Helena-West Helena, Arkansas – A man with a prior federal conviction and an extensive criminal history will spend more than five years in federal prison after authorities discovered he was transporting cocaine through Arkansas. Federal officials announced that Angel Lazala-Soto, 60, of Bani in the Dominican Republic but residing in New York City, was sentenced after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
The sentence was announced by Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas. According to federal prosecutors, the punishment was imposed on Thursday, March 5, 2026, by United States District Judge Brian S. Miller.
Lazala-Soto was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison. After completing his prison term, he will also serve five years of supervised release. Officials noted that there is no parole in the federal prison system.
Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Discovery
The case began on August 29, 2024, when troopers with the Arkansas State Police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling too closely behind another car. During the stop, troopers made contact with the driver, who was later identified as Lazala-Soto.
According to investigators, the trooper quickly noticed that Lazala-Soto appeared nervous and was shaking during the encounter. Because of language differences, the trooper communicated with him in Spanish while asking questions about his travel.
Lazala-Soto told the trooper that he had driven from New Jersey the previous day to see his son for lunch. However, authorities later used investigative tools that showed the story did not match his actual travel route.
Investigators determined that Lazala-Soto had actually been in Austin, Texas, the day before the traffic stop and had recently returned from that location.
After speaking with the trooper, Lazala-Soto gave permission for officers to search his vehicle.
During the search, the trooper discovered several large duffle bags in the rear area of the vehicle. After removing the bags, authorities observed seven kilo-like bundles positioned on top of the spare tire.
The bundles were later determined to contain cocaine.
Following the discovery, Lazala-Soto was transported to a police department where he was interviewed by investigators. During the interview, he admitted that he was transporting cocaine and described his travel route.
According to authorities, Lazala-Soto said he had driven from New York to Austin and met an individual at a gas station before beginning the return trip.
Prior Criminal Record
Court records show that Lazala-Soto has a significant criminal history that stretches back years. One of his prior federal convictions occurred on February 5, 2009, when he was convicted of attempted re-entry by a previously deported alien.
In that case, he received a sentence of 30 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release.
His criminal record also includes several felony convictions, including second-degree criminal mischief, grand larceny, possession to distribute cocaine, assault and beat with a dangerous weapon, and two convictions for possession of stolen property.
Authorities say the investigation that led to the recent sentence was carried out by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Arkansas State Police.
Assistant United States Attorney Stacy Williams prosecuted the case on behalf of the federal government.
Federal officials say the case demonstrates ongoing efforts by law enforcement to identify and prosecute individuals transporting illegal narcotics across state lines.
