Central Arkansas Meth Investigation Leads to 21 Federal Indictments

A Central Arkansas methamphetamine distribution investigation has lead to federal indictments for 21 people.

The arrests of some of the suspects was announced today by Christopher R. Thyer, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, William J. Bryant, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Little Rock District Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and North Little Rock Police Chief Danny Bradley.

The organization at the center of the investigation is alleged to have been responsible for the distribution of more than 500 grams of meth from July 2011 to November 9 of this year.

In June of 2012, the DEA Little Rock District Office Group #2, which is composed of Special Agents from DEA and Drug Task Force (DTF) Officers from the Pulaski County Sheriff's Department, North Little Rock Police Department, Benton Police Department, Arkansas State Police, and Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, opened an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Operation sponsored by DEA. This investigation targeted a large scale drug trafficking organization led by Tarik Bouhamidi of Austin, Arkansas.

Investigation revealed that Bouhamidi routinely traveled to Dallas, Texas to obtain large amounts of methamphetamine from a source of supply named Johnny Ybarra. Bouhamidi would then arrange for the methamphetamine to be transported to Arkansas by hired couriers.

The investigation culminated with a November 6, 2012 indictment of Bouhamidi, Ybarra, and 19 associates for various drug and weapons charges. Numerous search and seizure warrants were executed in conjunction with the arrests. The investigation has thus far resulted in the seizure of over $66,000 in cash; other miscellaneous assets valued at approximately $10,000; two and pounds of methamphetamine; 9 vehicles, including two tractor-trailer rigs; and 2 firearms.

"It takes a team of federal, state, and local law enforcement working together to investigate drug trafficking organizations such as this one," stated Thyer. "Our office is fortunate to work with such dedicated investigative agencies in the continued effort to combat the methamphetamine issues plaguing our state."

Bryant agreed, "This investigation is a combination of good solid police work and the teamwork of multiple agencies." Bryant added, "The Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) has positively impacted our investigative success by providing the additional training and tools necessary to disrupt and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations in Arkansas."

Count 1 - Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute (PWID) 500 grams or more of
methamphetamine mixture
Tarik Shawn Bouhamidi, a/k/a Bo, age 46, of Austin
Gary Wayne Alvey, age 53, of Morrilton
Amy Beth Dodd, age 31, of Little Rock
Randy Eakle, unknown
Bryan Louis Embry, age 49, Atkins
Fred W. Lauderdale, age 46 Maumelle
Steven Lynn Goodman, age 45, Beebe
Harold David Holladay, a/k/a Doc, age 47, Little Rock
Terry Wayne Leggitt, age 43, Houston
Sonia Kay Potter, age 47, Jacksonville
Jeremy Gradden Putt, age 42, Benton
Joseph Paul Setvin, Jr., age 44, Jacksonville
Scottie Edwin Sisney, age 40, Atkins
Kaylea Lynn Sontag, age 32, England
Lesia Carol Southerland, age 47, Lonoke
Rodney Lynn Spradlin, age 36, England
Stacye Rochelle Strickland, age 42, Little Rock
Tammy Kasandra Lauderdale, age 46, Maumelle
Christopher Eric Vires, age 33, Lonoke
Larry Joe Williams, age 62, Morrilton
Johnny Ybarra, age 23, Dallas, TX
Count 2 - PWID more than 50 but less than 500 grams of methamphetamine mixture
Christopher Eric Vires, age 33, Lonoke
Lesia Carol Southerland, age 47, Lonoke
Count 3 - Felon in possession of a firearm
Christopher Eric Vires, age 33, Lonoke
Count 4 - PWID more than 5 but less than 50 grams of methamphetamine mixture
Harold David Holladay, a/k/a Doc, age 47, Little Rock
Count 5 - PWID more than 50 but less than 500 grams of methamphetamine mixture
Bryan Louis Embry, age 49, Atkins
Count 6 - PWID more than 500 grams of methamphetamine mixture
Joseph Paul Setvin, Jr., age 44, Jacksonville