Two men get decades in prison for meth trafficking in Independence County

Two men have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms following a multi-agency investigation into large-scale methamphetamine trafficking in Independence County, authorities said on Tuesday.

According to the 16th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and District Commander Johnny Byler, the investigation began in January 2024 when the district’s Drug Task Force and the Independence County Sheriff’s Office began a targeted investigation into Jose Gonzalez-Rosales for suspected large-scale methamphetamine distribution.

After months of court-authorized surveillance, Gonzalez-Rosales was arrested in May 2024. Prosecutors said he was later sentenced in December to 27 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections for trafficking methamphetamine.

Investigators then turned their attention to another suspect, Antonio Moncada-Paz, identified as an associate of Gonzalez-Rosales and a higher-level distributor. By August 2024, authorities conducted several controlled purchases and executed a search warrant at Moncada-Paz’s Independence County residence. Officers seized about 2,140 grams—approximately 4.7 pounds—of methamphetamine, with a total of 2,220.7 grams attributed to Moncada-Paz and an estimated street value of $111,035.

In 2025, Moncada-Paz was sentenced to 40 years in prison for trafficking and delivery of methamphetamine. Officials said Moncada-Paz had a prior trafficking conviction in 2012 and had been deported before being convicted again for illegal reentry into the United States.

Prosecuting Attorney Drew Smith said the 16th Judicial District will continue prioritizing major narcotics prosecutions to protect community safety.

The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office serves Cleburne, Fulton, Independence, Izard, and Stone counties, working with local, state, and federal agencies to investigate and prosecute criminal offenses.

From left: Jose Gonzalez-Rosales, Antonio Moncada-Paz

Image: Independence County Sheriff’s Office