TEXARKANA, Arkansas - A man who was caught dealing methamphetamine in Hempstead and Howard counties was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison Tuesday.
Andre Scoggins, 49, appeared for sentencing Tuesday via video before U.S. District Judge Susan Hickey with Little Rock lawyer Pamela Panasiuk. Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham Jones represented the government.
Scoggins pleaded guilty to distribution of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine at a hearing Oct. 16 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry Bryant. At the time he was allowed to remain free on a $5,000 unsecured appearance bond.
According to his plea agreement, Scoggins sold two-and-a-half ounces of methamphetamine to a confidential informant working with law enforcement for $1,500 on Nov. 8, 2018. Scoggins met the informant in the parking lot of an abandoned high school in Saratoga, Arkansas, located in Hempstead and Howard counties.
Three other counts charging Scoggins with distribution of methamphetamine in 2018 and 2019 were dismissed as part of his plea agreement.
Hickey sentenced Scoggins to 120 months in federal prison. Following his release he will be supervised by federal authorities for five years. If he violates the conditions of his release Scoggins could be ordered to spend additional time in prison.