Man sentenced to 14 years for drug trafficking

LITTLE ROCK — Victor Garcia, will spend the next 168 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down Thursday by United States District Judge D.P. Marshall, Jr.

A federal grand jury indicted Garcia, 43, of Palmdale, California, in a superseding indictment on April 5, 2023. He was charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. On Nov. 4, 2024, Garcia pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.

On Dec. 21, 2022, the Conway Police Department conducted a traffic stop and upon investigation, discovered Garcia had a federal warrant for drug distribution out of California.

Officers conducted a pat down search of Garcia and located a methamphetamine pipe in his possession. Garcia admitted to officers that he had a small amount of marijuana in the center console of the vehicle. During the officers questioning of Garcia and his passenger, they provided officers inconsistent stories.

Upon a search of the passenger, officers located a baggie of methamphetamine in her possession.

While conducting a search of the vehicle, officers noted the carpeting was not uniform and after locating the seam of the carpet, determined it had been glued down.

Officers pulled the carpet back and discovered a sheet of metal with hinges. Upon a search of this aftermarket hidden compartment, officers located over 20 kilograms of pure methamphetamine in five vacuum-sealed bags.

Judge Marshall sentenced Garcia to serve 168 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Judge Marshall also sentenced Garcia to five years’ supervised release.

There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by

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the FBI with assistance from the Conway Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin O’Leary. ***

Pair in custody in connection with child death

HARRISBURG — A man and a woman were being held Friday in the Poinsett County jail in connection with the suspicious death of a child, according to Sheriff Kevin Molder.

Ridge Brandon Noel, 31, and Sherece Scott, 30, both of Weiner, were booked into the Poinsett County jail early Friday on suspicion of endangering the welfare of a minor-1st degree.

Molder said the investigation is ongoing and complex, after officials went to a house on South Street in Weiner after a report of a child being found unresponsive.

First responders arrived on the scene before police got there.

“Upon their arrival, it was confirmed that the child was deceased,” Molder said.

Authorities then began investigating the child’s death and contacted Arkansas State Police for help, with Special Agents from Company F arriving to aid in the investigation.

Law enforcement later served a search warrant at the house.

“A search warrant was executed at the property where the child was found. During the search, officers discovered and seized drugs, firearms (including one that was reported stolen) and a marijuana grow operation,” Molder said, noting more charges are expected soon in the case.

Noel was arrested at the residence and taken to the county jail.

On Thursday evening, Poinsett County authorities had asked people to be on the lookout for Scott, who had last been seen riding a brown bicycle with a backpack attached on Highway 49, north of Weiner.

She was considered a person of interest and later a suspect in the case, authorities said.

Deputies took Scott into custody at a Jonesboro motel around 1:45 a.m. Friday in connection with the case.

The child’s body has been sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab in Little Rock to determine the cause of death.

Molder said the case has been difficult for all involved, with quick work by law enforcement and area residents leading to the arrests in the case.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by this tragedy. The swift collaboration between law enforcement agencies, local citizens and the fire department played a significant role in Scott’s quick apprehension. We thank the deputies, officers and investigators from the Poinsett County Sheriff’s Office, Weiner Police Department, Weiner Fire Department, Arkansas State Police, Arkansas Game and Fish, Jonesboro Police Department and the Arkansas Department of Human Services,” Molder said in a statement. “Everyone worked diligently throughout the night and continues to investigate this case.”

NOEL

SCOTT