MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – In a shocking turn of events, Nowlin Lee Waugh, Jr., 35, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, was sentenced to 186 months’ imprisonment and 8 years’ supervised release for Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine.
The crime occurred on March 23, 2018, when Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Waugh on Interstate 40 in Okmulgee County. During the pursuit that ensued, the troopers could see Waugh moving erratically inside the vehicle.
When the vehicle stopped, the troopers saw bags that contained methamphetamine, a trash can that had methamphetamine and bleach in it, and an open bottle of bleach. There were also several open plastic baggies that had methamphetamine residue inside. Troopers recovered over 50 grams of methamphetamine that Waugh had not been able to destroy with bleach.
The Drug Enforcement Agency assisted with the investigation, and the evidence at trial proved that Waugh intended to distribute methamphetamine. The car stop and resulting investigation prevented thousands of dosage units from being distributed into Oklahoma communities.
“Despite the defendant’s best efforts to destroy the evidence of his crime, Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers were able to process the crime scene and collect the evidence needed to prove to the jury that Waugh intended to distribute methamphetamine,” said United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Edward Snow represented the United States. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the non-paroleable sentence will be served.
Waugh’s jury trial began on August 14, 2018, and concluded on August 15, 2018, with the guilty verdict. Sentencing occurred following the completion of a presentence report.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of community policing and the need for residents to report suspicious activity. It also highlights the efforts of law enforcement agencies in Eastern Oklahoma to combat the illicit trafficking of methamphetamine.
Key Facts
- State: Oklahoma
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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