Two men from Springdale, Arkansas, have been sentenced to a combined total of more than 36 years in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The sentencing took place in the United States District Court in Fayetteville, with Judge Timothy L. Brooks presiding.
Court documents show that in June 2024, detectives from the Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force (4th JDDTF) began investigating Latrell Devontae Richmond, 29, and Lucky Bannavong, 26. Authorities learned that both men were distributing large amounts of methamphetamine and pressed fentanyl pills in Springdale and surrounding areas. During the investigation, Bannavong—who was on parole at the time—was found carrying a loaded firearm, methamphetamine, and a significant amount of cash.
Detectives discovered that Richmond and Bannavong were storing drugs at Richmond’s apartment. A search warrant executed at the location resulted in the seizure of about 1,233 grams of methamphetamine, over 3,100 fentanyl pills, roughly 165 grams of marijuana, a loaded semi-automatic pistol, and U.S. currency.
Both men were indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2025 and pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges the following month. Bannavong received a sentence of 235 months in federal prison; Richmond was sentenced to 200 months.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes for the Western District of Arkansas announced the sentences.
The case was investigated by the Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Briana Robbins.
“This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).”
