The drug trade has long been a scourge plaguing communities across the United States, and the state of Arkansas is no exception.
In recent years, law enforcement agencies have intensified their efforts to dismantle the intricate networks responsible for distributing dangerous substances like methamphetamine throughout the region.
Through meticulous investigations and coordinated efforts, authorities have successfully apprehended and sentenced the key players involved in an Arkansas-based illicit enterprise, delivering a significant blow to the local drug trade.
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In October 2022, agents from the 4th Judicial District Drug Task Force initiated an investigation into a drug trafficking organization responsible for the distribution of methamphetamine across the Western District of Arkansas. Over the course of their probe, investigators were able to identify five individuals at the heart of this criminal network.
The members of this drug trafficking organization were swiftly indicted at the federal level for their involvement in the distribution of methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearings, which resulted in substantial prison terms for the convicted offenders.
Joe Chantharath, a 42-year-old resident of Springdale, Arkansas, was sentenced to 135 months (11 years and 3 months) in federal prison, followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Additionally, he received an extra 24-month sentence for the revocation of his previous federal supervised release.
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Anthony Chantharath, the 35-year-old brother of Joe Chantharath, was sentenced to 137 months (11 years and 5 months) in federal prison, along with a 3-year term of supervised release. He was convicted of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
Kevin Michael Burke, a 37-year-old from Bryant, Arkansas, received the harshest sentence of the group – 235 months (19 years and 7 months) in federal prison, followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. He was found guilty of distributing methamphetamine.
Ryan Seth Bruce, a 35-year-old from Clinton, Arkansas, was sentenced to 72 months (6 years) in federal prison and a 3-year term of supervised release for his role in distributing methamphetamine.
Destiny DeAnne Satterfield, a 25-year-old from Springdale, Arkansas, was sentenced to 77 months (6 years and 5 months) in federal prison, along with a 3-year term of supervised release. She was convicted of possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
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The successful prosecution of this drug trafficking organization was the result of a collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies.
The 4th Judicial District Drug Task Force conducted the initial investigation, while U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas oversaw the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Eaton was responsible for prosecuting the defendants.
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