North Little Rock, Arkansas – A 46-year-old North Little Rock man, Chauncey Slay, has been sentenced to 130 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The announcement was made by Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas. The sentence was handed down by Chief United States District Judge Kristine G. Baker.
Arrest During Traffic Stop Led to Major Drug Discovery
Slay’s conviction stems from a March 6, 2024 traffic stop conducted by the Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office and Arkansas State Police. Slay, a passenger in the vehicle, was acting suspiciously and appeared nervous during the stop. Officers discovered that he was on parole and had a search waiver on file, allowing authorities to search him without a warrant.
After both the driver and Slay were asked to step out of the vehicle, officers attempted to detain him. However, Slay began arguing with law enforcement. As officers restrained him, one officer shook his pant leg, causing a small baggie of a crystal-like substance to fall to the ground.
Slay was then taken into custody and placed in a patrol car for transport to the Lonoke County jail. While on the way, Slay voluntarily informed deputies that he had more drugs hidden in his clothing. Deputies stopped the vehicle and discovered another baggie of the crystal substance tucked into his other pant leg.
Both bags were later sent to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) laboratory, where they tested positive for more than 120 grams of methamphetamine with a 98% purity level.
History of Repeat Drug Offenses
Slay’s criminal record shows a long pattern of drug-related offenses. His previous convictions include:
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Possession of cocaine
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Possession of methamphetamine with purpose to deliver
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Possession of drug paraphernalia
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Delivery of methamphetamine
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Possession of heroin with purpose to deliver
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Possession of fentanyl
Given his extensive criminal history, the court issued a stiff sentence. In addition to the 130-month prison term, Slay was ordered to serve five years of supervised release after completing his sentence. It was noted that there is no parole in the federal system.
Federal and Local Agencies Collaborated
The case was the result of a joint investigation between the DEA and the Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Arkansas State Police. The prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Eldridge.
This case marks another step in federal and local efforts to curb the distribution of dangerous drugs across Arkansas. Slay’s sentence underscores the consequences for repeat offenders who continue to traffic highly potent and addictive substances.
