Matthew Elder, Methamphetamine Conspiracy, Arizona 2015

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Local Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Methamphetamine Conspiracy

An Arizona man has been sentenced to life without parole in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine conspiracy that brought over 50 pounds of the drug to the Evansville area.

Matthew Elder, 44, of Litchfield Park, Arizona, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Richard L. Young following a three-day jury trial in Evansville. The case was the result of a 2013-2014 investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Evansville Vanderburgh County Joint Task Force, Posey County Sheriff’s Department, Texas Drug Enforcement Administration, and Texas Department of Public Safety.

According to U.S. Attorney Josh J. Minkler, Elder made a living peddling drugs to individuals in the Evansville area. ‘He will spend the rest of his life in a federal prison and my hope is, others like him get the message that we will not tolerate this type of criminal behavior in Indiana,’ Minkler said.

Elder was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in April 2015, along with his co-defendant, William Elder. During the trial, it was revealed that Elder was the source of methamphetamine in Arizona, which brought over 50 pounds of the drug to the Evansville area in a six-month period. Elder arranged for the methamphetamine to be couriered to Evansville by various individuals for redistribution near Evansville.

Elder’s prior convictions in Arizona and Evansville made him eligible for the mandatory life sentence without parole. His co-defendant, William Elder (his father), was also convicted in April and faces sentencing later this month.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Wheatley, who prosecuted the case for the government, said that Judge Young imposed 10 years of supervised release on Elder if he is ever released from prison. During that time, Elder must submit to regular drug testing and treatment.

‘This case sends a strong message to those who engage in this type of criminal activity that they will be held accountable and face severe consequences,’ Minkler said. ‘We are committed to keeping our communities safe from the scourge of methamphetamine and other illicit drugs.’

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