FAYETTEVILLE – In a hard-hitting blow to the illegal drug trade, Salvador Fautino Caracena-Zarates Jr., also known as ‘Doe,’ has been sentenced to over 55 years in federal prison for leading a massive fentanyl distribution ring out of Northwest Arkansas. The 42-year-old Fort Smith native was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and aiding in the distribution of fentanyl, resulting in a sentence of 300 months imprisonment followed by a four-year term of supervised release.
The United States District Court in Fayetteville saw its final member of the drug trafficking organization sentenced under the stern gaze of Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks. The DEA-led investigation into the ring revealed that Caracena-Zarates was not only a distributor of methamphetamine but also the source for fentanyl distributed by Rafael Norwood, Christopher Howes, and Alonzo Releford. The pills they sold were designed to mimic M-30 Oxycontin prescription pills.
Caracena-Zarates’ cohorts faced their own heavy penalties: Rafael Deaundra Norwood Sr., 40, was sentenced to 168 months imprisonment and three years of supervised release for aiding and abetting fentanyl distribution. Christopher Ray Howes, 43, received a 100-month sentence with three years of supervised release, while Alonzo Lee Releford III, 23, got 100 months in prison followed by the same term of supervised release.
The U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas announced the sentencing. The DEA was instrumental in the case, with support from multiple agencies including the Fourth Judicial Drug Task Force, Fort Smith Police Department, and the Arkansas State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sydney Butler Stanley prosecuted on behalf of the United States.
This operation is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative targeting cartels and transnational criminal organizations. The ring’s dismantling underscores the Department of Justice’s commitment to eradicating illegal immigration, eliminating cartels, and protecting communities from violent crime. For those who seek additional court documents, they can be accessed on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.
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Key Facts
- State: Arkansas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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