Four Defendants Receive A Combined 61 Years For Distribution Of Methamphetamine
FORT SMITH, Ark. - Today Sheila Hayes, 39, William Hayes, 35, Daniel Lawson, 24, and Jesus Ordaz, 25, all of Fort Smith, Arkansas, were sentenced to a combined 61 years imprisonment for the distribution of methamphetamine. The sentences are the result of an investigation into a drug trafficking organization operating in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Chief U.S. District Judge P. K. Holmes III handed down the sentence in U.S. District Court.
United States Attorney Eldridge commented, “Ridding our communities of illegal drugs and crime associated with the drug trade is a top priority of this office, and an important part of that process is bringing the supplier to justice. I applaud the investigative work of all who were involved in the investigation and prosecution of these individuals and recognize these sentences as an important step toward eliminating the source of illegal substances in the Fort Smith area.”
According to court documents, in July of 2011, the Drug Enforcement (DEA) and the Fort Smith Police Department began to investigate a large scale drug trafficking organization operating in the Fort Smith area. During the course of this investigation, law enforcement identified William Hayes, Sheila Hayes, Daniel Lawson, and Jesus Ordaz as individuals directly involved in distributing methamphetamine. Between August and November of 2011, multiple undercover controlled buys of methamphetamine were made from each suspect. At sentencing, Sheila Hayes received 135 months imprisonment, William Hayes received 188 months imprisonment, Daniel Lawson was given 180 months imprisonment, and Jesus Ordaz received 235 months imprisonment. During the sentencing, District Court Judge P.K. Holmes III, based on the testimony and evidence presented by the Government, held each defendant responsible for distributing over five pounds of methamphetamine during the investigation.
The defendants were originally indicted on January 25, 2012. Each entered into separate guilty pleas on July 2, 2012. The case was investigated by DEA Little Rock and the Fort Smith Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Dustin Roberts prosecuted the cases for the United States.
