Blytheville Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine

Defendant also convicted for possessing an unregistered firearm.

LITTLE ROCK—Lyonel Smith will spend the next 10 years in federal prison after convictions for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of an unregistered firearm. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by Chief United States District Judge Kristine G. Baker.

On August 8, 2024, Smith, 38, of Blytheville, was indicted by a federal grand jury in a four-count Indictment. The Indictment charged Smith with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine, possession of unregistered firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. On June 2, 2025, Smith pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of an unregistered firearm.

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As a result of an investigation, on September 27, 2023, law enforcement officers obtained a warrant and conducted a search at Smith’s residence. During a search of Smith’s bedroom, officers located two firearms, an FN, Model 509 9mm semi-automatic firearm that was loaded with 24 rounds of ammunition and an FN Model Five-Seven, 5.7×28 caliber semi-automatic firearm. Officers also located six ounces of marijuana, more than seven grams of cocaine, digital scales, and other drug paraphernalia.

In Smith’s garage, officers located 263 grams of methamphetamine. In addition to the methamphetamine, there were additional firearms located in the garage: an American Tactical Omni-Hybrid 300 Blackout loaded with 20 rounds of ammunition, an American Tactical AR-15, .223 caliber firearm loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition, and an AR-style, 5.56 caliber semi-automatic rifle with a short barrel (less than 16 inches in length) that did not contain a serial number and was not registered as a legal short-barrel rifle.

In addition to the 10-year sentence for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, Smith was sentenced to five years in federal prison for being in possession of an unregistered firearm—the 5.56 caliber semi-automatic rifle—which will be served concurrently with the 10-year sentence. Chief Judge Baker also sentenced Smith to five years’ supervised release for each count he was sentenced, to also be served concurrently. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Blytheville Police Department with assistance from the DEA. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bart Dickinson.