Fort Smith Man Sentenced To 15 Years In Federal Prison For Drug Trafficking
FORT SMITH, Ark. - A Fort Smith man, Richard David Hulsey, 46, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine announced Drug Enforcement (DEA) Assistant Special Agent in Charge Matthew Barden and United States Attorney Kenneth Elser of the Western District of Arkansas.
According to court records, on April 19, 2016, a Fort Smith Police officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle driven by Hulsey. Hulsey refused to pull over and fled, resulting in a vehicle pursuit for several blocks until the officer ended the pursuit for community safety. Knowing Hulsey was on state parole, the officer contacted Hulsey’s parole officer who assisted with the investigation. An attempt was made to contact Hulsey at his apartment, but there was no answer. A parole search was then conducted resulting in officers finding digital scales, a handgun, two glass meth pipes, $10,000 cash, one half pound of marijuana, packaging materials, and other drug paraphernalia.
Officers learned that Hulsey rented a storage unit, and in searching the unit, they found approximately four pounds of methamphetamine, approximately one half pound of marijuana and a 9mm handgun. In the same area where the vehicle pursuit had taken place, officers discovered approximately 12 ounces of methamphetamine. Hulsey was located and arrested and was in possession of 12 grams of methamphetamine.
In April, 2016, Hulsey was interviewed by DEA agents and the Fort Smith Police Department. Hulsey stated that all of the methamphetamine and marijuana located by officers in his apartment and storage building were his and admitted the methamphetamine was for distribution. He was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2016 and pleaded guilty in June 2016.
This case was investigated by the DEA, the Fort Smith Police Department and Arkansas Probation and Parole.
Parents and children are encouraged to educate themselves about the dangers of drugs by visiting DEA’s interactive websites at www.JustThinkTwice.com, www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com and www.dea.gov.
