Texarkana Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Cocaine as Part of Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

TEXARKANA, AR—Conner Eldridge, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Samuel B. Garrison, age 30 of Texarkana, Arkansas, pleaded guilty today to one count of aiding and abetting in the distribution of cocaine. The Honorable Susan O. Hickey presided over the case in Texarkana, Arkansas. Garrison faces a sentence of up to 20 years’ imprisonment.

According to documents filed in the case, on September 8, 2011, officers with the Texarkana Bi-State Narcotics Task Force and the FBI conducted a controlled purchase of approximately nine ounces of cocaine from Samuel Garrison. The investigation revealed that Garrison recruited and directed several individuals into his drug trafficking organization for the distribution of cocaine and in transporting cocaine and collecting drug proceeds. In his plea agreement, Garrison stipulated to the possession of a firearm and the distribution of more than 50 kilograms but less than 150 kilograms of cocaine. Garrison was indicted for the offense on March 7, 2012.

United States Attorney Eldridge commented, “This office will continue to ensure that each and every defendant involved in drug trafficking is held responsible for his or her actions. We remain focused on investigating and prosecuting those who corrupt Texarkana and other communities by bringing drugs and illegal activity onto our streets.”

The case was investigated by the Bi-State Narcotics Task Force, which is composed of representatives of the Texarkana, Arkansas and the Texarkana, Texas Police Departments and the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Quinn is prosecuting the case for the United States.