Magnolia, Arkansas – In a major blow to a South Arkansas drug trafficking organization, fifteen members and associates—spanning from Magnolia, Arkansas, to Los Angeles, California—have been sentenced to a combined 1,591 months in federal prison. The lengthy sentences, handed down between August 2024 and May 2025, bring closure to a widespread methamphetamine distribution conspiracy that stretched across state lines and involved dangerous narcotics, firearms, and substantial cash profits.
The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the hearings in the United States District Court at El Dorado, Arkansas. All sentences will be served without the possibility of parole, as mandated under federal law.
According to court records, Christopher Walters, 45, of Magnolia, Arkansas, operated the drug trafficking organization (DTO) from August 2021 through August 2022. Walters acted as the central figure in the network, securing kilograms of methamphetamine from Michael Cummings, 46, a Southern California business owner who also served as a key drug supplier. Cummings, in turn, relied on Robert Leonne Morris, 47, of Los Angeles, to transport drugs to Arkansas, even using railway systems to do so.
Once the drugs arrived, Walters managed a network of local associates across Columbia County, Arkansas, to store, distribute, and profit from the methamphetamine supply. In some cases, they attempted distribution efforts that were interrupted by law enforcement. Walters then split the financial proceeds with Cummings, maintaining an interstate drug pipeline for over a year.
Major Seizure and Coordinated Arrests
On August 10, 2022, the FBI, working alongside state and local law enforcement agencies, executed a series of search warrants at various Columbia County properties tied to the organization. The coordinated raids resulted in the seizure of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, more than 15 firearms—including tactical rifles—and thousands of dollars in cash. The evidence collected during these searches formed the basis for a sweeping federal indictment.
Between September 2022 and March 2023, a federal grand jury in the Western District of Arkansas returned indictments against all 15 individuals, charging them with a total of 50 felony offenses. Each person eventually entered guilty pleas to one or more violations of the Controlled Substances Act.
Sentences Reflect the Scale of the Operation
The sentences for each defendant reflect their role in the drug trafficking conspiracy:
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Christopher Walters received 222 months (over 18 years) on December 6, 2024
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Michael Cummings was sentenced to 162 months and hit with a $100,000 money judgment on March 21, 2025
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Robert Leonne Morris received 121 months on May 21, 2025
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Other key members like Jvance Radford, Joseph Lowe, Lacadran Thomas, and Marcus Jordan received sentences ranging from 110 to 144 months
Several other Arkansas-based associates received prison terms ranging from 36 to 108 months, including Malaysia D. Benjamin, the only other California defendant besides Cummings and Morris. Benjamin was sentenced to 41 months on December 5, 2024.
A Message from Federal Authorities
In addition to his 162-month sentence, Cummings’ $100,000 financial judgment will be enforced through the seizure of assets in California and elsewhere, ensuring that the profits he gained through the drug trade are reclaimed by the government.
This case highlights the collaborative effort between federal, state, and local agencies to disrupt a multi-state drug pipeline. Through persistent investigation, coordinated raids, and strong courtroom prosecution, a powerful message has been sent to drug traffickers that their networks will be dismantled—and those responsible will be held fully accountable.
