Meth investigation yields 4 convictions

A 2011 investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Fort Smith Police Department into a large-scale drug trafficking operation in the Fort Smith area resulted in federal prison sentences totaling more than 61 years for four people said to be directly involved in distributing methamphetamine, a news release said.

Sheila Hayes, 39; William Hayes, 35; Daniel Lawson, 24; and Jesus Ordaz, 25; all of Fort Smith, were sentenced Nov. 16 and Monday by Chief U.S. District Judge P. K. Holmes. All were indicted Jan. 25 and entered separate guilty pleas July 2.

The multi-agency investigation began in July 2011 and gained key evidence in August and November of that year when police bought methamphetamine from each of the suspects, the release said.

Based on the testimony of drug agents and evidence presented during the two-day sentencing, Holmes held each defendant responsible for distributing more than five pounds of methamphetamine during the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin Roberts prosecuted the cases, the release said.

Sheila Hayes’ sentence was the shortest at 11 years, three months; Ordaz was sentenced to the longest term, 19 years, seven months. William Hayes and Lawson received 15 years, eight months, and 15-year sentences, respectively.

Northwest Arkansas, Pages 11 on 11/20/2012

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