Two Springdale residents have been sentenced to a combined total of more than 36 years in federal prison following convictions for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The sentencing hearings took place in Fayetteville before Judge Timothy L. Brooks.
Court records indicate that, in June 2024, detectives from the Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force (4th JDDTF) identified Latrell Devontae Richmond, 29, and Lucky Bannavong, 26, as distributors of significant quantities of methamphetamine and pressed fentanyl pills in Springdale and surrounding areas. During their investigation, officers encountered Bannavong—who was on parole at the time—and found him carrying a loaded firearm, methamphetamine, and a substantial amount of cash.
Further investigation revealed that both men were storing drugs at Richmond’s apartment in Springdale. Detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence and discovered approximately 1,233 grams of methamphetamine, over 3,100 fentanyl pills, about 165 grams of marijuana, a loaded semi-automatic pistol, and U.S. currency.
A federal grand jury indicted both individuals in January 2025. They pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges the following month. Bannavong received a sentence of 235 months in federal prison; Richmond was sentenced to serve 200 months.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes for the Western District of Arkansas announced the sentences.
“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).”
