Hot Springs, Arkansas – Robert Arthur Blackstead Jr., age 56, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, was recently sentenced to 216 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and one count of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
The sentencing hearing took place in the United States District Court in Hot Springs. Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the hearing.
A 2019 investigation by the 18th Judicial Drug Task Force and agents with Homeland Security Investigations Little Rock led to Blackstead’s arrest. Investigators conducted several controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Blackstead, and during the arrest, a search of his residence was conducted, resulting in the discovery of three firearms, a distribution amount of methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia.
Blackstead was indicted by a federal grand jury in March of 2019 and entered a guilty plea in September of 2019.
This case was investigated by the 18th Judicial Drug Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations Little Rock. Assistant United States Attorney David Harris prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
The case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and making neighborhoods safer. The program was reinvigorated in 2017 to target violent criminals and work with local communities to develop effective strategies to reduce violent crime.
Defendant: Robert Arthur Blackstead Jr. (age 56)
Criminal Charges: Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
City and State: Hot Springs, Arkansas
Sentencing Date: Not specified
Sentence: 216 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release
This case is a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and violent crime in our communities. The sentence handed down to Robert Arthur Blackstead Jr. reflects the severity of his crimes and serves as a warning to those who engage in similar activities.
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Key Facts
- State: Arkansas
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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