Little Rock, Arkansas – A mother and daughter from Hensley are facing a minimum of 20 years in federal prison following convictions related to the distribution of fentanyl that resulted in a fatal overdose. The case, which drew attention for its tragic outcome and the role of deadly synthetic opioids, concluded this week with convictions handed down by a federal jury.
On April 2, 2024, a federal grand jury indicted 62-year-old April Adams and her 38-year-old daughter, Amber Church, for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. The charges followed a series of overdoses at a Hensley residence last year, one of which proved fatal. This Wednesday, after a three-day trial and just over four hours of deliberation, the jury convicted both women on all charges.
In addition to the conspiracy charge, Adams was convicted of distribution of methamphetamine, while Church was convicted of distribution of fentanyl. United States District Court Judge James M. Moody, Jr., will determine their sentences at a later date. Both Adams and Church will remain in federal custody pending sentencing.
“The evidence clearly demonstrated that these actions had devastating consequences,” said Assistant United States Attorney Edward Walker, one of the prosecutors in the case. Church and Adams now face a statutory minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison on the fentanyl charges related to the death. Adams could also face up to 20 years on the methamphetamine charge. The offenses carry additional penalties, including fines of up to $1 million and at least three years of supervised release.
The case centers on an incident that occurred on April 16, 2023, when deputies from the Saline County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence on Crab Apple Circle after multiple individuals overdosed. According to court testimony, law enforcement officers found four individuals suffering from overdoses. Medical personnel administered Narcan, saving three of the victims, but one person died at the scene.
Witnesses who survived testified that Adams had offered methamphetamine to the group, which included her daughter and the victim who later died. Church then asked Adams if she could provide what she believed to be cocaine from Adams’ room. Church retrieved the substance and distributed it among the group, using some herself. The substance was later confirmed to be fentanyl.
“Nearly immediately after ingesting the fentanyl, the four individuals who used the drug began passing out, including Church herself,” court records indicate. The evidence presented at trial showed that Adams did not use the fentanyl but waited approximately 45 minutes before alerting anyone to the overdoses. She first called a friend rather than contacting emergency services.
The Saline County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation, working closely with Assistant United States Attorneys Edward Walker and Jordan Crews, who prosecuted the case. Law enforcement officials emphasized the dangers of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid responsible for a growing number of deaths nationwide.
The case highlights the severe consequences of distributing controlled substances that can be lethal in even small amounts. Fentanyl, often disguised as other drugs, is highly potent and has contributed to an unprecedented spike in overdose deaths across the country.
“This prosecution reflects our commitment to holding individuals accountable when their actions directly endanger the lives of others,” said Walker. “It is a tragic reminder of how quickly drug distribution can lead to irreversible harm.”
Adams and Church now await sentencing, with both facing decades behind bars for their roles in the overdose and distribution of deadly drugs. The case has resonated with the local community, serving as a stark warning about the dangers of fentanyl and methamphetamine, as well as the legal consequences that can follow.
Officials urge the public to be vigilant about the risks of synthetic opioids and to seek help if they or someone they know is struggling with substance abuse. Meanwhile, the legal system continues to pursue accountability for those whose actions result in the loss of life.
The tragedy at Crab Apple Circle underscores the ongoing opioid crisis affecting communities nationwide and serves as a cautionary tale about the deadly consequences of illicit drug distribution. With sentencing pending, the mother and daughter will face the full weight of federal law for their involvement in distributing substances that proved fatal.
