the pickup pulled into a parking lot, the deputy approached and identified its driver as Wiltshire. Based on descriptors provided by the victims, the distinctive pickup he was driving, and other factors, Wiltshire was detained, and ultimately arrested, on suspicion of having committed the April 2 robbery.
Shortly following Wiltshire’s arrest, federal and state investigators found two bags abandoned in the wooded area behind Simmons Bank. One of the bags, a green and black backpack, contained a camouflage mask and $21,250 in cash, in $50 and $100 denominations. The second, camouflage bag held clothing matching what the suspect had worn during the robbery, including a hooded gray sweatshirt. The second bag also held a loaded, black .38 caliber revolver that Wiltshire had purchased in El Dorado, in 2022. The FBI Laboratory, in Quantico, Virginia, also found that DNA attributable to Wiltshire was present on the revolver, the camouflage mask, and other items from the two abandoned bags.
On May 1, 2024, United States Grand Jury sitting in the Western District of Arkansas returned a two-count Indictment against Wiltshire, charging him with Armed Bank Robbery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2113(a) and 2113(d), and also with using, carrying and possessing a firearm during and in furtherance of a crime of violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A). Wiltshire appeared with his attorney on August 7, 2025, and entered guilty pleas on both counts.
During his June 29, 2026, sentencing hearing, the Court also ordered Wiltshire to pay restitution to Simmons Bank, for the unrecovered robbery proceeds, and to remain away from its Strong, Arkansas, branch.
United States Attorney Kevin R. Holmes made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham Jones prosecuted the case for the United States. The Union County Sheriff’s Department, El Dorado Police Department and the FBI investigated the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the U.S. Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.
Camden Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison for Uploading Child PornographyRead the Press Release
EL DORADO – A Camden man was sentenced on June 15, 2026, to 108 months in federal prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release for uploading child pornography to an online storage platform. The Honorable Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing, which was held in the U.S. District Court in El Dorado.
According to court documents, Calvin Thomas Brown, age 43, uploaded images and videos depicting child pornography to an internet-based storage program. The upload sparked a CyberTipline Report by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that was later transferred to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The investigation revealed that Brown had not only uploaded child pornography but also possessed more than a hundred similar images and videos on his cellphone. Additionally, agents discovered that Brown had been chatting online with like-minded offenders and soliciting and receiving child pornography files.
Brown was indicted by a Grand Jury in the Western District of Arkansas in July of 2025 and entered a plea of guilty in November of 2025.
U.S. Attorney Kevin R. Holmes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Camden Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Still prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.
Hometown Hero AwardRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Arkansas recognizes Barling Police Department Officer Cody Douglas as a “Hometown Hero” for his courageous actions on April 6, 2025.
Officer Douglas was honored during an award presentation held Wednesday June 3, 2026, at the United States Attorney’s Office in Fort Smith.
On April 6, 2025, at approximately 11:20 PM, the Barling Police Department received a 911 call reporting that a vehicle had accidentally entered the Arkansas River in Barling and was rapidly taking on water. Officer Cody Douglas was the first to arrive on scene at Springhill Park. Upon assessing the situation, he observed the driver struggling to remain afloat in swift and hazardous currents near the boat ramp. Fully aware of the significant personal risk involved, Officer Douglas immediately shed his duty gear and entered the river without hesitation to render aid. Officer Douglas’s swift response, sound judgment, and selfless courage directly contributed to saving a life in perilous conditions. His actions exemplify the highest standards of law enforcement professionalism and heroism. His actions undoubtedly saved this individual from severe injury and or death.
“Officer Douglas demonstrated extraordinary courage, professionalism, and commitment to public safety during an incredibly dangerous and uncertain situation,” said United States Attorney Kevin P. Holmes. “His actions reflect the very best of law enforcement service and exemplify the spirit of community protection recognized through the Hometown Hero program.”
The recognition was presented as part of the Department of Justice’s Freedom 250 initiative, a nationwide effort in which United States Attorneys’ Offices across the country recognizes individuals whose service, courage, leadership, and commitment have made a meaningful impact in their communities in advance of America’s 250th anniversary.
The award presentation was attended by members of the Barling Police Department, Barling City Officials, Officer Douglas’s family, and representatives of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Arkansas.
Kevin R. Holmes Takes Office as United States Attorney for the Western District of ArkansasRead the Press Release
FORT SMITH – Kevin R. Holmes has taken the oath of office to become the United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas. Mr. Holmes was nominated by President Donald Trump on January 5, 2026, and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on May 18, 2026. He took the oath of office on May 22, 2026, at 1 p.m. from United States District Court Judge David Clay Fowlkes, and began work immediately after the ceremony.
“It is an honor to hold this position, and I appreciate President Trump for the trust he has in me to fill this important role,” said U.S. Attorney Holmes. “I also want to thank Senator Boozman and Senator Cotton for their support. I look forward to leading our incredible staff during this pivotal time in our Nation’s history. We stand ready to hold those committing crimes in the Western District of Arkansas accountable and restoring law and order to our communities.”
As U.S. Attorney, Mr. Holmes is the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the Western District of Arkansas, which includes six divisions and 34 counties within Arkansas, with its primary office in Fort Smith. He oversees a staff of 41 employees, including 21 attorneys and 20 non-attorney support personnel. The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district, including crimes related to terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, firearms, and narcotics. The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.
Born in Van Buren, Mr. Holmes is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the University of Arkansas School of Law.
Mr. Holmes succeeds Kimberly D. Harris, who had served as the U.S. Attorney since February 6,2026.
Rogers Middle School Teacher and Coach Sentenced to More Than 31 Years in Prison for Online Exploitation and Coercion of MinorsRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – A former teacher and coach from a Rogers Middle School was sentenced on May 13, 2026, to 375 months in federal prison without the possibility of parole to be followed by twenty-five years supervised release for the offenses of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and Online Coercion and Enticement of Minors. The Honorable Chief Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing, which was held in the U.S. District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, Bradley Quillen, age 31, utilizing the false online persona of a teenage boy contacted multiple minor females via social media and coerced them to produce and send him sexually explicit images. In April of 2024, the Waukesha County, Wisconsin Sheriff’s Office contacted the Benton County Sheriff’s Office after they identified Quillen as a target responsible for the coercion and enticement of two minor children, ages 8 and 12. Thereafter, the Benton County Sheriff’ Office, in conjunction with the FBI, obtained and executed a residential search warrant at Quillen’s home. A forensic review of Quillen’s electronic devices and social media profiles revealed that Quillen had been using Snapchat and Instagram to contact and exploit multiple minor girls.
At sentencing, the United States presented the Court with evidence and argument that Quillen engaged in a protracted scheme to utilize a fictitious underage social media profile in order to target, groom, and sexually exploit hundreds of minor females in Northwest Arkansas schools and across the United States.
Quillen was indicted by a Grand Jury in the Western District of Arkansas in January of 2025 and entered a plea of guilty in November of 2025.
U.S. Attorney Kimberly D. Harris of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Williams prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.
North Carolina Man Sentenced to 27 Years in Federal Prison for Producing and Transporting Child PornographyRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – A North Carolina man was sentenced on May 12, 2026, to 324 months in federal prison to be followed by 20 years of supervised release for producing child pornography of an Arkansas minor and for transporting a phone containing child pornography across state lines. The Honorable Chief Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing, which was held in the U.S. District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, Brian Issac Hughes, age 21, communicated with a 15-year-old female through social media and arranged to travel to Arkansas to engage in sex acts with her. In April of 2025, Hughes flew from North Carolina to Arkansas and picked up the minor near her school before transporting her to a nearby hotel where he had sex with the minor and produced explicit images and videos of the act. Later the same night, Hughes distributed the produced imagery of the minor on social media. A subsequent search of Hughes’s cellphone revealed numerous child pornography files, including files of children as young as 4. Investigators also located social media chats in which Hughes distributed and received child pornography files with other online users and at least one chat thread in which Hughes posed as a 16-year-old female to trade files with another minor female.
Hughes was indicted by a Grand Jury in the Western District of Arkansas in April of 2025 and entered a plea of guilty in November of 2025.
U.S. Attorney Kimberly D. Harris of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Still prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.
Australian Man Caught in Arkansas Sting Operation Sentenced to More Than 28 Years in Federal Prison for Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – An Australian permanent resident was sentenced on May 12, 2026, to 345 months in federal prison without the possibility of parole to be followed by lifetime supervised release for distributing child pornography and possessing a phone containing child pornography. The Honorable Chief Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing, which was held in the U.S. District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, Gabriel Perkhofer, age 48, communicated with an undercover officer posing as the mother of two minor daughters. During the communications, Perkhofer described sexual acts that he wanted to perform and explicit images he wanted to produce with the minor daughters and sent two files of child pornography to the officer. Perkhofer thereafter traveled from Missouri to Arkansas to meet the “mother” and was arrested for state law violations. A subsequent review of Perkhofer’s phone revealed a large, years-long collection of child pornography and extensive communications between Perkhofer and other child pornography offenders.
Perkhofer was indicted by a Grand Jury in the Western District of Arkansas in July of 2024 and entered a plea of guilty in December of 2025.
U.S. Attorney Kimberly D. Harris of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tyler Williams, Devon Still, and Dustin Roberts prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.
Harrison Man Sentenced to 55 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting a MinorRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – A Harrison man was sentenced on April 24, 2026, to 660 months in federal prison, without the possibility of parole, to be followed by 20 years of supervised release for the sexual exploitation of three (3) separate minors via production of child pornography. The Honorable Chief Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing, which was held in the U.S. District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, Justin Neil Perkuhn, age 39, photographed himself bathing with two minors, ages four and six, while engaged in sexual contact with one of the minors. In a separate incident, Perkuhn created a surreptitious video through a window of an 8-year-old female while she bathed. Perkuhn’s crimes came to light after Arkansas State Police received a CyberTipline Report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that Perkuhn had uploaded items of child pornography to a cloud storage account. In the ensuing investigation, officers served a search warrant at Perkuhn’s residence and discovered multiple devices containing child pornography. Officers later discovered that Perkuhn had created a voyeuristic video of an adult female through her bathroom window as she exited the shower.
Perkuhn was indicted by a Grand Jury in the Western District of Arkansas in April of 2025 and entered a plea of guilty in July of 2025.
U.S. Attorney Kimberly D. Harris of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
Arkansas State Police, Harrison Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Still prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Eight Drug Traffickers Arrested in Northwest Arkansas Sentenced to Combined 100 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – Eight individual drug traffickers arrested by state, local and federal law enforcement agencies were sentenced last week to over 1200 combined months of imprisonment. All eight individuals were sentenced by the United States District Court for their roles in distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine across Benton and Washington Counties in Arkansas. The Honorable Chief Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearings in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
“Fentanyl and Methamphetamine continue to destroy lives across Arkansas,” said U.S. Attorney Kimberly D. Harris for the Western District of Arkansas. “These investigations are excellent examples of combined federal and state law enforcement partners working together to apprehend drug traffickers targeting Northwest Arkansas communities.
Federal grand juries returned multi-count indictments involving all eight individuals for their roles in large-scale drug trafficking. The eight Defendants received the following sentences:
Timoth Conklin, age 38, of Springdale, Arkansas, was sentenced on April 23, 2026, to over 15 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release on one count of Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. Conklin was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas in April 2025 for multiple drug crimes committed in and around Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Christopher Park, age 43, of Rogers, Arkansas, was sentenced on April 23, 2026, to over 15 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release on one count of Distribution of Methamphetamine. Park was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas in June of 2025 for multiple drug crimes committed in and around Rogers, Arkansas.
Russell Shipman, age 45, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, was sentenced on April 20, 2026, to over 14 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release on one count of Conspiracy to Distribute More Than 500 Grams of Methamphetamine. Shipman was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas in May 2025 for multiple drug crimes committed in and around Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Javier Colon-Rivera, age 45, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, was sentenced on April 20, 2026, to 14 years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for Distribution of Fentanyl. Colon-Rivera was originally indicted in the Western District of Arkansas in April 2025 for multiple drug related crimes committed in and around Lincoln and Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Chasity Lewis-Adams, age49, of Springdale, Arkansas, was sentenced on April 17, 2020, to over 13 years in federal prison followed by eight years of supervised release on one count of Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Lewis-Adams was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas in February 2025 for multiple drug crimes committed in and around Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Luis Marquez-Garcia, age 38, of Davenport, Florida, was sentenced on April 16, 2026, to over 13 years in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release on one count of Possession with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl. Marquez-Garcia was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas in April 2025 for multiple drug related crimes committed in and around Lincoln and Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Danny Trent Barrows, age 45, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, was sentenced on April 16, 2026, to over 13 years in federal prison followed by 5 years of supervised release on one count of Possession with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl. Barrows was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas in August 2025 for multiple drug related crimes committed in and around Winslow, Fayetteville, and Goshen, Arkansas.
Marquesha Young, age 34, of El Dorado, Arkansas, was sentenced on April 20, 2026, to 10 years in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release on one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine. Young was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas in November of 2025 for drug related crimes committed in and around Fayetteville, Arkansas.
The Fourth (4th) Judicial District Drug Taskforce, Fayetteville Police Department, Rogers Narcotics Unit, Lincoln Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigated these cases.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dustin Roberts, Kevin Eaton, Sydney Stanley, and David Harris prosecuted these cases on behalf of the United States.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov.
Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to More Than 17 Years in Federal Prison for Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – A Fayetteville man was sentenced Friday, February 6, to a total of 210 months in prison on one count of being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The Honorable Chief Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, on November 21, 2024, officers with the Fayetteville Police Department responded to a call of an armed person at an apartment complex. A witness reported that David Robinson, age 21, arrived at the apartment complex, made verbal threats and exposed a handgun in his waistband. Officers subsequently located Robinson, searched his residence based on his parole search waiver and located a Glock .40 caliber pistol. Robinson has an extensive criminal history and is considered an Armed Career Criminal under Federal Law based on his prior felony convictions for violent offenses.
United States Attorney Kimberly D. Harris of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Fayetteville Police Department, the Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
Assistant United States Attorney David Harris prosecuted the case for the United States.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov.
Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to More Than 17 Years in Federal Prison for Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – A Fayetteville man was sentenced Friday, February 6, to a total of 210 months in prison on one count of being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The Honorable Chief Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, on November 21, 2024, officers with the Fayetteville Police Department responded to a call of an armed person at an apartment complex. A witness reported that David Robinson, age 21, arrived at the apartment complex, made verbal threats and exposed a handgun in his waistband. Officers subsequently located Robinson, searched his residence based on his parole search waiver and located a Glock .40 caliber pistol. Robinson has an extensive criminal history and is considered an Armed Career Criminal under Federal Law based on his prior felony convictions for violent offenses.
United States Attorney Kimberly D. Harris of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Fayetteville Police Department, the Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
Assistant United States Attorney David Harris prosecuted the case for the United States.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov.
Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to More Than 20 Years in Federal Prison for Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – A Fayetteville man was sentenced on November 21, to a total of 248 months in prison on one count of being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The Honorable Chief Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville. Torrance Dejuan Farmer, Sr. age 51, was convicted last August after a two-day jury trial.
According to the evidence presented in court, Farmer had an altercation with his daughter over lost drug proceeds and threatened to kill her. Subsequently, a vehicle pursuit ensued where Farmer ordered his wife to chase his daughter while brandishing a firearm. Farmer discharged the firearm near the Braum’s restaurant at 2511 North College Avenue in Fayetteville. A Fayetteville Police Officer located Farmer’s vehicle near Drake Street and Farmer and his wife fled from the pursuing officer. During the pursuit, the officer observed Farmer throw the firearm from the vehicle onto the overpass of Interstate 49. Shortly thereafter, the pursuit ended, and Farmer and his wife were taken into custody. Farmer has an extensive criminal history and is considered an Armed Career Criminal under Federal Law based on his prior felony convictions for violent and serious drug offenses.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Fayetteville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Harris, Dustin Roberts and Kevin Eaton prosecuted the case for the United States.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov.
Texarkana Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
TEXARKANA – A Texarkana man was sentenced on September 17, 2025, to 168 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possessing over a kilogram of pure methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court at Texarkana.
According to court records, on March 26, 2024, Miller County Sheriff’s Office investigators executed a search warrant at the Texarkana, Arkansas, residence of Christopher D. Nard, age 40, also known as “Killa Chris.” Inside Nard’s residence, investigators found and seized approximately 2.3 pounds of methamphetamine, a loaded firearm, and a large amount of cash. Following Miranda warnings, Nard admitted he had been trafficking pound quantities of the drug weekly for some time.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes made the announcement.
The Miller County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI investigated the case,
Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham Jones prosecuted the case.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.
Hope Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
TEXARKANA – A Hope man was sentenced yesterday to 144 months in federal prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release for distributing child pornography. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing, which was held in the U.S. District Court in Texarkana.
According to court documents, Bradley Hunter Cox, age 36, used an online social media platform to distribute child pornography to multiple users. Cox’s crime came to light after agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation agents in Washington D.C. discovered Cox was distributing child pornography to a recipient in their area. Local FBI agents then conducted a search warrant at Cox’s residence and confirmed that he had, in fact, distributed child pornography. Cox later admitted to distributing files using three separate social media platforms and to creating groups for distribution purposes.
Cox was indicted by a Grand Jury in the Western District of Arkansas in July of 2024 and entered a plea of guilty in January of 2025.
U.S. Attorney Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Arkansas State Police, Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office, and Hope Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Still prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.
Repeat Offender Sentenced to 14 years in Federal Prison for Distributing Methamphetamine in TexarkanaRead the Press Release
TEXARKANA – A prior felon was sentenced yesterday to 168 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing methamphetamine in Texarkana, Arkansas. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court at Texarkana.
According to court records, on August 11, 2021, Terry Duran Martin, age 40, sold more than 50 grams of pure methamphetamine to a confidential informant working with the Bi-State Narcotics Task force and the FBI. At the time, Martin had only recently completed a term of post-prison supervision stemming from a 2013 federal cocaine trafficking conviction.
Martin was indicted by the United States Grand Jury in connection with the August 11, 2021, methamphetamine transaction, and later pleaded guilty to that offense on December 12, 2024.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes made the announcement.
The Bi-State Narcotics Task Force and the FBI investigated the case,
Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham Jones prosecuted the case.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.
Indiana Man Sentenced to More Than 19 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
TEXARKANA – A South Bend, Indiana man was sentenced yesterday to 235 months in federal prison to be followed by five years of supervised release for possessing 20 kilograms of cocaine with intent to distribute it. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the trial and sentencing hearing, which were held in the U.S. District Court in Texarkana.
According to court documents, on February 26, 2022, an Arkansas State Trooper conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Sidney Hunt, age 42, on Interstate 30 near Hope, Arkansas. Hunt initially consented to a search of the vehicle, but after the Trooper located a large amount of narcotics in the rear compartment, Hunt fled across all four lanes of Interstate 30 and into the woods. Hunt was later located walking alongside the interstate and taken into custody. The narcotics seized from Hunt’s vehicle were later determined to be approximately 20 kilograms of cocaine.
Hunt was indicted on drug trafficking charges by a Federal Grand Jury in the Western District of Arkansas in July of 2022. In April 2025, a Texarkana-area federal jury found Hunt guilty of all charges. During the trial, a Drug Enforcement Administration agent testified that the street value of 20 kilograms of cocaine at the time of Hunt’s arrest was approximately $360,000. Trial testimony also revealed that Hunt obtained the narcotics in Texas and was transporting them to a drug trafficker in Tennessee when he was stopped by Arkansas law enforcement.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
Arkansas State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Still and Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham Jones prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.
Eureka Springs Man Sentenced to More Than 16 Years in Prison for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – A Eureka Springs man was sentenced on today to 196 months in federal prison to be followed by 25 years of supervised release for distributing child pornography. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing, which was held in the U.S. District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, Seth Alexander Burns, age 24, used an online social media platform to distribute child pornography to multiple users. Burns’ crime came to light after a CyberTip was submitted to a Homeland Security Investigations taskforce officer by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. When interviewed by HSI TFO’s, Burns admitted to creating multiple social media accounts to distribute and receive child pornography, including files of pre-pubescent children.
Burns was indicted by a Grand Jury in the Western District of Arkansas in November of 2024 and entered a plea of guilty in February of 2025.
U.S. Attorney Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations Fayetteville, Eureka Springs Police Department, Harrison Police Department, Springdale Police Department, Berryville Police Department, and Fayetteville Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Still prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.
Eleven Drug Trafficking Arrests Made in North Arkansas as Part of Operation Take Back AmericaRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE - Six individuals federally indicted, and 5 individuals charged by the State of Arkansas, are in custody after federal and state authorities made a series of arrests this morning as part of the Department of Justice’s Operation Take Back America and an FBI initiative designated Operation Summer Heat.
The arrests stem from an investigation that began in 2023, which targeted methamphetamine and fentanyl distributors operating in and around the Mountain Home, Arkansas area. The investigation, which was headed by the FBI, involved numerous undercover buys of methamphetamine, and drug and firearm seizures from members of the drug trafficking organization. Since its inception, a total of 23 individuals have been arrested as part of the investigation.
This investigation is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The FBI initiative designated “SUMMER HEAT” is a nationwide initiative targeting violent crime during the summer months. As part of this effort, the FBI has launched a multi-pronged offensive to crush violent crime. By surging resources alongside state and local partners, executing federal warrants on violent criminals and fugitives, and dismantling violent gangs nationwide, the FBI seeks to aggressively restore safety in communities across the country.
Those arrested today are anticipated to be arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Christy D. Comstock on Tuesday.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
Today’s arrests are the result of an investigation by the FBI, and assisted by the 14th Judicial Drug Task Force, the Mountain Home Police Department, the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office, the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, the Harrison Police Department, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, the Benton County Sheriff’s Department, the Springdale Police Department, the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, and the Arkansas State Police.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Briana Robbins.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.
Former Sheriff of Hot Spring County Sentenced to 24 Months in Federal Prison for Lying to Federal AgentsRead the Press Release
HOT SPRINGS – A Malvern, Arkansas, man was sentenced today to 24 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release on one count of Engaging in a Scheme to Conceal a Material Fact from a Governmental Agency. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the U.S. District Court in Hot Springs.
According to court documents, Derek “Scott” Finkbeiner, age 47, was elected as the Sheriff of Hot Spring County, Arkansas, entering into office in January of 2023. By May of 2023, federal agents became aware of Finkbeiner’s illicit use of both crack cocaine and methamphetamine.
When Finkbeiner became aware of a federal investigation involving his drug supplier in August of 2023, Finkbeiner engaged in a scheme designed to steer federal agents away from investigating his personal drug dealer. Specifically, the investigation determined, and Finkbeiner ultimately admitted, that, from approximately August 19, 2023, through August 24, 2023, he intentionally misled and concealed material facts from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) about the true nature of his relationship with the target of an FBI investigation. Finkbeiner admitted that he was present at the target’s residence when the FBI conducted a controlled purchase of narcotics and that he “smoked” crack cocaine and methamphetamine with the target. Further, Finkbeiner admitted that once he learned of the FBI’s investigation, he intentionally lied about the nature of his and the Hot Spring County Sheriff Department’s relationship with the target, all in an effort to convince the FBI to cease its investigation.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Harris and Assistant United States Attorneys Bryan Achorn and Trent Daniels of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Arkansas prosecuted the case.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov.
Florida Couple Sentenced to More than Nine Years Combined in Prison for Scheming to Defraud Pandemic Relief Loan ProgramsRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE - A Florida couple, formerly of Northwest Arkansas were sentenced on August 15, to more than nine (9) years combined in Federal prison. Julia Youngblood age 41, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and ordered to pay victim restitution in the amount of $6,131,511.16 on one count of misprision of a felony related to the scheme. Fawaad Welch age 41, was sentenced to 97 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay victim restitution in the amount of $6,131,511.16 on one count of wire fraud
The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearings, which took place in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between May of 2020 through October of 2021, Welch, and Youngblood, applied for Pandemic Relief Loan Programs through their Arkansas business, Slipstream Creative, LLC, which was a Northwest Arkansas advertising and marketing company located in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Throughout the applications, Welch provided the lenders with false statements regarding their assets and liabilities and the intended use of funds received through the SBA7(a), Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Main Street Loan Programs. Welch then arranged for his wife, Youngblood, to sign those applications on behalf of the business. According to the informations filed by the Government, after receiving the loan funds, Welch then diverted large parts of the loan proceeds for the personal benefit of the couple. For example, in the applications submitted for these loans, the couple failed to disclose material information such as tax liabilities and the fact that they were receiving loans from the other loan programs. Also, within months of receiving $1.5 million in “working capital” Economic Injury Disaster Loan funds in October 2021, Welch transferred $1.3 million of that loan to the couple’s personal bank account. The couple then purchased a home in Florida using $445,000 of those Government program loan funds.
In April, Welch and Youngblood waived indictment by a grand jury and pleaded guilty to a criminal information.
According to the plea agreement entered into by Welch, after being asked by Generations Bank officials if Welch and Youngblood take salaries and informed that “the Fed restricts changes to your salaries with the [Main Street Loan Program] and doesn’t allow distributions,” Welch replied, “Yes sir we do at 10k a month, so all is good there. 5k a piece.” After receiving the $3 million in program funds, within a month Welch had transferred $950,000 in Main Street Loan Program funds out of the business and to the couple’s personal accounts.
Preceding the announced prison terms, the Government also forfeited over $1.2 million dollars in recovered loan funds from the couple’s accounts.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Relief all investigated the case.
U. S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Wulff prosecuted the case for the United States.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division's prosecution of fraud schemes that exploit the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Since the inception of the CARES Act, the Fraud Section has prosecuted over 150 defendants in more than 95 criminal cases and has seized over $75 million in cash proceeds derived from fraudulently obtained PPP funds, as well as numerous real estate properties and luxury items purchased with such proceeds. More information can be found at Justice.gov/OPA/pr/justice-department-takes-action-against-covid-19-fraud.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.
Two Springdale Men Sentenced to More Than 36 Years Combined in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – Two Springdale men were sentenced yesterday to more than 36 years combined in federal prison for Possession of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearings in the United States District in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, in June 2024, detectives with the Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force (4th JDDTF) learned that defendants, Latrell Devontae Richmond, 29, and Lucky Bannavong, 26, were distributing large amounts of methamphetamine and pressed fentanyl pills in the Springdale, Arkansas area and elsewhere. During the subsequent investigation, Detectives encountered Bannavong, who was on parole with the state of Arkansas, and found him in possession of a loaded firearm, methamphetamine, and a large amount of cash. The investigation further revealed that both Richmond and Bannavong were storing methamphetamine and fentanyl at Richmond’s Springdale apartment. Thereafter, Detectives with the 4th JDDTF obtained and executed a search warrant on Richmond’s apartment. Inside the apartment, Detectives found approximately 1,233 grams of methamphetamine; 3,136 fentanyl pills; approximately 165 grams of marijuana; a loaded semi-automatic pistol; and United States currency.
Both defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury in January of 2025, and both pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges in February of this year. Bannavong was sentenced to serve 235 months in the Federal Bureau of Prisons and Richmond was sentenced to 200 months in the Bureau of Prisons.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Briana Robbins prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov.
Career Offender Sentenced to 175 Months in Federal Prison for Drug and Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
HOT SPRINGS – A Pearcy man was sentenced yesterday to a total of 175 months in prison on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, one count of being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm, as well as violations of his term of supervised release from a previous conviction. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Hot Springs.
According to court documents, on July 22, 2024, a Trooper with the Arkansas State Police attempted to make a traffic stop on Michael Fryar in Garland County. After the Trooper initiated his lights, Fryar fled in his vehicle and a pursuit ensued. After a short pursuit Fryar abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot into a wooded area. The Trooper pursued on foot and had to deploy his taser to get Fryar apprehended. At the time of the offense, Fryar was in possession of a loaded firearm with a round in the chamber and a distribution amount of methamphetamine. Fryar has an extensive criminal history and was on federal supervised release at the time of the offense.
The Arkansas State Police, 18th East Drug Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Harris prosecuted the case for the United States.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov.Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to More than 55 Years Combined in Federal Prison for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – The final member of a Northwest Arkansas drug trafficking organization was sentenced to federal prison for crimes related to the distribution of fentanyl. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearings for the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) initiated an investigation into a drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing fentanyl pills in Fayetteville and Fort Smith from January to September of 2024. Investigators identified Salvador Caracena-Zarates as a distributer of methamphetamine and the leader and source of supply for fentanyl being distributed by Rafael Norwood, Christopher Howes, and Alonzo Releford. The pills distributed by this group contained fentanyl made or pressed to look like M-30 Oxycontin prescription pills.
Those members of the drug trafficking organization indicted federally have been sentenced as follows:
Salvador Fautino Caracena-Zarates, Jr. a/k/a “Doe”: age 42, Fort Smith, Arkansas – Possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine– 300 months imprisonment and 4-year term of supervised release.
Rafael Deaundra Norwood, Sr.: age 40, Fayetteville, Arkansas – Aiding and abetting in the distribution of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl– 168 months imprisonment and 3-year term of supervised release.
Christopher Ray Howes: age 43, Fayetteville, Arkansas – Aiding and abetting in the distribution of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl– 100 months imprisonment and 3-year term of supervised release.
Alonzo Lee Releford, III: age 23, Fayetteville, Arkansas – Distribution of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl – 100 months imprisonment and 3-year term of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case with assistance by the following agencies: Fourth Judicial Drug Task Force, Fort Smith Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service, Benton County Drug Unit, Bentonville Police Department, Fayetteville Police Department, and Arkansas State Police.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sydney Butler Stanley prosecuted the case for the United States.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.
Arkansas Drug Ring and Their California Suppliers Sentenced to a Combined 132 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
EL DORADO – Fifteen members and associates of a South Arkansas drug trafficking organization, including two Los Angeles-area narcotics suppliers, have been sentenced to serve a combined 1,591 months in the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearings, which took place between August 7, 2024, and May 21, 2025, in the United States District Court at El Dorado, Arkansas. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records, between August 2021 and August 2022, Christopher Walters, age 45, of Magnolia, operated a drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for distributing kilograms of methamphetamine in and around Columbia County, Arkansas. Walters sourced bulk methamphetamine from Michael Cummings, a 46-year-old Southern California business owner who doubled as an interstate narcotics supplier. Cummings employed Robert Leonne Morris, age 47, of Los Angeles, to deliver methamphetamine and other drugs to Walters in Arkansas, at times by rail. Walters then engaged numerous South Arkansas DTO members and associates in storing, transporting and distributing that methamphetamine, and attempting to do so, before sharing the substantial profits with Cummings.
On August 10, 2022, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and its state and local partners executed search warrants at multiple Columbia County properties owned or controlled by DTO members and associates, including Walters. In so doing, investigators found and seized methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, more than 15 firearms, including tactical rifles, and thousands of dollars in cash.
Between September 2022 and March 2023, a federal grand jury sitting in the Western District of Arkansas returned indictments charging 15 members and associates of Walters’ DTO, including Cummings and Morris, with a total of fifty (50) felony counts. All 15 defendants pleaded guilty to one or more felony violations of the Controlled Substances Act, and have been sentenced as follows:
Defendant
Prison Term
Sentence Date
Christopher Walters, 45, of Magnolia, Arkansas222 months
December 6, 2024
Michael Cummings, 46, of Los Angeles, California162 months
March 21, 2025
Jvance Radford, 47, of Magnolia, Arkansas144 months
August 22, 2024
Joseph Lowe, 38, of Magnolia, Arkansas140 months
August 12, 2024
Robert Leonne Morris, 47, of Los Angeles, California121 months
May 21, 2025
Lacadran D. Thomas, 37, of Magnolia, Arkansas120 months
August 22, 2024
Marcus S. Jordan, 42, of Waldo, Arkansas110 months
December 4, 2024
Hendrick Johnson, 27, of Magnolia, Arkansas108 months
September 11, 2024
Dawnisha D. Jordan, 40, of Magnolia, Arkansas98 months
August 7, 2024
John L. Grissom, 40, of Magnolia, Arkansas97 months
August 7, 2024
Jarrod D. Wilson, 38, of Magnolia, Arkansas78 months
March 20, 2025
Nyterious L. Sharp, 32, of Waldo, Arkansas60 months
August 23, 2024
Antonio J. Johnson, 41, of Magnolia, Arkansas54 months
August 22, 2024
Malaysia D. Benjamin, 36, of Los Angeles, California41 months
December 5, 2024
Mario L. Meadows, 36, of Magnolia, Arkansas36 months
May 21, 2025
In addition to his 162-month prison sentence, a $100,000 money judgment was also entered against Cummings, representing his profits from the year-long conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in South Arkansas. That judgment is executable against Cummings’ assets in California and elsewhere.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the Magnolia Police Department, the 13th Judicial District Drug Task Force, the Union County, Arkansas, Sheriff’s Office, the El Dorado Police Department, the Arkansas State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham Jones prosecuted the case for the United States.
The case was investigated and prosecuted under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.
Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown, Including Two in the Western District of ArkansasRead the Press Release
FORT SMITH - Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.
“The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.”
“Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children. The FBI is relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us.”
“Our top priority in Western Arkansas is making our communities safer and better,” said the United States Attorney for Western Arkansas, David Clay Fowlkes. “This crucial mission begins with protecting those who cannot protect themselves, particularly children residing in Western Arkansas. This operation, and many others like it, are vital to helping us accomplish this important mission by concentrating our efforts on prosecuting those who engage in child abuse. Furthermore, this operation serves as a significant demonstration of our collaborative partnerships with federal, local, and state law enforcement officers who share our unwavering commitment to pursuing these important cases.”
“This operation is a testament to the efforts of the FBI and our dedicated law enforcement partners to protect children in our communities,” said FBI Little Rock Special Agent in Charge Alicia D. Corder. “FBI Little Rock will continue to prioritize these investigations, seek justice for victims and hold predators accountable for their actions.”
Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims.
In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.
This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.
The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
Other online resources:
Electronic Press Kit
Violent Crimes Against Children
How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids
An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Northwest Arkansas Business Owners Plead Guilty to Scheme to Defraud Pandemic Relief Loan ProgramsRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE —A Florida couple, formerly of Northwest Arkansas, pleaded guilty Monday to defrauding Pandemic Relief Loan Programs. U.S. District Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the plea hearing, in which Fawaad Welch, age 41, and Julia Youngblood, age 41, both waived indictment and pleaded guilty to a criminal information. Welch pled to wire fraud and Youngblood pled to misprision of a felony related to the scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between May of 2020 through October of 2021, Welch and Youngblood applied for Pandemic Relief Loan Programs through their Arkansas business, Slipstream Creative, LLC, which was a Northwest Arkansas advertising and marketing company located in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Throughout the applications, Welch provided the lenders with false statements regarding their assets and liabilities and the intended use of funds received through the SBA7(a), Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Main Street Loan Programs. Youngblood them signed those application on behalf of the business. According to the information filed by the Government, after receiving the loan funds, Welch then diverted large parts of the loan proceeds for the personal benefit of the couple. For example, in the applications submitted for these loans, the couple failed to disclose material information such as tax liabilities and the fact that they were receiving loans from the other loan programs. Also, within months of receiving $1.5 million in “working capital” Economic Injury Disaster Loan funds in October 2021, Welch transferred $1.3 million of that loan to the couple’s personal bank account. The couple then purchased a home in Florida using $445,000 of those Government program loan funds.
According to the plea agreement entered into by Welch, after being asked by Generations Bank officials if Welch and Youngblood take salaries and informed that “the Fed restricts changes to your salaries with the [Main Street Loan Program] and doesn’t allow distributions, Welch replied, “Yes sir we do at 10k a month so all is good there. 5k a piece.” After receiving the $3 million in program funds, within a month Welch had transferred $950,000 in Main Street Loan Program funds out of the business and to himself.
In the plea agreements with the Government, the couple agrees that pursuant to this scheme, they should be held accountable for more than $3.5 million but less than $9.0 million in intended loss.
Following the preparation of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office, Welch and Youngblood will be scheduled to be sentenced at a later date. Welch faces a maximum penalty of twenty (20) years in prison, and Youngblood faces a maximum penalty of three (3) years in prison. Both individuals will also be assessed a period of supervised release, monetary penalties, and restitution. U.S. District Judge Timothy L. Brooks will determine the couple’s sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney David Clay Fowlkes announced the change of plea hearings.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Relief investigated the case.
U. S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Wulff are prosecuting the case for the United States.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division's prosecution of fraud schemes that exploit the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Since the inception of the CARES Act, the Fraud Section has prosecuted over 150 defendants in more than 95 criminal cases and has seized over $75 million in cash proceeds derived from fraudulently obtained PPP funds, as well as numerous real estate properties and luxury items purchased with such proceeds. More information can be found at
Justice.gov/OPA/pr/justice-department-takes-action-against-covid-19-fraud.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.
White Supremacist Receives Life Sentence in Federal Court for Kidnapping and MurderRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – A California man was sentenced yesterday to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for Aiding and Abetting the Kidnapping and Murder of a Northwest Arkansas man. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing, which was held in the U.S. District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, in November of 2021, the defendant, Daniel Paul Blanks, age 46, and his co-defendant, Reginald Baker, age 37, drove to the Springdale apartment of a Northwest Arkansas resident. Per witnesses, the men, armed with a shotgun, forcefully entered the apartment, assaulted and beat the resident, and then dragged his unconscious body down the exterior staircase of the apartment complex and placed him in the back of Blanks’ truck bed. Blanks and Baker then transported the victim from Arkansas to the Mark Twain National Park, located in Barry County Missouri, where Blanks shot the victim numerous times. The victim’s body lay undiscovered for several days until a hunter located him in a heavily wooded logging road.
On November 29, 2021, both Blanks and Baker were charged in the Circuit Court of Washington County, with Capital Murder, Kidnapping, and Residential Burglary. On April 5, 2024, Baker pleaded guilty in Washington County Arkansas Circuit Court to Accomplice to Murder in the 1st Degree, Accomplice to Kidnapping, and Accomplice to Residential Burglary. He was sentenced to a total of 60 years imprisonment. On October 25, 2024, Blanks entered a guilty plea to Aiding and Abetting Kidnapping Resulting in Death, in federal court.
During the sentencing hearing, the Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks cited Blanks’ affiliation with white supremacist groups as an aggravating factor supporting the imposition of a life sentence.
This case involving Daniel Blanks was prosecuted in cooperation with the 4th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
U.S. Attorney Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Springdale Police Department, Barry County Missouri Sheriff’s Office, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Bentonville Police Department, and the Arkansas Office of Probation and Parole all investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin Roberts prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov.
Miller County Man Sentenced to More Than 16 Years in Prison for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
TEXARKANA, ARKANSAS – A Doddridge, Arkansas man was sentenced yesterday to 198 months in federal prison for distributing child pornography to be followed by 10 years of supervised release. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing, which was held in the U.S. District Court in Texarkana.
According to court documents, Nathaniel Gareth Doggett, age 22, used an online social media platform to distribute child pornography to a minor. Doggett’s crime came to light after a CyberTip was submitted to the FBI by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. When interviewed by FBI agents, Doggett admitted to downloading and distributing child pornography, including files of pre-pubescent children, through the social media application.
Doggett was indicted by a Grand Jury in the Western District of Arkansas in June of 2023 and entered a plea of guilty in August of 2025. His conviction requires him to register as a sex offender.
U.S. Attorney Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Miller County Sheriff’s Office, the El Dorado Police Department, and the Arkansas State Police investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Devon Still and Graham Jones prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
- Hot Springs Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Possession
Repeat Offender Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
EL DORADO – A Smackover, Arkansas man was sentenced on March 19, 2025, to 180 months in prison without the possibility of parole for receiving child pornography. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing, which was held in the U.S. District Court in El Dorado.
According to court documents, Eric David Ponder, age 46, used an online peer-to-peer program to download child pornography to two different electronic devices. Ponder’s crime came to light when an Ozark Police detective discovered illegal online activity from Ponder’s use of the peer-to-peer program. El Dorado Police detectives and agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation then served a search warrant at Ponder’s residence and discovered the two devices Ponder used to access and receive child pornography.
In 2014, Ponder was convicted for Distributing, Possessing, or Viewing Sexually Explicit Conduct Involving a Child in Benton County, Arkansas, and was sentenced to five years in the Arkansas Department of Correction. Ponder was a registered sex offender when he committed the federal offense.
Ponder was indicted by a Grand Jury in the Western District of Arkansas in March of 2024 and entered a plea of guilty in September of 2024.
U.S. Attorney Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, El Dorado Police Department, Ozark Police Department, and Smackover Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Devon Still and Trent Daniels prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Hot Springs Man Sentenced to More Than 4 Years in Prison for Money Laundering and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
HOT SPRINGS – An Arkansas man was sentenced on March 12, 2025, to 57 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $252,344.00 in restitution, followed by three years of supervised release following his guilty pleas to money laundering and wire fraud charges. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing, which took place in the United States District Court in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
According to court documents, John Christopher Bates, 57, waived indictment by a grand jury and pleaded guilty to an information charging him with money laundering and wire fraud. The two counts related to separate schemes, one involving false applications for benefits to the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, who administers the state’s distribution of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. The other related to Bates’s fraudulent applications for Economic Impact Disaster Loans, totaling more than $1 million.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and the Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Trent Daniels and Hunter Bridges prosecuted the case.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.
Hot Springs Man Sentenced to More Than 12 Years for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
HOT SPRINGS – A Hot Springs, Arkansas man was sentenced yesterday to 151 months in Federal Prison for Distribution of Methamphetamine. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing, which took place in the United States District Court in Hot Springs.
According to court records, while conducting narcotics investigations in the Hot Springs, Garland, County area, the 18th East Judicial District Drug Task Force identified Antwon Lakeith Burns, age 41, as an area drug dealer. On April 10, 2024, Investigators conducted a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Burns. The methamphetamine purchased was sent to the DEA crime lab for analysis, and it was confirmed to be 52.9 grams of pure methamphetamine.
On October 7, 2024, Burns pleaded guilty to Distribution of a more than fifty (50) grams of Methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes made the announcement.
The 18th Judicial District East Drug Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations Little Rock investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Daniels prosecuted the case for the United States.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.
Winslow Man Sentenced to 8 years in Federal Prison for Possession of Biological WeaponRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – A Winslow, Arkansas man was sentenced yesterday to 96 months in prison without the possibility of parole for Possession of a Biological Agent. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing, which was held in the U.S. District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, in January 2024, a concerned citizen made an anonymous tip to the Washington County Sherriff’s office that Jason Kale Clampit, age 44, was manufacturing and may have poisoned one of his family members with ricin. Thereafter, an investigation revealed that Clampit had, in fact, produced ricin at his residence in Winslow, Arkansas, for the stated purpose of setting traps for trespassers. The investigation likewise revealed that during the manufacturing process, Clampit inadvertently exposed himself to ricin, which made him extremely ill. On January 24, 2025, a federal search warrant was executed by both the Bentonville Bomb Squad and an FBI Bioweapon Specialist team, which resulted in the confiscation of several items associated with processing ricin, and suspected ricin byproducts. On that same day, Clampit was taken into custody. While in jail, he made statements on a monitored phone call in which he directed others to dispose of liquid ricin contained in a jar that was secreted in a camper on his property. After listening to the monitored call, FBI agents responded quickly, contacted the individual Clampit directed, and located, in a trash can, a jar containing processed ricin.
Clampit was indicted by a Grand Jury in the Western District of Arkansas in March 2024. He entered a plea of guilty in October 2024.
U.S. Attorney Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Bentonville Police Department, and the Arkansas Department of Corrections Division of Community Correction (probation and parole) all investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin Roberts prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov.
Pair Sentenced to More Than 27 Years Combined in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
FORT SMITH – A Van Buren, Arkansas woman and a Los Angeles, California man have been sentenced to more than 324 months, combined, in prison for crimes related to drug trafficking. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearings for the United States District Court in Fort Smith.
According to court documents, in July of 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), along with investigators with the Fort Smith Police Department, initiated an investigation into a drug trafficking organization operating in the Fort Smith division responsible for distributing methamphetamine. During their investigations, investigators identified Whitney Laxton-Claybaugh, age 34, as a member of this local group. She was subsequently charged with various drug and money laundering offenses connected to drug trafficking.
Laxton-Claybaughwas sentenced to 214 months in prison for Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments after she wired thousands of dollars in methamphetamine trafficking proceeds in an attempt to conceal the location, the source, the ownership, or the control of the funds derived from methamphetamine trafficking.
Laxton-Claybaugh’s co-defendant, Alciviades Alvarado-Juarez, age 21, was subsequently sentenced to 10 years in prison for Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Alvardo-Juarez was indicted by a Grand Jury after a search warrant by the Federal Bureau of Investigations of a Fort Smith hotel showed Alvardo-Juarez to be in possession of over five hundred grams of methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigations, Fort Smith Resident Office, and the Fort Smith Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Allison prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov
Northwest Arkansas Man Sentenced to More Than 4 Years in Prison for Operating an Illegal Money Transmitting Business Using Pandemic FundsRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE - A Northwest Arkansas man was sentenced on February 20, to 51 months in Federal Prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Additionally, he was ordered to pay restitution of $725,558.00 on one count of operating an Illegal Money Transmitting Business. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing, which took place in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, Richard Harold Stone, age 77, waived indictment by a grand jury and pleaded guilty to a criminal information charging him with conducting an unlicensed money transmitting business in the State of Arkansas. Stone was the President or Chief Officer of numerous businesses registered with the Arkansas Secretary of State, including: Partex Oman Corp., Renewable Energy Campus Arkansas, Inc., Stonetek Global Corp., and Tires 2 Energy, LLC. Stone also was associated with Environmental Energy & Finance Corp., a Delaware corporation. The advertised purpose of these businesses was developing technology and facilities to repurpose waste materials, such as tires, into useable fuel sources. None of these businesses were registered with the State of Arkansas as a money transmitting business, as required by Arkansas law (Arkansas Code, Section 23-55-806(b)&(c)).
Between November 2020 and March 2021, Stone received through various bank accounts associated with the above entities and other accounts under his control, deposits of funds from applications made on behalf of unwitting victims for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, Economic Impact Disaster Loans (EIDL), and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), totaling more than $600,000. After receiving these funds, Stone immediately transferred most of the funds by wire transfer to parties in locations including Berne, Switzerland; London, England; New York, NY; Chennai, India; and Mumbai, India.
At the conclusion of Thursday’s sentencing hearing, Stone was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hunter Bridges is prosecuting the case.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.
Hot Spring County Sheriff Pleads Guilty to Concealing a Material Fact from a Governmental AgencyRead the Press Release
EL DORADO – A Malvern, Arkansas, man entered a plea of guilty today to one count of Engaging in a Scheme to Conceal a Material Fact from a Governmental Agency. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the change of plea hearing, which took place in the United States District Court in El Dorado.
According to the plea agreement, Derek” Scott” Finkbeiner, age 47 the elected Sheriff of Hot Spring County (Malvern), admitted that from approximately August 19, 2023, through August 24, 2023, he intentionally misled and concealed material facts from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) about the true nature of his relationship with a target of an FBI investigation. Finkbeiner admitted that he was present at the target’s residence when the FBI conducted a controlled purchase of narcotics and that he “smoked” crack cocaine and methamphetamine with the target. Further, Finkbeiner admitted that once he learned of the FBI’s investigation, he intentionally lied about the nature of his and the Hot Spring County Sheriff Department’s relationship with the target, all in an effort to convince the FBI to cease its investigation.
Finkbeiner’s sentencing is expected to take place in approximately four months. Finkbeiner faces a maximum penalty of up to 5 years in prison for the crime to which he plead guilty. Chief District Judge Susan Hickey will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Harris and Assistant United States Attorneys Bryan Achorn and Trent Daniels of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Arkansas are prosecuting the case.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov
Arkansas Man Sentenced to More Than 11 years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
HOT SPRINGS – A Hot Springs man was sentenced yesterday to 140 months in Federal Prison for Possession of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearings, which took place in the United States District Court in Hot Springs.
According to court records, on October 1, 2022, Cedric A. Mitchell, age 37, of Hot Springs, was a passenger in a white passenger vehicle stopped by the Hot Springs Police Department. Mitchell was determined to be on parole with an active Arkansas Search Waiver on file. Mitchell was searched by Officers and located in his right front jacket pocket was 551 grams of Methamphetamine.
On September 13, 2024, Mitchell pleaded guilty to Possession of a more than five hundred grams of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes made the announcement.
The Hot Springs Police Department Special Investigation Division investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Daniels prosecuted the case for the United States.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.
Arkansas Man Sentenced to 14 Years in federal Prison for Methamphetamine and Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
HOT SPRINGS – A Hot Springs man was sentenced yesterday to 170 months in Federal Prison for Possession of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute and Possession of a Firearm in furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearings, which took place in the United States District Court in Hot Springs.
According to court records, on September 13, 2023, Deangelo Michael Lover, age 34, of Hot Springs, sold 24 grams of Methamphetamine to a Confidential Informant. On September 15, 2023, Lover again contacted the Informant to sell additional Methamphetamine. Hot Springs Police Investigators with the Special Investigation Division contacted Arkansas State Police and requested that a traffic stop be conducted on the vehicle occupied by Lover. A traffic stop was conducted, and Lover was arrested on an outstanding warrant. A search of the vehicle yielded 46 grams of Methamphetamine and a handgun.
On September 30, 2024, Lover pleaded guilty to Possession of a more than five grams of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute and Possession of a firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes made the announcement.
The Hot Springs Police Department Special Investigation Division investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Daniels prosecuted the case for the United States.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.
Hot Springs Man Sentenced to More Than 18 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine and Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
HOT SPRINGS – An Arkansas man was sentenced yesterday to a combined total of 222 months in Federal Prison for Possession of More Than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute and Possession of a Firearm in furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearings, which took place in the United States District Court in Hot Springs.
According to court records, on July 23, 2023, Darius Kyri Walker, age 43, of Hot Springs, was stopped by Hot Springs Police Department Officers for a traffic infraction. Officers recognized Walker and knew that he was on active felony parole supervising through the Arkansas Department of Correction. Additionally, Officers observed an object concealed with Walker’s waistband. Ultimately, Walker was found to be in possession of 61.27 grams of pure methamphetamine, five (5) firearms, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
On June 24, 2024, Walker pleaded guilty to Possession of More Than 50 Grams of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute and Possession of a firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Hot Springs Police Department, Special Investigations Division, investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Achorn prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov.
Hot Springs Man Sentenced to More Than 18 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine and Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
HOT SPRINGS – An Arkansas man was sentenced yesterday to a combined total of 222 months in Federal Prison for Possession of More Than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute and Possession of a Firearm in furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearings, which took place in the United States District Court in Hot Springs.
According to court records, on July 23, 2023, Darius Kyri Walker, age 43, of Hot Springs, was stopped by Hot Springs Police Department Officers for a traffic infraction. Officers recognized Walker and knew that he was on active felony parole supervising through the Arkansas Department of Correction. Additionally, Officers observed an object concealed with Walker’s waistband. Ultimately, Walker was found to be in possession of 61.27 grams of pure methamphetamine, five (5) firearms, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
On June 24, 2024, Walker pleaded guilty to Possession of More Than 50 Grams of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute and Possession of a firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Hot Springs Police Department, Special Investigations Division, investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Achorn prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov.
Hot Springs Man Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine and Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
HOT SPRINGS – An Arkansas man has been sentenced to 123 months in Federal Prison for Possession of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute and Possession of a Firearm in furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearings, which took place in the United States District Court in Hot Springs.
According to court records, on March 7, 2023, Darryl Lavell Williams, age 30, of Hot Springs, was observed by Hot Springs Police Department Officers walking along East Grand Avenue carrying a black backpack. Officers recognized Williams and knew that he had an active warrant from the Arkansas Parole Board. As Officers approached Williams, he ignored their commands and attempted to dispose of the backpack by throwing it off a bridge. Williams was taken into custody and the backpack was located. A search of the backpack revealed a loaded Jimenez 9mm handgun and 47 grams of methamphetamine.
On June 5, 2024, Williams pleaded guilty to Possession of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute and Possession of a firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes made the announcement.
The Hot Springs Police Departments Special Investigation Division investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Daniels prosecuted the case for the United States.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.
Fayetteville Man Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Federal Prison for Attempted Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – A Fayetteville man was sentenced yesterday to 188 months in prison without the possibility of parole on one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor via Attempted Production of Child Pornography on January 15, 2025. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the U.S. District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, in November of 2023, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office conducted an online child pornography investigation that led investigators to discover that a residence in Fayetteville was responsible for downloading child pornography. The Benton County Sheriff’s Office then provided the lead to the Northwest Arkansas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Investigators with the ICAC Task Force and Fayetteville Police Department subsequently executed a residential search warrant at the Fayetteville residence and encountered John Steven Wallace, age 30, who admitted that he was responsible for downloading child pornography files via the peer-to-peer network. Wallace further admitted that he had produced images and videos of a minor in various stages of undress with a hidden camera staged in the bathroom of his residence. Subsequent forensic examination of the electronics taken from the residence confirmed Wallace had a large collection of child pornography and the videos of the minor he identified.
Wallace was indicted by a Grand Jury in May 2024 and entered a plea of guilty in September 2024.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, Fayetteville Police Department and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Williams prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov
Methamphetamine Traffickers Sentenced to More Than 25 Years Combined in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
EL DORADO – An Arkansas man and woman were sentenced to a combined total of 308 months in federal prison for methamphetamine trafficking and related crimes. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearings, which took place in the United States District Court in El Dorado.
According to court records, on August 24, 2023, Willis Devin Johnson, age 36, of Mountain Home, and Sarah Lavon Paxton, age 37, of Mountain Home, were located in a vehicle at a local car wash in Bearden, Arkansas. Agents with the El Dorado Police Department, CAD, and the 13th Judicial Drug Task Force had received information that Johnson was attempting to sell several ounces of methamphetamine. Johnson and Paxton were taken into custody and a search of the vehicle revealed three vacuum sealed bags containing 1,400 grams of methamphetamine.
On August 22, 2024, Johnson pleaded guilty to Possession of More than 500 Grams of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. Paxton plead guilty on September 11, 2024, to Possession of More than 500 Grams of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute
For those crimes, Johnson was sentenced on January 15, 2025, to 188 months, in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. Paxton was sentenced on January 14, 2025, to 120 months, in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes made the announcement.
The El Dorado Police Department, CAD, and the 13th Judicial District Drug Task Force investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Daniels prosecuted the case for the United States.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.
Conway Man and Woman Sentenced to More Than 30 Years Combined for Online Enticement of MinorsRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE - On January 15, 2025, Benjamin Coney, age 30, and Emily Grace Brinley, age 26, both of Conway, Arkansas, were sentenced to a combined 378 months in prison without the possibility of parole after being found guilty of Online Enticement of a Minor in violation of federal law. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing, which was held in the U.S. District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, in November of 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, began an undercover investigation targeting online predators seeking minors for sexual activity. Between November 19, 2023, to November 27, 2023, a male and female couple, later identified as Coney and Brinley, messaged an undercover FBI officer posing as the mother of two young girls. In messages sent by the couple, they detailed their intended abuse of the two young girls and arranged to drive from Conway to Bentonville to engage in the sexual acts. When the couple arrived at the pre-arranged meeting location, they were met by law enforcement officers and immediately taken into custody. Among the items located in their vehicle were sexual aides and lubricant.
Coney and Brinley were indicted by a Grand Jury in the Western District of Arkansas in May of 2024. Benjamin Coney entered a plea of guilty in September of 2023 and was sentenced to 210 months imprisonment to be followed by 25 years of supervision. Emily Grace Brinley entered a plea of guilty in July of 2023 and was sentenced to 168 months to be followed by 15 years of supervision.
U.S. Attorney Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Benton County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Williams prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.
Three El Dorado Men sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing Firearms Converted into Machine GunsRead the Press Release
EL DORADO, ARKANSAS – Three El Dorado Men have been sentenced in the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas, El Dorado Division, for Possession of Machineguns in violation of federal law.
According to court documents, on April 24, 2022, Officers with the El Dorado Police Department executed a search warrant at an apartment complex in the El Dorado Area to locate a wanted individual Mark Oliver Wade, age 23, of El Dorado, Arkansas. A search of the residence uncovered one stolen firearm and one firearm was converted to fire in fully automatic mode. United States District Court Judge Susan O. Hickey sentenced Wade to thirty- three (33) months in federal prison with three years of supervised release to follow.
On March 29, 2023, Officers with the El Dorado Police Department initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle in El Dorado, Arkansas. Markayleo Alonzo James, age 22, of El Dorado, Arkansas, was encountered by law enforcement during this incident. Officers found that James was in possession of a firearm that was converted to fire in fully automatic mode. United States District Court Judge Susan O. Hickey sentenced James to twenty- four (24) months in federal prison with three years of supervised release to follow.
Additionally on May 23, 2023, Officers with the El Dorado Police Department initiated a traffic stop on another vehicle in El Dorado, Arkansas. Inshiqaq Qalam Qiyama II, age 23, of El Dorado, Arkansas, was encountered by law enforcement during this incident. Officers found that Qiyama was in possession of a firearm that was converted to fire in fully automatic mode. United States District Court Judge Susan O. Hickey sentenced Qiyama to twenty- seven (27) months in federal prison with three years of supervised release to follow.
“Glock switches and other automatic weapon conversion kits create a significant danger to both law enforcement officers and innocent civilians,” said United States Attorney David Clay Fowlkes. “These conversion devices are simple to make and sell but are capable of changing ordinary handguns and rifles into incredibly dangerous fully automatic weapons. These weapons are hard to control and can cause massive property damage and potential loss of life. With these weapons, even civilians in their homes are in danger from the numerous, uncontrolled rounds fired using conversion kits. These cases send an important message to our communities: we will continue to investigate and prosecute individuals in possession of illegal automatic weapons and conversion kits. Keeping our communities safe is the most important part of our mission in Western Arkansas.”
The El Dorado Police Department’s CID/CAD divisions and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Briana Robbins and Trent Daniels prosecuted the cases.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov.
Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to More than 47 Combined Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – The final member of a Northwest Arkansas drug trafficking organization was sentenced to federal prison for crimes related to the distribution of fentanyl. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearings in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents and evidence presented at the trial of Claude Dukes, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) initiated an investigation into a drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing fentanyl pills in the Western District of Arkansas from November 2022 to June 2023. Evidence presented at trial showed that Claude Dukes, Jr., of Newport, Arkansas, was identified as the source of supply for fentanyl being distributed by co-conspirator, Justin Ellis. Dukes was found to be responsible for over 400 grams of fentanyl distributed in the conspiracy through his own conduct and the conduct of co-conspirators. Co-conspirators Justin Ellis and Derrick Bradley pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl in Northwest Arkansas for their respective roles in the offense. The pills distributed by this group contained fentanyl made or pressed to look like M-30 Oxycontin prescription pills.
“This case is an example of the outstanding results that are possible when dedicated law enforcement officers and agencies work together to dismantle drug trafficking operations,” said David Clay Fowlkes, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas. “We are so proud to partner with our federal, local, and state law enforcement agencies to address this deadly controlled substance. Fentanyl continues to be an extreme danger to our communities in Western Arkansas. This drug trafficking operation was responsible for distributing significant amounts of this deadly substance in Western Arkansas. This sentence reflects the serious nature of their crimes and should send a strong message to others who would seek to smuggle and distribute fentanyl in Western Arkansas.”
Those members of the drug trafficking organization indicted federally have been sentenced as follows:
Claude Dukes, Jr.: age 42, Newport, Arkansas – Conspiracy to distribute more than 400 grams of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl– 300 months imprisonment and 5-year term of supervised release. Dukes’ sentence was subject to enhanced penalties due to his status as a career offender.
Justin Alexander Ellis: age 36, Fayetteville, Arkansas – Distribution of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl – 172 months imprisonment and 3-year term of supervised release. Ellis’ sentence was subject to enhanced penalties due to his status as a career offender.
Derrick Scott Bradley: age 43, Rogers, Arkansas – Distribution of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl – 96 months imprisonment and 3-year term of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration in Fayetteville investigated the case with assistance by the following agencies: Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fourth Judicial Drug Task Force, Benton County Drug Unit, Benton County Sheriff’s Department, Bentonville Police Department, Rogers Police Department, and the Newport Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sydney Butler Stanley, Kevin Eaton, and Dustin Roberts prosecuted the case for the United States.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.