Eight individuals have been sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in a conspiracy to distribute and possess fentanyl with the intent to distribute. This announcement was made by Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas.
The defendants—Jaylen Ester (aka Sumo), Adrian Perry, Miguel Thompson, James Chenault (aka LJ), Saundra Lunsford, Carma Brown, April Reyes, and Briana McElroy—were indicted on August 1, 2023. They were charged with conspiracy as part of a 13-count indictment and have each pled guilty to Count 1.
According to U.S. District Judge Lee P. Rudofsky’s sentencing decision, there is no parole available in the federal system for these convictions. Several of the defendants have significant criminal histories and some are classified as career offenders.
“Because fentanyl is so deadly…our office will continue to regard the distribution of fentanyl as a violent crime which commands our office’s full attention,” stated Ross. He emphasized that those involved in distributing fentanyl would be fully prosecuted without empathy for their actions.
Law enforcement officers learned that from 2020 through December 2022, the defendants distributed fentanyl across River Valley and central Arkansas areas. Various incidents from November 2021 through November 2022 revealed further evidence against them including seizures of drugs and money during searches at residences and vehicles associated with the defendants.
Joshua Jackson, ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge said: “Sending career criminals like this to prison is another example of our commitment…to protect our communities from those who spread fentanyl poison.”
David Ewing, Chief of Police at Russellville Police Department remarked on their role: “This outcome reflects our ongoing commitment…to combat the fentanyl crisis.”
Jeff Phillips from Fifth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney expressed pride in local law enforcement’s efforts: “Their cooperation with other local law enforcement in Pope County is so important in aggressively addressing criminal activity.”
The investigation was led by multiple agencies including Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Fifth Judicial Drug Task Force; and Russellville Police Department.
