On December 11, 2023, agents from the Tenth Judicial District Drug Task Force arrested Amanda Adair following an investigation into narcotics trafficking. The investigation began with a tip about James Phelps, who was reportedly dealing methamphetamine. Phelps was observed with a white female in a silver SUV, later identified as Adair, near Bolling Street in Monticello. The agents approached them to discuss Phelps’s impounded vehicle and the alleged drug activities.
During the encounter, Agent Slaughter noticed Phelps acting evasively and discovered methamphetamine in a cigarette pack in his pocket. Meanwhile, agents questioned Adair, who was in the passenger seat, and after advising her of her rights, they searched the vehicle. They found a significant amount of controlled substances in Adair’s purse, including tablets resembling oxycodone, which tested positive for fentanyl.
Adair faced three felony charges: Trafficking Fentanyl, Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Deliver, and Possession of Alprazolam with Intent to Deliver. The fentanyl charge was notable due to the Fentanyl Enforcement and Accountability Act of 2023, which imposes severe penalties for trafficking fentanyl, including a prison sentence between 25 years and life and a mandatory $1 million fine.
James Phelps pleaded guilty to Possession of Methamphetamine with the Purpose to Deliver and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He received a 10-year prison sentence with a suspended sentence for an additional 60 months upon release.
Adair’s trial occurred on November 1, 2024, with Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Daniel Wigley presenting evidence, including text messages about her drug activities.
The jury found her guilty of Trafficking Fentanyl and Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Deliver, recommending a 30-year prison sentence and a $1 million fine for the trafficking charge. They also recommended a 10-year sentence for the methamphetamine charge, with both sentences running concurrently.
Circuit Judge Crews Puryear imposed the full sentence as recommended by the jury.
