Pine Bluff, Arkansas – A multi-convicted felon, Tristan Larandell Lee of Pine Bluff, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for illegally possessing cocaine with intent to distribute and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a federal drug-trafficking crime. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, by United States District Judge James M. Moody, Jr.
Arrest Following Reckless Driving Incident
The investigation began on Monday, March 8, 2021, when Arkansas State Police troopers responded to reports of a vehicle being driven recklessly on the median of I-530. Upon arrival, troopers located Tristan Larandell Lee in the driver’s seat of the vehicle. The trooper found Lee asleep and had to strike the front passenger window to wake him up. Lee then attempted to start his vehicle and flee the scene.
Despite commands to exit the vehicle, Lee refused. The trooper eventually opened the passenger door to remove Lee, who displayed combative behavior and was subsequently placed into custody. During an inventory search of Lee’s vehicle, officers found cocaine, heroin, marijuana, assorted pills, drug paraphernalia, and an Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 rifle equipped with a 60-round drum magazine.
Federal Indictment and Guilty Plea
On June 8, 2022, Lee, 39, of Pine Bluff, was indicted by a federal grand jury. The charges included one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. On March 13, 2024, Lee pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
Law Enforcement Efforts
United States District Judge Moody sentenced Lee to 10 years of imprisonment for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and an additional five years for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. The sentences will be served consecutively. Additionally, Judge Moody sentenced Lee to five years of supervised release following his prison term.
The investigation leading to Lee’s arrest and conviction was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Arkansas State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda Fields.
