Drew County Jury Convicts Amanda Adair in Major Narcotics Case
November 12th, 2024 by Joe Burgess
On December 11, 2023, agents from the Tenth Judicial District Drug Task Force apprehended Amanda Adair following an investigation that revealed substantial involvement in narcotics trafficking. Tenth Judicial District Drug Task Force Agents had received a tip regarding James Phelps, who was allegedly buying and selling methamphetamine. According to sources, Phelps was in the company of a white female in a silver SUV, later identified as Adair.
Agents observed, Phelps and Adair’s vehicle near Bolling Street, where they pulled into a driveway adjacent to a camper. Agents approached the vehicle to speak with Phelps regarding his recently impounded car and to question him about the reported drug activity.
Discovery of Contraband
When Agent Slaughter approached the vehicle, Phelps appeared evasive, turning his left side away. A pat-down revealed a suspicious cigarette pack in Phelps’s pocket. When asked about it, Phelps avoided answering, further raising suspicions. With his consent, agents discovered methamphetamine within the cigarette pack.
Simultaneously, Agents engaged in questioning with Adair, who was in the passenger seat. After advising Adair of her Miranda Rights, agents searched the vehicle, leading to the discovery of a significant quantity of controlled substances in Adair’s purse, including blue tablets resembling oxycodone, weighing approximately 1.8 grams, which tested positive for fentanyl.
Charges Filed
Adair was formally charged with three felony offenses: Count 1 – Trafficking Fentanyl, Count 2 – Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Deliver, and Count 3 – Possession of Alprazolam with Intent to Deliver.
The fentanyl charge was especially significant, as recent legislation established trafficking fentanyl. The Fentanyl Enforcement and Accountability Act of 2023 created the offense of Trafficking Fentanyl, which is an unclassified felony subject to imprisonment of not less than 25 years nor more than 60 years or life and added a mandatory fine of $1 million. A person commits the offense if he or she possesses, possesses with the purpose to deliver or delivers, over one gram of fentanyl. The act was created with the purpose of combating fentanyl-related deaths.
James Phelps was charged with and pled guilty to Possession of Methamphetamine with the Purpose to Deliver and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia for the Methamphetamine found on his person. He was sentenced to 10 years in the Arkansas Department of Correction with an additional suspended imposition of sentence for 60 months upon his release.
Trial and Verdict
Adair’s Jury trial took place on November 1, 2024, with Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Daniel Wigley representing the state. During the trial, Wigley presented evidence, including text messages about Adair selling methamphetamine and fentanyl in Oklahoma and Arkansas. The jury found Adair guilty on charges of Trafficking Fentanyl and Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Deliver.
The jury recommended a 30-year sentence in the Arkansas Department of Correction and a $1 million fine for the trafficking offense. For possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, they recommended a 10-year sentence, with both terms running concurrently. Circuit Judge Crews Puryear followed the jury’s recommendation, handing down the full sentence.
Conclusion
Cases like Adairs are evidence of the Tenth Judicial District Drug Task Force’s commitment to combating narcotics trafficking in Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Desha, and Drew Counties. The significant sentence imposed reflects the gravity of trafficking fentanyl, a lethal substance that continues to pose a severe public health risk. The task force’s proactive approach underscores the importance of inter-agency cooperation and robust enforcement of Arkansas’s narcotics laws.
Prosecuting Attorney Frank Spain wants to thank the jury for their time and consideration in Ms. Adair’s trial and states Ms. Adair’s sentence should be a warning to anyone who would sell controlled substances in Drew County, specifically those who would sell fentanyl. Statistics from the Arkansas State Crime Lab indicate overdose deaths from fentanyl exceeded over 250 in 2021. Spain said, “Fentanyl is often made to look like other prescription pills. If you acquire pills from anywhere other than a pharmacy, you do not know what you are taking and are putting your life at risk.” More information can be found at: https://arkansasag.gov/OnePillCanKill/
and in the ReviveAR App, which can be downloaded at https://www.arorp.org/revivear-app/.
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