Fifteen individuals involved in a sprawling methamphetamine distribution network operating between south Arkansas and Southern California have been sentenced to a combined total of over 100 years in prison, concluding a lengthy federal investigation.
Led by Christopher Walters, 45, of Magnolia, Arkansas, the drug ring coordinated the distribution of large quantities of methamphetamine throughout Columbia County and surrounding areas between August 2021 and August 2022.
Walters sourced much of the methamphetamine from Michael Cummings, 46, based in Southern California, supported by Robert Leone Morris, 47, also from Los Angeles, who facilitated shipments—sometimes by train—highlighting the operation’s sophisticated logistics.
Federal raids executed on August 10, 2022, uncovered methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, over 15 firearms (including tactical rifles), and thousands of dollars in cash across multiple locations linked to the group.
Between September 2022 and March 2023, a federal grand jury indicted 15 individuals on a total of 50 felony charges. All pleaded guilty to one or more offenses, receiving prison terms reflecting the severity of their crimes:
- Christopher Walters (Magnolia, AR) — 222 months (18.5 years)
- Michael Cummings (Los Angeles, CA) — 162 months (13.5 years) plus a $100,000 money judgment
- Jvance Radford (Magnolia, AR) — 144 months (12 years)
- Joseph Lowe (Magnolia, AR) — 140 months (11.7 years)
- Robert Leone Morris (Los Angeles, CA) — 121 months (just over 10 years)
Other members from Magnolia, Waldo, and Los Angeles received sentences ranging from 3 to 10 years.
The $100,000 money judgment against Cummings aims to recover illicit profits and is enforceable against assets both in California and elsewhere.
This dismantling of a multi-state drug trafficking ring underscores ongoing efforts by federal and local law enforcement to combat methamphetamine and opioid epidemics devastating communities across Arkansas and beyond.
