Two men who led a large-scale methamphetamine distribution network have each been sentenced to 200 months (over 16 years) in federal prison. Adan Mendoza, 36, of Dallas, Texas, and Brian I. Wilson, 37, of Little Rock, received their sentences from United States District Judge James M. Moody, Jr.
Mendoza and Wilson were the primary figures in a nine-defendant indictment involving 20 counts related to methamphetamine distribution.
They both pleaded guilty in March 2024 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute methamphetamine. Each defendant admitted to distributing between 5 and 15 kilograms of methamphetamine, triggering a minimum sentence of 10 years.
Read: Former Cop In Tennessee Vandalized Vice Mayor’s Home With Cans Of Processed Meat
In this case, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) began investigating a methamphetamine trafficking ring in central Arkansas in late 2021. The ring was headed locally by Wilson and supplied by Mendoza, out of Dallas.
Wilson acquired methamphetamine from Mendoza in Texas and either personally transported it by car or had associates transport it for him to central Arkansas weekly. Wilson and others then distributed the methamphetamine to numerous people in Arkansas.
On two different occasions, the DEA used a confidential informant to purchase a kilogram of methamphetamine directly from Wilson.
Read: Inverness Woman Arrested After Murdering Roommate, Wrapping Her Body In A Tarp
Also, in February 2022, the DEA seized approximately five kilograms of methamphetamine and one kilogram of cocaine from Wilson following a traffic stop when Wilson was returning from a trip to Dallas.
Mendoza is also implicated in a separate federal conspiracy in Texas that began in 2019. While the DEA was conducting surveillance on Mendoza in Dallas, agents observed Wilson meeting with him. During additional surveillance operations in Dallas, DEA agents observed an associate of Wilson (co-defendant Michael Odom) arrive at Mendoza’s house in a Corvette, meet with Mendoza, and then leave with a large bag.
Following a high-speed chase with police, local law enforcement eventually arrested Odom and recovered 2.8 kilograms of methamphetamine that Odom received from Mendoza.
In addition to their prison sentences, Mendoza and Wilson will be subject to five years of supervised release following their incarceration.
Help support the Tampa Free Press by making any small donation by clicking here.
Android Users, Click To Download The Tampa Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Sign up for our free newsletter.