A Black Rock man with a history of drug-related felonies across three Arkansas counties pleaded guilty Monday in Baxter County Circuit Court. Barrett Layne Matthews, 50, was sentenced to 15 years in prison, with five years suspended. He will serve 10 years.
Matthews, who has listed addresses in both Black Rock and the Henderson area, has faced seven felony cases since 2009 in Baxter, Fulton, and Lawrence counties. These cases primarily involve drug-related charges.
In some of Matthews’ prior cases, serious charges—such as being a felon in possession of a weapon and simultaneous possession of guns and drugs—have been dismissed. Simultaneous possession of guns and drugs is a Class Y felony in Arkansas, the most serious offense not punishable by death, carrying a potential life sentence. The dismissed charges stemmed from a 2006 case in Lawrence County.
Probation revocation petitions were also filed in three earlier drug cases against Matthews—two in Lawrence County and one in Fulton County. Authorities allege Matthews violated terms of his probation by using methamphetamine, failing to report his residence, neglecting to check in with probation officials, and attempting to cheat on drug tests with substituted urine.
In the felony cases against him, Matthews has been charged with possessing at least 31 grams of methamphetamine as well as marijuana, alprazolam (commonly sold as Xanax), and other prescription drugs. Investigators have reported finding drug paraphernalia, including digital scales, smoking pipes, and syringes. In one prior case, Matthews allegedly admitted to selling methamphetamine.
Failure to appear warrants were issued for Matthews in Baxter, Fulton, and Lawrence counties earlier this year after he missed multiple court dates in late April and May. The Baxter County warrant, issued on April 27, was served on June 19.
Matthews’ most recent arrest in Baxter County occurred on July 25, 2022, following a traffic stop by an Arkansas State Police trooper on U.S. Highway 62. The trooper reportedly recognized the black Toyota Tundra Matthews was driving from a prior investigation and knew him to be a parole absconder. The vehicle also had a cracked windshield, according to the probable cause affidavit.
During a search, Matthews admitted there was “dope in the truck.” Inside the vehicle, authorities said they found 21 grams of methamphetamine, marijuana products, alprazolam, unknown pills, and a used syringe. Matthews reportedly claimed the syringe belonged to his girlfriend, who is diabetic.
Following the traffic stop, Matthews permitted authorities to search his Henderson residence on Cove Hollow Road, where he was reportedly living with his girlfriend. Investigators reported finding methamphetamine, marijuana gummies, and drug-smoking pipes during the search.
Matthews’ supervising office for probation and parole is listed as being in Mountain Home.