Okla. Meth Distributor Wanted by DEA in Ark. Arrested in Mexico, Deported to Calif.

Fort Smith, AR – An Oklahoma man wanted by the Drug Enforcement Administration in the Western District of Arkansas on charges of distributing methamphetamine and state charges in Oklahoma of assault with a deadly weapon, distribution of a controlled substance and conspiracy has been arrested in Mexico and deported to California.

On June 9, a federal warrant was issued for Charley Rouell for conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of Methamphetamine out of the Western District of Arkansas, Fayetteville Division. On June 10, following a U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) delegated apprehension responsibility to the U.S. Marshals Service Western Arkansas Fugitive Task Force.

Rouell also had a state warrant out of Haskell County, Oklahoma, issued on July 21 for failure to appear on assault and battery with a deadly weapon, unlawful possession of a controlled drug with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, conspiracy, and illegally taking game fish.

On Oct. 27, the U.S. Marshals Service upgraded Rouell to a Major Case and offered a reward of up to $5,000 for any information leading to his arrest. The U.S. Marshals Service Major Case Fugitive Program prioritizes the investigation and apprehension of high-profile offenders who are considered to be some of the country’s most dangerous individuals. These offenders tend to be career criminals with histories of violence or whose instant offense(s) pose a significant threat to public safety.

After a long and thorough investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service Western Arkansas Fugitive Task Force and the U.S. Marshals Service Eastern Oklahoma Violent Crimes Fugitive Task Force, information was obtained that Rouell had fled to Mexico. On Dec. 21, through the coordination of USMS Mexico liaisons and the Mexican State Police, both Rouell and his wife, Michelle Rouell, who was wanted on a federal warrant out of the Southern District of California, were arrested by Mexican Police in Mexicali Baja California, Mexico, for immigration violations. Both Rouells were deported by Mexican authorities on Dec. 21 and turned over to U.S. Marshals Service in the Southern District of California. Charley Rouell is waiting transfer back to the Western District of Arkansas.