Career offender receives 20-year sentence for meth distribution

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Career offender receives 20-year sentence for meth distribution

Jonathan D. Ross U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas

Bralyn Wadlington has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. This announcement was made by Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas. The sentence was delivered on May 7, 2025, by United States District Judge Brian S. Miller.

Wadlington, aged 28 and from Little Rock, pleaded guilty on January 22, 2025, to the charge of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In addition to his prison term, he received a five-year supervised release sentence. He had been indicted by a federal grand jury on June 4, 2024, for multiple charges including possession with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of methamphetamine and cocaine, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

The events leading to Wadlington's arrest began on May 29, 2024. An Arkansas State Police trooper stopped Wadlington’s vehicle for speeding. However, Wadlington fled the scene at high speed, resulting in a police pursuit that ended when he collided with another vehicle after running a red light. Despite commands from law enforcement officers to comply after the collision, Wadlington attempted to flee on foot but was subdued by a taser and taken into custody.

A search of Wadlington’s vehicle revealed approximately 446.6 grams of methamphetamine along with a firearm and various items associated with drug distribution.

Wadlington's sentencing included enhanced penalties due to his status as a career offender. His criminal history includes convictions for residential burglary, theft by receiving, controlled substance offenses, fleeing from police officers, fraud related to narcotics procurement, and illegal firearm possession.

The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration with support from the Arkansas State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Katie Hinojosa prosecuted the case.