Man pleads guilty in drug-ring case

A Little Rock man who federal authorities said took part in a cocaine-distribution ring pleaded guilty to one of three charges Friday.

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Dwatney Noid and 15 others were named in a federal indictment in May 2013 alleging participation in a drug-distribution ring that took into Arkansas hundreds of kilograms of cocaine supplied by the Gulf Cartel in Mexico. Through controlled drug buys, local and federal investigators received more than 1 kilogram (35.27 ounces) of cocaine from some in the group, authorities have said.

The 21/2-year investigation began in 2010 when federal authorities learned that Mohammed "Mo" Martinez, the son of purported ringleader Idalia Rangel, had enlisted two fellow prison inmates to sell Rangel's drug supply as early as 2008, according to court documents. Martinez was serving nearly 23 years in the federal prison in Forrest City after a 2006 conviction on several drug charges.

Noid had received some cocaine "for redistribution for customers," the May indictment states. On at least two occasions, he used a telephone to "facilitate the conspiracy" and later distributed about 28 grams (0.99 ounce) of cocaine twice, according to the indictment.

In that case, he also took a plea deal, saying he was guilty of one count of distribution of cocaine. In doing so, federal prosecutors dropped nine other drug and drug-related charges.

Noid faced three federal charges in a second case: possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

On Friday, he pleaded guilty to the first charge before U.S. District Judge Leon Holmes. Under the plea agreement, Noid will forfeit a .40-caliber Glock handgun and his sentence for that charge will run concurrently to that imposed in the cocaine-distribution case.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and up to a $250,000 fine. His sentencing date has not been set.

Metro on 09/21/2014

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