BENTONVILLE -- A judge sentenced a Siloam Springs man to eight years in prison after a jury found him guilty of selling methamphetamine
Matthew King, 35, denied selling drugs, but admitted he planned to steal the money during the drug deal.
King was charged with conspiracy to deliver methamphetamine or cocaine, a Class A felony. The charge normally is punishable with a prison sentence ranging from six to 30 years in prison, but, as a habitual offender, he faced up to 60 years in prison.
King was arrested Sept. 10, 2016, after a confidential police informant arranged to purchase an ounce of methamphetamine from him for $1,000, according to court records.
Detectives arranged a drug buy with King on July 13, 2016, in Siloam Springs. He arrived, but changed his mind about the meeting because he was concerned about certain cars in the area, according to court documents.
King later met for the drug deal and requested the $1,000 before handing over the methamphetamine, according to court documents. King said he had the methamphetamine, but didn't want to do the deal in Siloam Springs, according to court documents.
The drug transaction was never completed, according to court documents.
King testified he never intended on selling drugs, but only wanted to steal the money.
Benton County Circuit Judge Brad Karren sentenced King on Tuesday to the Arkansas Department of Correction. He will have to serve at least 14 months in prison before he is eligible for parole.
King received credit for the 354 days he spent in the Benton County Jail awaiting his trial.
NW News on 08/31/2017