2 Arkansas drug dealers sentenced to federal prison following ICE HSI investigations
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – A Springdale, Ark., man who pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas to felony methamphetamine distribution charges was sentenced to five years in federal prison June 9, 2020, following a criminal investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with assistance from the Rogers Police Department and the Benton County Drug Unit.
Ricardo Uribe, 37, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release for distribution of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
In early 2019 HSI Fayetteville special agents led a High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) task force investigation into a drug trafficking organization operating in and around Northwest Arkansas. According to court documents, the HIDTA task force conducted multiple controlled purchases of methamphetamines from Uribe. Uribe was indicted as part of that investigation in August 2019 and entered a guilty plea in February 2020.
Assistant United States Attorney Amy Driver prosecuted this case for the Western District of Arkansas U.S. Attorney's Office.
Also, on June 9, 2020, a Hot Springs, Ark., resident was sentenced to eight years in federal prison in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas for methamphetamines possession with intent to distribute, following a separate HSI investigation.
Laurie Hooks-Lowrey, 51, was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervision after an HSI Little Rock and the 18th Judicial District East Drug Task Force investigation lead to her 2019 arrest.
According to court records, on or about October 17, 2019, Hooks-Lowrey distributed over 25 grams of methamphetamine. Court records also revealed that she distributed crystal methamphetamine around Garland County, Ark., on at least four other occasions prior to October 2019.
"HSI is committed to combating the dangerous threat methamphetamine poses to our citizens and the public safety of our communities," said Jere T. Miles, special agent in charge of HSI New Orleans. "Collaborative law enforcement efforts are an effective way to remove dangerous drug dealers off the streets."
Assistant United States Attorney Bryan Achorn and Special Assistant United States Attorney Trent Daniels prosecuted this case for the Western District of Arkansas U.S. Attorney's Office.
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