Fort Smith Man Found Guilty Of Methamphetamine Distribution

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that  Nowlin Lee Waugh, Jr, age 35, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, was found guilty by a federal jury of Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine. The jury trial began with testimony on Tuesday, August 14, 2018 and concluded on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 with the guilty verdict. 

Evidence at trial proved that on March 23, 2018, Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers attempted to stop a vehicle driven by the defendant on Interstate 40 in Okmulgee County. During the pursuit that ensued, the troopers could see the defendant moving erratically inside the vehicle. When the vehicle stopped the troopers saw bags that contained methamphetamine, a trash can that had methamphetamine and bleach in it, and an open bottle of bleach. There were also several open plastic baggies that had methamphetamine residue inside. Troopers recovered over 50 grams of methamphetamine that the defendant had not been able to destroy with bleach. The Drug Enforcement Agency assisted with the investigation. 

“Despite the defendant’s best efforts to destroy the evidence of his crime, Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers were able to process the crime scene and collect the evidence needed to prove to the jury that Waugh intended to distribute methamphetamine. The car stop and resulting investigation prevented thousands of dosage units from being distributed into Oklahoma communities, and will allow Waugh to be held accountable for his unlawful acts,” said United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester. “I would like to thank the jurors for giving their time and attention to this case. Jury duty can be an inconvenience to jurors, but it is essential to the American Justice System.”

The Honorable Ronald A. White, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the trial and ordered the completion of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled following its completion. 

Assistant United States Attorney Edward Snow represented the United States.