Eastern District of Arkansas
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Fordyce Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine and CocaineRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Eric Matlock, who has a previous state conviction for conspiracy to deliver cocaine, will spend the next 120 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by United States District Judge James M. Moody, Jr.
On October 9, 2024, Matlock, 42, of Fordyce, was indicted by a federal grand jury in a two-count indictment for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. On August 8, 2025, Matlock pleaded guilty to the counts in the indictment. Judge Moody also sentenced Matlock to five years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
In February of 2024, the Dallas County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division opened an investigation in Fordyce due to an influx of narcotic activity. During the investigation, Matlock was identified as a potential narcotics dealer. Using confidential sources and surveillance technology, law enforcement conducted controlled buys of narcotics from Matlock. During these controlled buys, deputies utilized aerial surveillance technology to monitor Matlock’s movements.
As a result of the investigation, a search warrant was executed at Matlock’s residence on June 30, 2024. During the search of the residence, officers located a buried footlocker near the carport. Located in the footlocker were multiple plastic bags containing large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, $3,841 in cash, and digital scales. The controlled substances were confirmed to be 1.6 pounds of methamphetamine and 1.2 pounds of cocaine.
In addition to Matlock’s previous state conviction for conspiracy to deliver cocaine, his criminal history also includes two convictions for possession of crack cocaine, a conviction for possession of firearms by certain persons, and a conviction for possession of paraphernalia to manufacture methamphetamine/cocaine, and maintaining a drug premises.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Little Rock comprises agents and officers from the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office and FBI with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas.
The investigation was conducted by the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the FBI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Reese Lancaster.
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Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Morris Anthony Campbell, who previously served a 46-month federal prison sentence for possession with intent to distribute marijuana and was on supervised release, will spend the next 180 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down Tuesday, February 3, 2026, by United States District Judge James M. Moody, Jr.
A federal grand jury indicted Campbell, 43, of North Little Rock, in a three-count Indictment for being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On October 1, 2025, Campbell pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Judge Moody also sentenced Campbell to three years’ supervised release. Additionally, Judge Moody revoked Campbell’s supervised release from his 2020 federal conviction and ordered Campbell to serve two years in prison concurrent with the 180-month sentence for this conviction. There is no parole in the federal system.
An investigation revealed that on April 3, 2025, law enforcement officers observed Campbell driving a vehicle with fictitious tags and initiated a traffic stop. Upon making contact with the driver, Campbell, officers could smell the odor of marijuana and initiated a search of the vehicle and Campbell. During the search, officers located in Campbell’s pants a bag containing a scale, empty baggies, a smaller bag containing pills, and two separate bags containing marijuana. When officers searched Campbell’s vehicle, they located in the engine compartment an FN, Model 509, 9mm loaded firearm wrapped in a shirt and previously reported stolen. The magazine inserted in the stolen firearm contained 22 rounds of 9mm ammunition. Campbell admitted to the officers that he was aware of the firearm and the marijuana.
Campbell has at least three prior convictions for a violent felony or serious drug offense and is therefore classified as an armed career criminal. His criminal history includes a February 27, 2020, federal drug conviction where he received a sentence of 46 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release and a 2009 federal conviction for distribution of cocaine base. At the time of his arrest in this case, Campbell was on supervised release for the 2020 federal conviction.
Campbell criminal history also includes a conviction for robbery, convictions for possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, convictions for possession of drug paraphernalia, first-degree terroristic threatening, second-degree terroristic threatening, and third-degree assault on a family or household member.
This case was investigated by the ATF with assistance from the North Little Rock Police Department.
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Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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Illegal Immigrant from Mexico Sentenced to over 11 Years in Federal Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Bertoldo Alcaraz-Ortuno, who was previously convicted for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, will spend the next 136 months in federal prison after being convicted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by United States District Judge James M. Moody, Jr.
On December 3, 2024, Alcaraz-Ortuno, 37, of Guerrero, Mexico, was indicted by a federal grand jury in a four-count Indictment for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, felon in possession of a firearm, and illegal reentry of a previously deported alien. On August 7, 2025, Alcaraz-Ortuno pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Judge Moody also sentenced Alcaraz-Ortuno to five years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
An investigation revealed that after receiving a tip that Alcaraz-Ortuno was a source of supply, law enforcement officers went to his known residence and spoke with Alcaraz-Ortuno. He stated that he had a kilogram of methamphetamine in the shed. Officers obtained a search warrant for the property and located 1,726 grams of methamphetamine, a .40 caliber firearm in the shed, a 9mm firearm, and $10,445 in Alcaraz-Ortuno’s wallet. Immigration officials confirmed that Alcaraz-Ortuno was not in the United States legally and had been previously deported on May 18 & 27, 2015; June 18, 2015; and July 31, 2020.
Alcaraz-Ortuno’s criminal history includes a October 3, 2019, federal drug conviction where he received a sentence of 48 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release. At the time of his arrest in this case, Alcaraz-Ortuno was on supervised release for the 2019 federal conviction.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Little Rock Police Department with assistance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacy Williams.
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Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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Hensley Mother Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison After Being Convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—April Adams will spend 20 years in federal prison after being convicted of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl resulting in death. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by United States District Judge James M. Moody, Jr.
On April 2, 2024, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Adams, 62, and her daughter, Amber Church, 38, both of Hensley. Both women were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl resulting in death. In addition to the 20-year federal sentence for the fentanyl conspiracy, Judge Moody sentenced Adams to 20 years in federal prison for her conviction for distribution of methamphetamine. Both federal sentences will be served concurrently. Judge Moody sentenced Adams to serve three years’ supervised release following the completion of her federal sentence. There is no parole in the federal system.
The evidence presented at trial showed that on April 16, 2023, law enforcement officers from the Saline County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a residence on Crab Apple Circle in reference to multiple overdoses. Once law enforcement officers arrived, they located four individuals who overdosed. After medical personnel administered Narcan, three individuals survived, but one individual died at the scene.
During the trial, two witnesses who survived overdoses testified that after arriving at the residence on Crab Apple Circle, Adams offered methamphetamine, to the witnesses, Church, and the victim who died. After smoking the methamphetamine, Church asked Adams if she could provide to the group what Church said was the “cocaine” that Adams had in her room. Church then got the substance from Adams’ room and provided it to the group, using some herself. The substance was in fact fentanyl.
Nearly immediately after ingesting the fentanyl the four individuals who used the drug began passing out, including Church. Adams, who did not use the substance that caused the other four individuals to overdose, waited approximately 45 minutes before notifying anyone about the overdoses, and then called a friend rather than emergency services.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Little Rock comprises agents and officers from Saline County Sheriff’s Office with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas.
The investigation was conducted by the Saline County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Edward Walker and Jordan Crews prosecuted the case.
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Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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Violent Sex Offender from Blytheville Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
JONESBORO—A Blytheville man involved in drugs, guns, and child pornography will spend the next 20 years in federal prison. Jeremy Barnett was sentenced to 240 months’ incarceration today after being convicted for illegally possessing firearms and production of child pornography. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down by United States District Judge D.P. Marshall, Jr.
On October 5, 2023, Barnett, 36, of Blytheville, was indicted by a federal grand jury in a three-count Indictment with being a felon in possession of firearms, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On March 6, 2025, a two-count Superseding Information was filed charging Barnett with being a felon in possession of firearms and production of child pornography. On that same day, Barnett pleaded guilty to the counts in the Superseding Information.
Judge Marshall sentenced Barnett to 20 years in federal prison for his conviction for production of child pornography. Barnett’s also received a 10-year sentence for being a felon in possession of firearms, with the two sentences to be served concurrently. Judge Marshall sentenced Barnett to five years’ supervised release, which includes three years’ supervised release for being a felon in possession of firearms. There is no parole in the federal system.
An investigation revealed that Barnett was trafficking methamphetamine and other controlled substances. Law enforcement officers obtained a search warrant for Barnett’s residence and during the search, recovered multiple firearms, marijuana, 94 methamphetamine pills, suspected oxycodone, suspected alprazolam, and other pills. At the time of the search, Barnett had previous convictions for violent offenses, including battery in the third degree and domestic battery in the second degree.
While awaiting trial on the original Indictment, officers obtained information that Barnett had recorded himself engaging in various sex acts with a minor on multiple occasions. Officers obtained a search warrant for Barnett’s phone and recovered videos of Barnett engaging in sexually explicit conduct with the minor victim.
Barnett’s criminal history includes convictions for criminal trespass, possession of marijuana, carrying a weapon, battery in the third degree and criminal mischief, and domestic battery in the second degree.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Little Rock comprises agents and officers from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office, and the Second Judicial District Drug Task Force with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office and the Second Judicial District Drug Task Force.
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Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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Russellville Man Sentenced to 17.5 Years in Federal Prison for Attempted Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Jackson Whitt will spend 210 months in federal prison for attempted production of child pornography. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by United States District Judge James M. Moody, Jr.
On May 7, 2024, Whitt, 29, of Russellville, was indicted by a federal grand jury on 17 counts of attempted production of child pornography, five counts of receipt of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography. On February 6, 2025, Whitt pleaded guilty to attempted production of child pornography. Judge Moody also sentenced Whitt to 10 years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
An investigation revealed that on January 18, 2024, a parent contacted local law enforcement stating that her high school daughter allowed her friend, whose phone was broken, to borrow her phone to log into her Instagram account. The mother stated that when the daughter received the phone back from her friend, she noticed the Instagram account was still open under her friend’s account. The mother stated both she and her daughter observed explicit and obscene messages between the friend and an adult male, later identified as Whitt, on the Instagram account. Whitt had sent the minor victim numerous sexual images, videos, and messages. Whitt asked the minor victim to have phone sex with him and send him various photographs of her nude body parts.
On January 25, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant for Whitt’s residence and seized multiple electronic evidence. Whitt’s cell phone contained approximately 150 different sexually explicit images of the minor victim and at least two videos. During an online chat with the minor victim, Whitt requested the minor victim send him videos of her engaged in sadistic sexual behavior for his own self-gratification. Whitt asked for photographs of the minor victim’s full body, her breasts, and her genitals. During a search of Whitt’s phone, investigators also observed several videos of child sexual abuse material of different children.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. Parents are encouraged to always monitor your children’s online activity.
The investigation was conducted by U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with assistance from the Eufaula (Oklahoma) Police Department, Pope County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Arkansas State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kristin Bryant and Shelby Shelton.
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Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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North Little Rock Man Sentenced to 27 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Troy Moseley, III will spend 27 years in federal prison for his production of child pornography. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by United States District Judge Lee P. Rudofsky.
On November 8, 2023, Moseley, 26, of North Little Rock, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of production of child pornography, one count of distribution of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography. On July 22, 2025, Moseley pleaded guilty to production of child pornography. Judge Rudofsky also sentenced Moseley to 10 years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
An investigation revealed that on May 31, 2023, Special Agents with the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office obtained a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children filed by Snapchat on January 28, 2023. The cybertip included information that two videos were uploaded to Snapchat on January 28 and 29, 2023. The videos depicted an adult male engaging in sexual acts with a minor female.
After further investigation, the Special Agents identified Moseley as the individual who uploaded the videos to the social media platform. On September 27, 2023, Special Agents then obtained a search warrant for the residence where Moseley resided. During a search, it was learned that the password to the Wi-Fi at the residence was only available to those who lived in the residence. Officers went to Moseley’s place of employment where he fled out the back door and into the woods. Officers located Moseley later in the day and took him into custody. When he was arrested, Moseley had in his possession a backpack that contained three electronic devices, suspected marijuana, a can of beer, and women’s thongs and panties.
On September 28, 2023, Special Agents obtained a search warrant for the devices found in Moseley’s possession. During the execution of the search warrant on September 29, 2023, Special Agents discovered on one device over 100 images and videos containing child pornography and pictures of women taken in public places. One of the videos depicted Moseley following a woman in a department store, who was not aware of Moseley following her, and in the video, he is observed masturbating. Another video discovered on the device showed a tablet that was resting on a table that showed a photograph of a 3 or 4-year-old girl with Moseley recording himself masturbating while focused on the minor victim’s photograph. Another video discovered by Special Agents, which formed the basis for the production of child pornography count, depicted Moseley with his pants pulled down to his knees and masturbating while next to a sleeping 2-year-old girl who was strapped in a car seat. In this video, Moseley showed his face and is observed placing his penis closely to the minor victim’s face and near her mouth.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. Parents are encouraged to always monitor your children’s online activity.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office and the North Little Rock Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kristin Bryant.
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Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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Heber Springs Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Attempted Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Charles David Agnew, who has two previous convictions for crimes involving children, will spend 15 years in federal prison for attempted distribution of child pornography. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by United States District Judge D.P. Marshall, Jr.
On April 5, 2023, Agnew, 42, of Heber Springs, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of attempted enticement of a minor, one count of attempted distribution of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography. On August 19, 2025, Agnew pleaded guilty to attempted distribution of child pornography. Judge Marshall also sentenced Agnew to 10 years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
An investigation revealed that on September 15, 2022, Agnew asked an online an undercover law enforcement officer (UC) what the UC’s minor daughters looked like and asked for a photograph. When asked by the officer if he traded photographs, Agnew stated no but that he “…[has] nudes of myself.” The officer then asked Agnew if he watched “teen incest” online to which Agnew replied, “Oh yes.” Agnew then inquired of the ages of the minor daughters, and when told they were 7 and 9 years old, he replied that they were the “perfect age.” The UC asked Agnew if that was too young and Agnew stated, “Nope,” and asked the officer to send the photographs to him through the online platform.
Agnew continued the conversation with the UC stating his favorite video was that of “A dad daughter. She was 11.” Agnew then attempted to send the UC a link and commented that it contained “Good incest videos.” Agnew asked the UC again if the UC wanted a nude photograph of Agnew’s private parts and sent a photograph to the UC. Agnew also told the UC that he was serious about being physically touching the minor daughters and that he would travel across the country to see them.
Agnew has two previous state convictions for internet stalking of a child and pandering or possessing medium depicting sexual conduct involving a child. He received a sentence of 72 months’ imprisonment for each of those convictions.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. Parents are encouraged to always monitor your children’s online activity.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kristin Bryant.
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Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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North Little Rock Man Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Chauncey Slay, a multi-convicted felon, will spend the next 130 months in federal prison after conviction for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by Chief United States District Judge Kristine G. Baker.
On October 9, 2024, Slay, 46, of North Little Rock, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of possession with intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine. On June 30, 2025, Slay pleaded guilty to the indictment. Chief Judge Baker also sentenced Slay to five years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
On March 6, 2024, Lonoke County Sherrif’s Office and Arkansas State Police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Slay was a passenger. During the traffic stop, officers learned Slay, who was behaving nervously, was on parole with a search waiver on file. The driver and Slay were asked to exit the vehicle. When Slay was asked to place his hands behind his back, he began to argue with the officers. During the arrest, one of the officers shook Slay’s pant leg, causing a small baggie of a crystal-like substance to fall to the ground. Slay was placed in a patrol unit and transported to the Lonoke County jail. While en route to the jail, Slay informed deputies that he had drugs in his pants. Deputies pulled over and removed another baggie of crystal-like substance from Slay’s other pant leg. The suspected narcotics were sent to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) laboratory where it was determined to be more than 120 grams of methamphetamine with a 98% purity level.
Slay’s criminal history includes several felony drug convictions for possession of cocaine, possession of methamphetamine with purpose to deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia, delivery of methamphetamine, possession of heroin with purpose to deliver, and possession of fentanyl.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA with assistance from the Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Eldridge.
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Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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North Little Rock Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—J. Frederick Braswell, III, who had been convicted in February 2024, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, will spend the next 120 months in federal prison after again being convicted for illegally possessing a gun. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by United States District Judge Lee P. Rudofsky. Today’s federal sentence marks the third time Braswell has been convicted for possessing a gun after becoming a felon.
On December 3, 2024, Braswell, 26, of North Little Rock, was indicted by a federal grand jury in a three-count Indictment for being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On August 15, 2025, Braswell pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Judge Rudofsky also sentenced Braswell to three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
An investigation revealed that on August 25, 2024, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of Braswell for speeding. Braswell attempted to flee from officers, reaching speeds of 100 miles per hour. After a tactical vehicle intervention disabled his car, Braswell then fled on foot, jumping a privacy fence and entering someone’s residence. Officers followed Braswell, locating him inside the residence and in possession of a backpack containing multiple bags of marijuana, Xanax, a scale, money, and a Glock 29, 10mm firearm with an extended magazine. For his previous conviction in February 2024 for possession of a firearm by a felon, Braswell received a 60-month suspended imposition of sentence, despite it being his second such conviction at the time.
Braswell’s criminal history includes felony drug convictions for possession of oxycodone and possession of marijuana with purpose to deliver, as well as two convictions for possession of firearms by certain person, theft by receiving, and fleeing.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Arkansas State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacy Williams.
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Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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@USAO_EDAR
Blytheville Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Lyonel Smith will spend the next 10 years in federal prison after convictions for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of an unregistered firearm. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by Chief United States District Judge Kristine G. Baker.
On August 8, 2024, Smith, 38, of Blytheville, was indicted by a federal grand jury in a four-count Indictment. The Indictment charged Smith with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine, possession of unregistered firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. On June 2, 2025, Smith pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of an unregistered firearm.
As a result of an investigation, on September 27, 2023, law enforcement officers obtained a warrant and conducted a search at Smith’s residence. During a search of Smith’s bedroom, officers located two firearms, an FN, Model 509 9mm semi-automatic firearm that was loaded with 24 rounds of ammunition and an FN Model Five-Seven, 5.7x28 caliber semi-automatic firearm. Officers also located six ounces of marijuana, more than seven grams of cocaine, digital scales, and other drug paraphernalia.
In Smith’s garage, officers located 263 grams of methamphetamine. In addition to the methamphetamine, there were additional firearms located in the garage: an American Tactical Omni-Hybrid 300 Blackout loaded with 20 rounds of ammunition, an American Tactical AR-15, .223 caliber firearm loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition, and an AR-style, 5.56 caliber semi-automatic rifle with a short barrel (less than 16 inches in length) that did not contain a serial number and was not registered as a legal short-barrel rifle.
In addition to the 10-year sentence for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, Smith was sentenced to five years in federal prison for being in possession of an unregistered firearm—the 5.56 caliber semi-automatic rifle—which will be served concurrently with the 10-year sentence. Chief Judge Baker also sentenced Smith to five years’ supervised release for each count he was sentenced, to also be served concurrently. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Blytheville Police Department with assistance from the DEA. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bart Dickinson.
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Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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West Memphis Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Unlawful Possession of a MachinegunRead the Press Release
HELENA-WEST HELENA—West Memphis man involved in a drive-by shooting that left two people severely injured will spend 120 months in federal prison after being convicted by a jury of unlawful possession of a machinegun. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down on December 18, 2025, by United States District Judge Brian S. Miller and is the maximum allowed by law. Judge Miller also sentenced Alexander to three years of supervised release to follow his 10 years in prison.
Martinez Alexander, Jr., 20, was originally indicted by a federal grand jury on March 7, 2024, charging him with unlawful possession of a machinegun. The jury trial began on August 18, 2025. After four days of testimony, including testimony from victims of the shooting, the jury deliberated approximately 30 minutes before returning a guilty verdict.
The evidence presented at trial revealed that on December 15, 2023, Alexander and Jaylan Atkins, 21, drove up to a group of teenagers walking in a West Memphis neighborhood and opened fire with fully automatic firearms, striking two teenage males multiple times and leading to significant injuries. Bullets also struck a nearby home where a mother and her young child were present. Thirty-nine shell casings were collected from the crime scene. A state arrest warrant for attempted capital murder was issued for Alexander and Atkins following the shooting.
On December 31, 2023, two-and-a-half weeks later, law enforcement officers from the West Memphis Police Department seeking to execute the state warrant observed Alexander riding in a stolen Dodge Charger and initiated a traffic stop. The Charger, which was driven by Atkins, fled, leading law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase through West Memphis. The chase continued for more than five minutes before law enforcement officers used a tactical maneuver to disable the vehicle by the railroad tracks off Missouri Street.
According to testimony at trial, Atkins and the front seat passenger immediately fled on foot. Atkins was arrested and found to be in possession of a Glock 22, .40 caliber handgun equipped with a machinegun conversion device (MCD), which allowed it to function as a machinegun.
While other officers pursued Atkins and the front seat passenger, an officer noticed movement in the backseat of the stolen vehicle and observed Alexander open the back driver’s side door and toss something on the ground. Once Alexander was taken into custody, a tan 9mm Glock firearm with an extended magazine and a gold MCD was discovered outside the backseat driver’s side door in the area the officer saw Alexander toss an object. The firearm was tested and functioned as a machinegun, which allowed it to fire fully automatic. Further investigation revealed that the tan 9mm Glock firearm found in the possession of Alexander on December 31, 2023, was the same firearm used in the drive-by shooting on December 15, 2023.
Atkins pleaded guilty on February 5, 2025, to possessing a machinegun and was sentenced to 103 months in federal prison on October 22, 2025. There is no parole in the federal system.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the West Memphis Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ashley Bowen and Bart Dickinson.
# # #
Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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Bigelow Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Federal Prison After Being Found Guilty on Multiple Counts of Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—A Bigelow man convicted by a jury of producing child pornography on four different occasions was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison on December 18, 2025. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down by United States District Judge D.P. Marshall, Jr.
Blair Michael Williams, 34, was indicted by a federal grand jury in a Superseding Indictment on May 6, 2025. The Superseding Indictment charged Williams with four counts of production of child pornography, two counts of distribution of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography.
During the trial, it was revealed that in October 2022 the Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office asked for assistance with a child exploitation case involving Williams, who was employed as a technology coordinator at a high school in Mt. Vernon, Arkansas. On May 4, 2022, Williams resigned because of an investigation regarding the sale of vape pens to students and inappropriate interactions with students on social media.
Following Williams’ resignation, school officials searched Williams’ work computer and located approximately 500 images of child sexual abuse material on Williams’ Google drive. The child pornography was saved on the Google drive in a location only accessible by Williams and was the domain used for school district employees to access work-related email and documents. Through a review of the child sexual abuse material, investigators determined the identity of nine minor victims. The material contained multiple images of Williams performing sex acts with minor victims.
Investigators also located multiple videos of Williams performing sex acts on a minor victim in the back of Williams’ vehicle. A search warrant was obtained for Williams’ residence on December 2, 2022, and investigators located the vehicle depicted in the videos. Investigators then searched Williams’ phone and server that revealed between July 2018 and March 2019, there were several text messages between Williams and minor victims. Located on the server and in texts, investigators found an exchange of sexually explicit photographs and communication between Williams and the minor victims arranging to meet at various locations to engage in sex acts. At trial it was also revealed that during the search, investigators located hundreds of images of child sexual abuse material.
After a three-day trial that concluded on May 29, 2025, a federal jury found Williams, guilty on four counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.
Judge Marshall also sentenced Williams to 20 years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit justice.gov/psc.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI with assistance from the Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kristin Bryant and Jordan Crews.
# # #
Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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Little Rock Woman Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for COVID Relief FraudRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Chandler Carroll will spend 24 months in federal prison after admitting to fraudulently obtaining nearly $2.1 million in federal loans designed to assist businesses during the COVID pandemic. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, and Alica D. Corder, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Little Rock Field Office, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by United States District Judge D.P. Marshall, Jr.
On July 8, 2025, Carroll, 33, of Little Rock, pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging her with one count of wire fraud. The single count was in reference to a fraudulently obtained $1.6 million Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. In her plea agreement, Carroll admitted to receiving federal payments from a total of four fraudulent loans totaling $2,087,623.00. Of that total, $159,572.62 has been recovered and Carroll has been ordered to pay the remaining restitution in the amount of $1,928,050.38. Judge Marshall also sentenced Carroll to two years’ supervised release.
Enacted in March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act federal law provided economic relief to individuals and businesses impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic. Economic relief under this law included the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which are forgivable business loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA also administered a program, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), that provided low-interest financing to small businesses impacted by declared disasters.
An investigation revealed that Carroll was the owner of Wilson Carroll Research Services, LLC (WCRS), a Texas-based limited liability company, and WilCarr Ventures, LLC (WilCarr Ventures), an Arkansas-based limited liability company. On April 6, 2020, Carroll applied for an EIDL loan for WCRS, listed herself as the CEO and represented that she owned 100% of the company. On the application, Carroll certified “that all information in [your] application and submitted with [your] application is true and correct to the best of [your] knowledge, and that [you] will submit truthful information in the future.” Based on the fraudulent representation, Carroll received $149,900 for this loan.
From April 2020 through March 2021, Carroll submitted applications to various financial institutions under the PPP loan program, with deposits to her totaling more than $1.9 million. On May 28, 2020, Carroll, the sole owner of WilCarr Ventures, applied for a PPP loan and it was approved, with $1,600,000 deposited into an account she represented to belong to WilCarr Ventures. Two other PPP loans totaling $337,723 on behalf of WCRS were deposited into Carroll’s accounts.
Carroll made various fraudulent purchases using the proceeds of the loans made to WCRS and WilCarr Ventures. The fraudulent purchases include two vehicles (2020 Ford F-150 Raptor and a 2020 Ford Explorer), two watches, (Patek Philippe Manual Watch and a Crocodile Brown Rolex Cellini Moonphase), jewelry (diamond earrings and a diamond), 1.5 acres of land, and a home on the White River in Baxter County.
“What a tangled web she wove,” United States Attorney Ross said. “A web of lies and deceit to steal emergency relief funds from the American treasury in order to line her pockets with more than $2,000,000—not for her employees’ sake but for trucks, jewels, and a second home with a river view. But now that the FBI has untangled her web and brought her to justice, she can go to her new second home—a federal prison.
“If you know of anyone else who defrauded the Pandemic Relief Fraud, please report it online to the federal government’s Pandemic Oversight (www.pandemicoversight.com) website. Because Congress lengthened the statute of limitations for this type of crime to 10 years through the year 2031, our office still has plenty of time to hold more of these thieves accountable.”
“When fraud is perpetrated against federal programs intended for the public good, we all lose,” Special Agent in Charge Corder said. “It undermines public confidence, deprives those in need of resources, and misuses taxpayers’ money. This sentence affirms our commitment to accountability and the protection of federal funds.”
This investigation was conducted by the FBI, with assistance from the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, Small Business Administration, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General.
# # #
Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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Career Offender from West Memphis Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Alreico Wiley, a multi-convicted felon, will spend the next 144 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down on December 16, 2025, by United States District Judge Lee P. Rudofsky. Wiley had seven previous felony convictions for controlled substance offenses.
On April 1, 2025, Wiley, 50, of West Memphis, pleaded guilty to count two of an Indictment charging him with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The two-count Indictment filed on November 2, 2023, also charged Wiley with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Judge Rudofsky also sentenced Wiley to three years’ supervised release.
An investigation revealed that after receiving complaints of Wiley distributing methamphetamine from his residence in West Memphis, on July 27, 2023, a special agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration made contact with Wiley, who was on active parole and had a search waiver on file. During a search of Wiley’s, residence officers located approximately 27 grams of methamphetamine in Wiley’s bedroom. Law enforcement officers also located on the dresser a bag containing 2.5 grams of powder fentanyl and 6.6 grams of fentanyl tablets. In the kitchen of Wiley’s residence, law enforcement officers located two digital scales. After being transported to the West Memphis Police Department, Wiley waived his Miranda rights and admitted to selling methamphetamine.
Because Wiley’s criminal history includes felony convictions that include three convictions for possession with intent to deliver cocaine, a conviction for possession with intent to deliver marijuana, two convictions for the sale or delivery of cocaine, and a conviction for the sale or delivery of marijuana, he is classified as a career offender and received an enhanced sentence. There is no parole in the federal system.
The investigation was conducted by the West Memphis Police Department with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shelby Shelton.
# # #
Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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Kansas Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Marcus Abeyta will spend 15 years in federal prison for production of child pornography after victimizing a minor he met while playing an online video game. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by Chief United States District Judge Kristine G. Baker.
On June 4, 2024, Abeyta, 32, of Emporia, Kansas, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of production of child pornography. On February 26, 2025, Abeyta pleaded guilty to the count in the Indictment. Chief Judge Baker sentenced Abeyta to 180 months in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
An investigation revealed that on December 4, 2023, the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations in Arkansas was notified by a parent, who is an active member of the Air Force, that they found sexually explicit and inappropriate conversations on their minor child’s iPad. The subsequent investigation revealed that on December 5, 2023, while the minor was interacting with others on an online game, Abeyta sent the minor an internet link inviting the minor to leave the current game and join him on another platform, Discord. The minor accepted the invitation and began communicating with Abeyta who made comments to the minor such as how “sexy” the minor was. During the interaction with the minor, Abeyta asked them to send him pictures of their private body parts, which the minor did. Abeyta offered money and game currency to the minor if they would send naked pictures. Abeyta knew the victim was a minor when he was communicating with the victim.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. Parents are encouraged to always monitor your children’s online activity.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the U.S. Air Force, Office of Special Investigations and the FBI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kristin Bryant.
# # #
Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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Jonesboro Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute 500 Grams or More of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Arthur Ray Osborne, a multi-convicted felon, will spend the next 180 months in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down on December 10, 2025, by United States District Judge Brian S. Miller.
On June 18, 2025, Osborne, 44, of Jonesboro, pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging him conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. On Wednesday, Judge Miller also sentenced Osborne to five years’ supervised release.
An investigation revealed that Osborne was actively selling large amounts of methamphetamine. On December 10, 2019, Osborne arranged for a confidential informant to purchase approximately five ounces of methamphetamine for $1,400. On December 18, 2019, Osborne sold three ounces of methamphetamine to the confidential informant for $1,400. On November 10 and again on November 11, 2020, Osborne sold almost eight ounces of methamphetamine to the confidential informant for $3,000.
On April 11, 2022, law enforcement officers conducted surveillance on a business in Jonesboro and observed Osborn arrive in a vehicle. Officers observed marijuana in plain view at the business and because of Osborne’s nervous behavior, they obtained a search warrant for the business. During a search of the business, officers located a Taurus, model Judge, .410 firearm and five rounds of ammunition between the cushions of the couch, a red bag containing two scales, approximately 100 grams of cocaine, 159 grams of methamphetamine, 380 grams of marijuana, and over 120 assorted pills, including ecstasy. Also located during the search was a backpack with Osborne’s name on it, approximately $3,840, a bottle of Promethazine cough syrup in the kitchen area, and an assortment of ammunition was located throughout the search of the building.
Because Osborne’s criminal history includes felony drug convictions for possession of marijuana with intent to deliver and possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute, he is classified as a career offender and received an enhanced sentence. There is no parole in the federal system.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Little Rock comprises agents and officers from the FBI, Second Judicial District Drug Task Force, Jonesboro Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Second Judicial Drug Task Force, and the Jonesboro Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Crews and Bart Dickinson.
# # #
Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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Memphis Man Receives Second Federal Conviction for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm as an Armed Career CriminalRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—A Memphis, Tennessee, man on federal supervised release after a conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm in Tennessee was convicted by a federal jury for committing the same crime, this time in Arkansas. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the guilty verdict, which was handed down on Wednesday.
A federal grand jury indicted Percy Jackson, 40, on June 6, 2024, charging him with three counts: being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. The three-day trial was held before Chief United States District Judge Kristine G. Baker. The federal jury deliberated approximately three hours before returning a guilty verdict on count one, felon in possession of a firearm. Jackson was found not guilty of counts two and three.
Jackson was released from federal prison on September 28, 2022, after serving 15 years for his first federal gun conviction. The evidence at trial revealed that on October 10, 2023, West Memphis Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop on a car driven by Jackson for having a defective brake light and expired tags. Jackson was the only occupant of the vehicle and appeared nervous and sweating when questioned by law enforcement officers. Jackson was removed from the vehicle and law enforcement officers conducted a search of the vehicle. During the search, under the driver’s seat officers located a loaded Ruger 9mm firearm that had been previously reported stolen. A baggie with pills that contained fentanyl was found in the glove compartment.
At the time of this incident, Jackson was on supervised release with the Western District of Tennessee for a felon in possession of a firearm conviction.
Because of this previous conviction and his violent criminal history, Jackson will be sentenced at a later date by Judge Baker under the Armed Career Criminal Act. Jackson’s past criminal history includes four convictions for aggravated robbery, a conviction for facilitation of especially aggravated robbery, and the previous conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Jackson will, for a second time, face a minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the West Memphis Police Department and the Second Judicial Drug Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Eldridge.
# # #
Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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Little Rock Man to Spend Life in Prison Following Conviction for Distributing Fentanyl that Resulted in DeathRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—After hearing four days of testimony, a federal jury found that Arthur Joyner distributed fentanyl pills to a man who died after ingesting those pills two days later. That transaction, which resulted in a conviction for distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, will keep Joyner, 43, of Little Rock, in prison for the rest of his life. On Thursday, following the four-day trial, the jury convicted Joyner of the charge after 45 minutes of deliberation.
On March 5, 2024, a federal grand jury indicted Joyner on the single count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. The jury returned the verdict to United States District Judge Brian S. Miller, who will sentence Joyner at a later date. Due to Joyner’s prior criminal record, which includes a serious felony drug conviction among other violent felony convictions, Joyner is facing a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment. Joyner will remain in federal custody while awaiting sentencing.
The evidence presented at trial showed that on October 13, 2023, an acquaintance of Joyner’s requested oxycodone pills from Joyner because this person had injured his back while working. The acquaintance specifically told Joyner to make sure the pills were real oxycodone, and not fake pills. Along with the request, the individual sent Joyner articles describing how fentanyl is being pressed and produced to look like oxycodone pills. Joyner responded, “they are real” and proceeded to send a picture of numerous blue pills with an “M” on one side and a “30” on the other, which purported to be oxycodone pills.
Joyner then sold the individual three of those blue pills the next day, October 14, from a residence in Little Rock. The pills in fact contained fentanyl, and not oxycodone. According to testimony at trial, the individual took one of those pills at a hotel in Searcy sometime late in the evening on October 15, and then another one in the hotel between 8 and 9 a.m. on October 16. He stopped breathing within minutes of snorting the second fentanyl pill, and was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:23 a.m.
The evidence at trial indicated that Joyner sold the three fentanyl pills for $30 and had been selling cocaine to the victim and others in the weeks prior to selling the fentanyl pills.
In addition to the mandatory life sentence, the drug charge carries a fine penalty of up to $1,000,000. There is no parole in the federal system.
The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Central Arkansas Drug Task Force, with assistance from the Searcy Police Department and the White County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Kristin Bryant and Chris Givens prosecuted the case.
# # #
Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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Little Rock Psychologist Indicted by Federal Grand Jury for Defrauding Medicare and Arkansas Blue Cross Blue ShieldRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—A Little Rock psychologist has been indicted for defrauding Medicare and Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Blue Cross) and creating fictitious records to conceal her wrongdoing. Krameelah Banks, 48, of Little Rock, faces twenty-three counts of wire fraud, seven counts of making false statements in connection with health care, one count of lying to the FBI, and one count of aggravated identity theft. Jonathan Ross, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, Alicia Corder, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Little Rock Field Office, and Jason Meadows, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, announced the charges.
According to the indictment, Banks owned and operated Arkansas Behavioral Center (ABC). Although Banks treated some regular patients who received ongoing psychotherapy, most of her patients were referrals who were seen just once for the sole purpose of receiving pre-surgical psychological evaluations. It is alleged that from 2021 through 2023, Banks billed for thousands of hours of psychology services that never took place by routinely charging Medicare and Blue Cross for ongoing psychotherapy in the names of persons who were referral patients seen only once, causing insurers to lose over $500,000.
The indictment alleges that Banks billed for services rendered at ABC while vacationing in Florida and Mexico, Banks billed for more than 24 hours’ worth of services rendered in a single day. The indictment also alleges that Banks billed for over 130 sessions rendered to several patients who had long since died.
According to the indictment, Banks responded to inquiries about disputed claims by creating fictitious records and even recycled such entries by providing nearly identical records to Medicare and Blue Cross. The indictment goes on to allege Banks later misled the FBI by blaming any overbilling on her online calendaring software.
An indictment contains only allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
# # #
Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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krameelah_banks_indictment_0_0.pdfJustice Department Sues Former Property Owner for Sexual Harassment Committed by Former Owner and Manager of Arkansas Rental Apartment ComplexRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a lawsuit against Thomas Ray Kelso, the former owner and manager of rental properties formerly known as Briarwood Apartments in Searcy, Arkansas, for engaging in sexual harassment and retaliation in violation of the Fair Housing Act. The lawsuit also names as a defendant Avatar Investments LLC, which owned the rental properties during Kelso’s management and sexual harassment of female tenants.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas, alleges that Kelso sexually harassed female tenants beginning in 2001, until his arrest, in 2023, and conviction for federal sex trafficking charges in 2025. According to the complaint, Kelso made repeated and unwelcome sexual comments to female tenants, touched female tenants’ bodies without their permission, requested sexual contact, offered reduced or free rent in exchange for sexual contact and took retaliatory actions against female tenants who refused his sexual advances, including threatening to cut electricity or denying laundry access.
“No one should have to endure sexual harassment to keep a roof over his or her head,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This lawsuit reinforces the Justice Department’s commitment to holding landlords and housing providers accountable for illegally harassing and retaliating against tenants.”
“This defendant intentionally lured and threatened vulnerable victims, forcing them to perform sexual acts in exchange for some of life’s essentials — shelter and electricity. He was rightfully sentenced to serve 20 years in federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Jonathan D. Ross for the Eastern District of Arkansas. “Just as Kelso continues to be held accountable for his reprehensible acts, the housing provider, Avatar Investments, LLC, should also be held accountable for its total lack of oversight of its property.”
The lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate persons harmed by the alleged harassment, civil penalties to vindicate the public interest, and a court order barring future discrimination.
If you are a victim of sexual harassment by another landlord or property manager or have suffered other forms of housing discrimination, call the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743 or submit a report online. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt. This settlement is part of the Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative. The initiative, which the Department launched in October 2017, seeks to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers and other people who have control over housing. Since launching the initiative, the department has filed 51 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered nearly $16.2 million for victims of such harassment.
Russellville Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Role in "to the Dirt" Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Troy R. Loadholt, a multi-convicted felon, will spend the next 25 years in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine conspiracy that involved members of a white supremacist gang. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the 300-month sentence, which was handed down on Thursday, November 13, 2025, by United States District Judge Brian S. Miller.
Loadholt, 44, of Russellville, Arkansas, was indicted in a second superseding Indictment on September 3, 2019, on one count for his involvement in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On April 9, 2025, Loadholt pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 45 kilograms or more of methamphetamine.
The overall indictment in this case charged more than 50 people from the Pope County area with violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering (RICO), and numerous gun and drug violations. The case is named “To The Dirt,” a reference to the New Aryan Empire (NAE) slogan referring to the rule that members must remain in the NAE until they die. The charges allege acts involving attempted murder, kidnapping, maiming, and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Another 54 defendants were indicted in the case, all of whom have pleaded guilty, except for Marcus Millsap, who was sentenced to life imprisonment following a guilty verdict at trial. There is no parole in the federal system.
In 2016, local and federal agencies initiated a joint investigation to identify, infiltrate, and dismantle drug trafficking organizations in Russellville. Investigators identified multiple individuals who were trafficking methamphetamine in the Pope County area. During the investigation, it was revealed that Loadholt was the driving force behind this large-scale methamphetamine operation by supplying pound quantities of methamphetamine to known members of the NAE, a white supremacist organization that began as a prison gang, who then sold and distributed the methamphetamine
Based on sworn testimony from codefendants and law enforcement, FedEx records, as well as Loadholt’s Facebook records, during the time of the conspiracy, using the corporate account of a restaurant where his brother worked, Loadholt helped facilitate the shipment of numerous multi-pound quality packages of methamphetamine from California to Arkansas to be distributed throughout the Pope County region.
“Thanks to the cooperation of federal, state, and local agencies, a large-scale, violent drug trafficking organization with strong ties to white supremacy gangs in the Pope County, Arkansas, area has been dismantled,” Ross said. “Loadholt and the other defendants in this wide-reaching case have received significant sentences, with one, Marcus Millsap, receiving a life sentence in federal prison. Our goal with the case was to make Pope County a safer community and to clean out the “To The Dirt” organization. With today’s sentence, we’ve made significant progress toward that goal. But our work will continue.”
“The ATF is working closely with local, state, and federal partners to combat the scourge of deadly illegal drugs in our communities,” Joshua Jackson, ATF Special Agent in Charge, said. “The sentence imposed today sends a message that we will continue to focus efforts on repeat offenders so we can remove another violent criminal from our streets and keep our neighborhoods safe as the top priority for ATF.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s mission is to protect the mail, its employees, and customers from criminal attacks. Individuals who weaponize the mail in furtherance of narcotics trafficking will not be tolerated. The United States Postal Inspection Service will remain dedicated to aggressively pursuing all who attempt to use the U.S. mail to traffic contraband. In addition, we will continue our excellent relationships with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners,” Kai Pickens, Inspector in Charge, Fort Worth Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, said. “I would like to commend our partners at the U.S Attorney’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Pope County Sheriff’s Office, Fifth Judicial District Drug Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Russellville Police Department, for working decisively with us to help eliminate contraband in the U.S. mail. From these collaborations, we will continue to have successful resolutions and hold perpetrators accountable.”
“Today marks the final sentencing of the individuals involved in Operation To The Dirt. This brings closure to a lengthy investigation that demanded dedication, patience, and cooperation across multiple agencies,” Sheriff Blake Wilson, Pope County Sheriff’s Office, said. “I want to thank our deputies, investigators, and partner agencies for their relentless work, and I extend my appreciation to the community for your trust and support throughout this process. Justice has been served, and we remain committed to keeping Pope County a safer place for every family who calls it home.”
“This sentence shows a continuing effort to work with our federal, state and local law enforcement to combat the dangerous criminals and drugs that flow through our neighborhoods and communities. These efforts have shown an impact in the reduction of crime providing for a safer Russellville and surrounding communities,” Chief David Ewing, Russellville Police Department, said. “This would not have been possible without the dedicated officers, investigators, prosecutors that are unified in the single mission to protect our communities and our state.”
“Cooperation is the key to taking down criminal Enterprises. I’m so proud of the cooperation between local law-enforcement agencies and the federal authorities involved in “To The Dirt”. I want to specifically recognize the Fifth Judicial Drug Task Force who played an integral part in these convictions,” Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Phillips, Fifth Judicial District, said.
Loadholt’s sentence was enhanced due to his status as a career offender as a result of his criminal history that includes several serious drug convictions, including drug-trafficking convictions.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The investigation included the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as the Pope County Sheriff’s Office, the Russellville Police Department, and the Fifth Judicial District Drug Task Force.
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Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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Little Rock Man Found Guilty of Conspiracy to Possess Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—A Little Rock man was convicted by a federal jury on conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the guilty verdict which was handed down recently.
Spencer Walker, 36, was indicted by a federal grand jury in a superseding indictment on August 5, 2025, and charged with the three counts he took to trial. The four-day jury trial was held before United States District Judge Lee P. Rudofsky. The jury deliberated less than 45 minutes before returning a guilty verdict on all three counts for which Walker had been indicted.
The evidence at trial revealed that in September 2022, the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) intercepted two packages, each containing five pounds of methamphetamine. Law enforcement officers performed a controlled delivery of those packages to Walker’s address. After the controlled delivery, they were able to secure a search warrant for Walker’s residence. During a search of Walker’s residence, law enforcement officers located an additional unopened package that was found to contain 10 pounds of methamphetamine; in his bedroom they located a shotgun with a 25-round drum magazine.
Law enforcement officers continued their investigation into the owner of the residence, tracing his location for a period of time. They noted that the owner frequented a house in Bryant, Arkansas. Law enforcement officers then discovered that an additional three packages addressed to the Bryant residence containing 10 pounds of methamphetamine each, had been previously intercepted. In January of 2023, law enforcement officers intercepted another package going to the Bryant residence that contained 10 pounds of methamphetamine. It was through the interception by USPIS of those parcels, as well as several witness statements and photo identification, that law enforcement officers were able to identify Walker as the intended recipient of all the packages containing methamphetamine.
Walker faces a minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service with assistance from the DEA. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Katie Hinojosa.
# # #
Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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Jury Convicts Hensley Mother and Daughter of Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl That Caused Death, Face Minimum 20 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—A drug-filled evening that ended with four overdoses, including one death, at a Saline County home has now resulted in a mother and daughter spending decades in federal prison. On Wednesday, a federal jury convicted the two women of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl that caused a death. The jury also convicted the mother, April Adams, of distribution of methamphetamine, and the daughter, Amber Church, of distribution of fentanyl. Following a three-day trial and after just over four hours of deliberation, the jury convicted both Church and Adams on all charges.
On April 2, 2024, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Adams, 62, and Church, 38, both of Hensley. Both women were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl resulting in death. Church was also charged with distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, and Adams was also charged with distribution of methamphetamine.
The jury returned the verdict to United States District Court Judge James M. Moody, Jr., who will sentence Adams and Church at a later date. Adams and Church will remain in federal custody while they await sentencing. They both face a statutory minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison on the fentanyl charges related to the death. Adams also faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years on the methamphetamine charge.
The evidence presented at trial showed that on April 16, 2023, law enforcement officers from the Saline County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a residence on Crab Apple Circle in reference to multiple overdoses. Once law enforcement officers arrived, they located four individuals who overdosed. After medical personnel administered Narcan, three individuals survived, but one individual died at the scene.
During the trial, two witnesses who survived overdoses testified that after arriving at the residence on Crab Apple Circle, Adams offered them methamphetamine, along with Church and the victim who died. After smoking the methamphetamine, Church asked Adams if she could provide to the group what Church said was the “cocaine” that Adams had in her room. Church then got the substance from Adams’ room and provided it to the group, using some herself. The substance was in fact fentanyl.
Nearly immediately after ingesting the fentanyl the four individuals who used the drug began passing out, including Church. Adams, who did not use the substance that caused the other four individuals to overdose, waited approximately 45 minutes before notifying anyone about the overdoses, and then called a friend rather than emergency services.
The drug offenses carry additional penalties of up to a $1,000,000.00 fine and at least three years of supervised release.
This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The investigation was conducted by the Saline County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Edward Walker and Jordan Crews prosecuted the case.
# # #
Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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Pennsylvania Man Who Used Snapchat to Gain Access to Abuse Minors Sentenced to 17 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Codi Vaughan, who had been contacting minors and seeking self-produced child pornography for more than a year, will spend 17 years in federal prison for production of child sexual abuse material. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by Chief United States District Judge Kristine G. Baker.
On June 2, 2023, Vaughan, 25, of Fair Chance, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Little Rock on five counts of production of child sexual abuse material and three counts of receipt or distribution of child sexual abuse material. On October 16, 2024, Vaughan pleaded guilty to count seven of the Indictment. Chief Judge Baker sentenced Vaughan to 204 months in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
On February 3, 2023, the FBI received a tip from the Secretary of the Air Force Inspector General tip hotline stating Vaughan wanted to have sexual relations with minors and purchased child pornography. Vaughan worked as a mechanic for the Air Force and lived on the Little Rock Air Force Base. Special Agents from the FBI interviewed the caller, a minor who lived in Maryland. The minor stated Vaughan contacted her through Snapchat wanting to purchase child pornography from her and her minor friends. On February 6, 2023, Vaughan used Snapchat to contact another minor in Maryland, again asking for the minor to send him self-produced child pornography. In both instances, Vaughan offered to pay the minors for the child pornography. Special Agents learned that Vaughan regularly communicated with minors in Maryland and Virginia through Snapchat and has been doing so since at least January 2022. This pattern of abuse of minors led to a sentencing enhancement. In January 2023, Vaughan offered a minor $1,000 to perform sexual acts.
An investigation revealed that Vaughan regularly paid or offered to pay minors for child pornography through CashApp. A review of Vaughan’s CashApp history revealed numerous payments to minors. During the times he contacted them, Vaughan knew they were minors.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Air Force, Office of Special Investigations, with assistance from the FBI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kristin Bryant.
# # #
Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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Jury Convicts Sherwood Man for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—A federal jury convicted a Sherwood man who illegally possessed a firearm. Following a two-day trial and after approximately two hours of deliberation, the jury convicted Keith Harris, 24, of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On November 8, 2023, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Harris that charged him with one count he took to trial.
The jury returned the verdict Wednesday evening to United States District Court Judge D.P. Marshall, Jr., who will sentence Harris at a later date. Harris will remain in federal custody pending sentencing. The statutory penalty for being a felon in possession of a firearm is not more than 15 years imprisonment.
The evidence presented at trial showed that on October 26, 2022, a law enforcement officer with the Little Rock Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a Dodge Challenger for speeding. Law enforcement officers learned that Harris, who was a passenger, was on active parole with a search waiver on file. Harris was asked by law enforcement officers to step out of the vehicle to conduct a search of his person and the area of the car where he was seated. During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement officers located a Glock, model 22, .40 caliber firearm under the seat where Harris had been sitting.
Harris was convicted by the state of Arkansas in 2019 for being a felon in possession of a firearm following an incident at a gas station in North Little Rock that resulted in the murder of a U.S. Air Force airman during an armed robbery. Harris, who was 18 at the time, was initially arrested for capital murder and aggravated robbery before pleading guilty to the lesser charge after police identified Harris as one of the four people involved in the incident. Harris received five years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections and was paroled in October 2021. Harris was also convicted as an adult of two counts of theft of property by threat of serious physical injury following an incident in 2016.
The present investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Little Rock Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Eldridge and Amanda Fields prosecuted the case.
# # #
Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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West Memphis Man with A Violent History Found Guilty of Unlawful Possession of MachinegunRead the Press Release
HELENA-WEST HELENA—A West Memphis man was convicted by a federal jury of one count of unlawful possession of a machinegun. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the guilty verdict recently handed down on August 22, 2025, after a five-day jury trial in Helena-West Helena.
Martinez Alexander, Jr., 19, was originally indicted by a federal grand jury on March 7, 2024, charging him with unlawful possession of a machinegun. The jury trial began on August 18, 2025, before United States District Judge Brian S. Miller. After four days of testimony, including testimony from victims of an earlier shooting, the jury deliberated approximately 30 minutes before returning a guilty verdict.
While Alexander does not have any previous felony convictions, the trial revealed he has a violent history. At trial, testimony showed that Alexander is a known member of the Foxwood gang in West Memphis. At the time of indictment, he had four pending felony cases, including charges stemming from two separate shootings.
The evidence presented at trial revealed that on December 15, 2023, Alexander and Jaylan Atkins, 21, also of West Memphis, were involved in a drive-by shooting where an adult male and a juvenile were shot multiple times. An arrest warrant for attempted capital murder was issued for Alexander and Atkins following the shooting.
On December 31, 2023, law enforcement officers from the West Memphis Police Department observed Alexander riding in a stolen Dodge Charger and initiated a traffic stop. The Charger fled, leading law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase through West Memphis. The chase continued for more than five minutes before law enforcement officers used a tactical maneuver to disable the vehicle by the railroad tracks off Missouri Street.
According to testimony at trial, Atkins and the front seat passenger immediately fled on foot, but law enforcement officers noticed movement in the backseat of the stolen vehicle and observed Alexander opening the back driver’s side door and tossing a tan 9mm Glock firearm with an extended magazine and a gold machinegun conversion device (MCD), which allowed the handgun to fire fully automatic. Alexander was arrested, along with Atkins, the driver of the stolen vehicle. Further investigation revealed that the tan 9mm Glock firearm and MCD found in the possession of Alexander on December 31, 2023, was the same firearm used in the drive-by shooting on December 15, 2023, and it was equipped with a MCD on that date as well.
On December 31, 2023, Atkins was found to be in possession of a Glock 22, .40 caliber handgun, also equipped with an MCD. Atkins pleaded guilty on February 5, 2025, to possessing the machinegun and is awaiting sentencing.
Alexander and Atkins each face a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and not more than three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
The investigation was conducted by the ATF with assistance from the West Memphis Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ashley Bowen and Bart Dickinson.
# # #
Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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Ten Multi-Pound Level Methamphetamine Distributors in Northeast Arkansas in Custody Following Arrest OperationRead the Press Release
JONESBORO—Ten out of 11 defendants indicted on charges of distributing large amounts of methamphetamine and conspiracy in northeast Arkansas are in custody after federal and state authorities made a series of arrests this morning as part of an ongoing drug-trafficking investigation. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, and Alicia D. Corder, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Little Rock Field Office, announced today’s arrests. Five additional defendants have been indicted who were already in custody.
The arrests stem from an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, or OCDETF, investigation that began in January 2024 targeting multi-pound level dealers of methamphetamine in the northeast Arkansas area. The defendants listed in the indictments hail from Jonesboro, Blytheville, Osceola, Luxora, Manilla, and Trumann. The investigation, which was headed by the FBI, involved numerous controlled purchases of pounds of methamphetamine from members of four different conspiracies, as well as from individual distributors. According to information learned throughout the investigation, it is believed that these defendants have collectively trafficked more than 100 pounds of methamphetamine to people in Arkansas.
Additionally, during an investigation into one of the conspiracies, law enforcement agents intercepted numerous phone calls in which the conspiracy members discussed trafficking methamphetamine.
“Methamphetamine continues to be the most abused drug across Arkansas. According to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory, 55% of our state’s 393 known overdose deaths in 2024 involved meth,” Ross said. “As such, our office and law enforcement partners will continue to prioritize investigations involving methamphetamine, as well as the other leading substances causing drug overdose deaths in Arkansas including cocaine, opioids, and fentanyl. We are especially grateful for the countless hours and dedicated hard work by the FBI, and our state, local, and additional federal law enforcement partners that investigated this case and led to today’s successful arrest operation. The citizens of Arkansas should know that these men and women work stoically day in and day out to protect the safety of our state and that they do so without concern for recognition, which I give today because we are all safer due to their commitment to public safety – the number one priority of law enforcement. So I say THANK YOU to everyone who played a role in this operation. We are grateful for you.”
“FBI Little Rock, in partnership with our federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, remains resolute in our mission to protect Arkansans by crushing violent crime and dismantling networks that traffic dangerous narcotics,” SAC Corder said. “We are proactively targeting violent offenders, drug trafficking organizations, and criminal enterprises to safeguard our communities and uphold public safety.”
This initiative is part of “SUMMER HEAT,” the FBI’s nationwide initiative targeting violent crime during the summer months. As part of this effort, the FBI has launched a multi-pronged offensive to crush violent crime. By surging resources alongside state and local partners, executing federal warrants on violent criminals and fugitives, and dismantling violent gangs nationwide, the FBI seeks to aggressively restore safety in communities across the country.
This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Those arrested today will be arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Benecia B. Moore on Thursday. Today’s arrests are the result of an investigation headed by the FBI, and assisted by the Department of Homeland Security, the Second Judicial Drug Task Force, the Jonesboro Police Department, the Craighead County Sheriff’s Office, the Poinsett County Sheriff’s Office, the Trumann Police Department, the Blytheville Police Department, the Osceola Police Department, the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office, the West Memphis Police Department, the Marion Police Department, the Arkansas State Police, and the Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin O’Leary.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
# # #
Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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Quitman Woman Sentenced to Probation for Excavation and Removal of Native American Human Skeletal Remains Located in a National ForestRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Kristy Loree Gordon was sentenced to four years’ probation for the excavation and removal of archaeological resources that included human skeletal remains and were located on public land at a known Native American archeological site. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today, by United States District Judge D. P. Marshall, Jr.
Gordon, 43, of Quitman, was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 6, 2023, in a one count indictment charging her with excavating, removing, damaging, and otherwise altering and defacing, an archaeological resource located on public lands. On March 13, 2025, Gordon pleaded guilty to the charge for which she was indicted.
An investigation revealed that on November 19, 2020, the Stone County Sheriff’s Office received a report of possible human skeletal remains discovered by hikers around the Pogue Springs area in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest. Upon arrival of law enforcement officers from the Stone County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Forest Service, Gordon stated that she and another hiker located possible human skeletal remains off a hiking trail while digging into wet soil with a stick. She stated that she covered them back up with dirt and notified law enforcement.
Law enforcement officers observed evidence of extensive excavation in the area, with many dug holes. A U.S. Forest Service archeologist who accompanied law enforcement officers to the area stated that it was a known Native American archeological site and that no permits had been issued for excavation in the area. The scene was processed and the human skeletal remains, including a partial human skull, tools, and tool fragments were collected.
In an interview with U.S. Forest Service agents a few days later, Gordon admitted she did not tell the truth in her first written statement. In her second written statement, Gordon stated she went to dig for artifacts in the area because she had been told it was a good location to find Native American artifacts. She admitted she dug as much as 1.5 feet down, where she found the bones and brought them home. Gordon stated while she was cleaning the bones, she noticed she brought back a human skull. She stated she took them back to the dig site and “threw dirt over them and prayed over them.” Gordon stated she did not feel right and went back to call law enforcement to report the human skeletal remains.
During a search of Gordon’s residence, law enforcement officers located a large collection of Native American artifacts, including an archaic knife. U.S. Forest Service agents identified this knife as a funerary object, meaning an object believed to have been placed with individual human skeletal remains as a part of the death rite or ceremony of the deceased. Gordon admitted that she had located the knife with the human skeletal remains and removed it along with the remains. The knife and many other objects were collected as evidence. A skull fragment was located outside the residence where Gordon stated that she had washed the bones.
A Facebook search warrant was obtained for Gordon’s Facebook account, which revealed that, on the date that Gordon contacted the Stone County Sheriff’s Office, she had shared photographs of human skeletal remains, including a partial human skull, with other individuals.
Native American remains and funerary objects are protected by federal law pursuant to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990.
Pursuant to the plea agreement, Gordon agreed to pay restitution totaling $16,135.32 for the cost of restoration and repair to the site.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Forest Service with assistance from the Stone County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin O’Leary.
# # #
Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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West Memphis Resident to Spend 10 Years in Prison Following Second Federal Felon in Possession of Firearms ConvictionRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—A second federal firearm conviction has resulted in Christopher Grays spending the next 120 months in prison. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the 10-year sentence, which was handed down today by United States District Judge James M. Moody, Jr.
A federal grand jury indicted Grays, 25, of West Memphis, on June 6, 2024, on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Grays pleaded guilty to the charge on February 4, 2025. Judge Moody also imposed three years of supervised release to follow the prison sentence, which was a significant upward variance from the recommended sentencing range. There is no parole in the federal system.
Judge Moody previously sentenced Grays to 46 months’ imprisonment on November 16, 2020, in Grays’ first federal case, again for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Grays was released from federal prison on that sentence on October 4, 2023. He was then arrested in the present case while in possession of two firearms on February 28, 2024, while still on federal supervised release.
On February 28, 2024, according to testimony disclosed at today’s sentencing hearing, West Memphis Police received a call about a female being held against her will and a subject, identified as Grays, being in possession of multiple guns in a West Memphis hotel room. When officers arrived at the hotel room, they encountered Grays at the door and saw an extended ammunition magazine in his back pocket. Grays kicked multiple police officers while they attempted to take him into custody.
After Grays was detained, officers located two firearms in the toilet tank of the hotel bathroom, including one which was loaded with the same ammunition that was in the magazine in Grays’ pocket.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Moody heard details from numerous police reports describing alleged gun violence that involved Grays, which began when he was a juvenile. In a five-year span from 2015-2020, Grays was mentioned in more than 17 police reports, with most detailing violent conduct.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the West Memphis Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Chris Givens prosecuted the case.
# # #
Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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Former Chief Deputy for Stone County Sheriff's Office Sentenced to Federal Prison for Selling a Stolen Firearm and Extortion Under Color of Official RightRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Zachary Hunter Alexander, former Chief Deputy for the Stone County Sheriff’s Office, will spend the next 33 months in federal prison for selling a stolen firearm and extortion under color of official right. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by United States District Judge Lee P. Rudofsky.
On May 3, 2022, a federal grand jury indicted Alexander, 40, of Lakeview, in an 11-count indictment. Count 1 and counts 8 through 11 of the indictment charged Alexander with bank fraud, count 2 charged Alexander with selling a stolen firearm, and counts 3 through 7 charged Alexander with extortion under color of official right. On August 14, 2023, Alexander plead guilty to selling a stolen firearm and extortion under color of official right.
An investigation revealed that on May 31, 2019, Alexander purchased two Remington 700, 6.5 Creedmore sniper rifles. On June 3, 2019, Alexander received a cashier’s check from the Stone County Sheriff’s Foundation for $1,465.90 for the purchase of two Remington 700, 6.5 Creedmore sniper rifles for the Stone County Sheriff’s Office. In December 2019, Alexander sold one of the sniper rifles that belonged to the Stone County Sheriff’s Office for his personal benefit.
On approximately February 19, 2020, Alexander misused his authority as the Chief Deputy for the Sheriff’s Office to obtain $3,809.10 from the Stone County Treasurer. Alexander stated it was to reimburse a pawn shop for rifles, ammunition, and equipment purchased for the Sheriff’s Office. However, Alexander took the check to the owner of pawn shop, who accompanied Alexander to the bank, then endorsed the check and let Alexander keep the cash. As in other similar instances alleged in the indictment, no items were actually purchased from the pawn shop.
In addition to the 33-month sentence, Judge Rudofsky also sentenced Alexander to two years’ supervised release. Judge Rudofsky also ordered Alexander to pay restitution in the amount of $153,786.84, which primarily reflects pawn shop checks improperly cashed and dispensed to Alexander, fraudulent credit card purchases for personal items by Alexander on a Sheriff’s Office credit card, and Alexander’s fraudulent check kiting at various banks. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Arkansas State Police, with assistance from the Stone County Sheriff’s Office, Stone County Sheriff’s Foundation, Stone County Treasurer’s Office, 16th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
# # #
Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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Mexican National Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (Actual) and Conspiracy to Commit Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Jesus Ignacio Medina-Leyva will spend the next 120 months, or ten years, in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down on today by United States District Judge Brian S. Miller.
A federal grand jury indicted Medina-Leyva, 29, of Culiacan, Mexico, along with 31 other defendants on November 2, 2017. The 31-count indictment charged Medina-Leyva with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. On April 10, 2025, Medina-Leyva pleaded guilty to both counts he was charged with in the filed indictment.
An investigation revealed that Medina-Leyva and co-defendants were involved in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy, a money laundering conspiracy, and various federal firearms violations. Medina-Leyva was arrested entering into the United States from Canada on a warrant relating to the charges in the indictment on August 6, 2024. To date, 26 of Medina-Leyva’s co-defendants have been convicted and sentenced.
In addition to the 120-month sentence, Judge Miller also sentenced Medina-Leyva to three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, North Little Rock Police Department, Conway Police Department, Sherwood Police Department, Arkansas State Police, and the Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office.
# # #
Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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Jonesboro Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
JONESBORO—Thomas Demetrius Williams, a multi-convicted felon, will spend the next 216 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down on Monday, July 21, 2025, by United States District Judge D. P. Marshall Jr.
On April 29, 2024, Williams, 41, of Jonesboro, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Judge Marshall also sentenced Williams to five years’ supervised release. Williams was indicted on April 2, 2024, in a second superseding indictment, on two counts of felon in possession of a firearm, two counts of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual), two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, one count of possession with intent to distribute oxycodone, and one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
On October 12, 2021, law enforcement officers received information that Williams was in possession of a large amount of methamphetamine. An investigation revealed that Williams was on parole with an active search waiver on file. As law enforcement officers approached Williams’ residence he shared with his girlfriend to conduct a parole search, they observed three vehicles in the driveway. While at the residence, law enforcement officers observed the girlfriend and a small child in the grey vehicle in the driveway. The girlfriend stated the vehicle belonged to Williams. At that time, law enforcement officers circled the block and when they arrived back at Williams’ residence, they observed the white vehicle that had previously been in the driveway was no longer there.
During a parole search of Williams’ residence, law enforcement officers located a debit card in Williams’ name. While awaiting the arrival of a canine officer, Williams was observed driving by his residence in the white vehicle. Not long afterwards, Williams stopped his vehicle and made contact with the law enforcement officers at his residence. Upon arrival of the canine officer, it was deployed to search the area. The canine officer alerted to the presence of narcotics in the grey vehicle. Law enforcement officers searched the grey vehicle and located the bag the girlfriend had been carrying. During a search of the bag, it was revealed to contain 730.4 grams of pure methamphetamine, 299.5 grams of marijuana, 19.7651 grams of ecstasy pills, 4.7289 grams of oxycodone pills, $1,999 in cash, and a stolen Ruger, LCP .380 firearm.
Williams was sentenced as a Career Offender on the drug conviction due to his criminal history that includes aggravated assault, three domestic battery convictions, a terroristic threatening conviction, three serious drug convictions, drug trafficking convictions, and felon in possession of firearm convictions. There is no parole in the federal system.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin O’Leary.
# # #
Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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Little Rock Man Sentenced to 84 Months in Federal Prison After Committing Arson at Two Little Rock Fitness CentersRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Miles Andrew Caldwell will spend the next 84 months in federal prison after intentionally starting three fires at two different fitness centers in Little Rock, Arkansas. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by United States District Judge James M. Moody, Jr.
An investigation revealed that on November 16, 2023, Caldwell, 20, of Little Rock, arrived at the Little Rock Athletic Club at approximately 11:00 a.m. Caldwell then walked down the hallway and entered the men’s restroom on the first floor. A few minutes later, he exited the restroom and walked down the hallway past the operating daycare center that was occupied by several children (mainly babies and toddlers) and staff members.
Caldwell then entered the basketball court. Later, after exiting the basketball court, Caldwell walked back to the daycare, looking through the large windows of the daycare center before taking the stairs to the second floor. Moments later, women in the tennis hallway reported the smell of smoke. The smoke filled the tennis hallway which caused the fire alarm to sound. Children, daycare staff, and other occupants of the tennis area exited the building through the smoke-filled hallway.
The investigation revealed that the fire was set in a paper towel dispenser in the first-floor men’s restroom. Caldwell also set fire to the paper towel dispenser, trash receptable, and toilet paper dispenser in the second-floor men’s restroom.
Later that same day, at approximately 3:49 p.m., the Little Rock Fire Department responded to 10 Fitness on North Rodney Parham Road, where its men’s restroom also sustained fire damage. Firefighters observed smoke present in the main gym, with thicker smoke in the area of the bathrooms. The Little Rock Fire Marshal determined that the toilet paper dispenser in the handicapped stall of the men’s restroom had been set on fire.
The investigation revealed that Caldwell scanned into 10 Fitness, entered the men’s restroom, remained for approximately one minute while no one else entered, and left the gym after a total of approximately five minutes, without using any equipment. After smoke became visible in the area between the gym and restroom, the fire department was called. In the parking lot, Caldwell remained in his vehicle for 10 additional minutes, waiting until after firefighters arrived to leave.
Investigators reviewed security footage from the Little Rock Athletic Club and located the suspect, later identified as Caldwell. Investigators also obtained security footage from 10 Fitness and identified an individual wearing the same clothes, shoes, and headphones as the suspect at the Little Rock Athletic Club.
Caldwell was later located at his residence. In the home and his vehicle investigators located shoes and a hooded sweatshirt consistent with what was observed on security footage.
On November 20, 2023, Caldwell was arrested on a federal complaint. On December 5, 2023, Caldwell was indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts of arson. Caldwell pleaded guilty to one count of arson committed at the Little Rock Athletic Club on February 4, 2025.
Judge Moody also sentenced Caldwell to three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Little Rock Fire Department and the Little Rock Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin O’Leary.
# # #
Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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Perry County Man Found Guilty on Twelve Counts of Production of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—A Houston, Arkansas, man was convicted by a federal jury on 12 counts of production of child sexual abuse material. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the guilty verdict which was handed down today.
James Johnson, 75, was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 7, 2023, and charged with 12 counts of production of child sexual abuse material. The jury trial began on July 14, 2025, before United States District Judge Brian S. Miller. After two days of testimony, the jury deliberated approximately 90 minutes before returning a guilty verdict on all 12 counts for which Johnson had been indicted.
The evidence at trial revealed that on September 28, 2022, special agents from the Arkansas State Police met with an employee of the Perryville Elementary School regarding a letter that a minor child victim, who was approximately 8-9 years old, wrote to her mother while she was at school containing concerning allegations about Johnson.
The minor child victim and her younger sibling lived next to Johnson’s home and were in his care during the abuse. The older minor child victim was interviewed and stated that Johnson watched pornography with the two victims present. The older minor victim stated both her and the younger minor victim sat on Johnson’s lap and he would put his hand down the back of their pants and touch their private areas.
On September 28, 2022, a search warrant was executed on Johnson’s residence. Law enforcement officers located and seized multiple digital items of evidence, specifically Johnson’s Samsung Galaxy cell phone. A review of Johnson’s phone revealed 12 images of the younger minor victim engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
Johnson faces a minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and not more than 30 years for each count. There is no parole in the federal system.
The investigation was conducted by the Arkansas State Police, and the case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kristin Bryant and Lauren Eldridge.
# # #
Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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Jury Convicts Little Rock Man for Trafficking FentanylRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—A federal jury convicted a Little Rock man who illegally possessed with intent to distribute approximately a quarter pound of fentanyl and five guns. Following a two-day trial and after just over an hour of deliberation, the jury convicted Montrell Austin, 41, of multiple federal drug and firearm crimes.
On November 6, 2024, a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment against Austin that charged him with the three counts he took to trial.
The jury returned the verdict Tuesday evening to Chief United States District Court Judge Kristine G. Baker, who will sentence Austin at a later date. Austin was taken into federal custody at the conclusion of the trial. The statutory penalty for possession with intent to deliver over 40 grams but less than 400 grams of fentanyl is not less than 5 years but not more than 40 years’ imprisonment. Since Austin was also convicted of committing the fentanyl offense after a previous conviction for a serious drug offense, he is subject to an enhanced penalty of not less than 10 years, but not more than life imprisonment. Austin faces not more than 10 years’ imprisonment for being a felon in possession of a firearm, and not less than five years’ imprisonment for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which must be served consecutive to any other sentence.
The evidence presented at trial showed that in October of 2021, Little Rock Police Department (LRPD) narcotics detectives began investigating information about narcotics sales from a shop on Geyer Springs Road in Southwest Little Rock. Detectives identified Austin as one of the individuals who frequented, and possibly ran, the location. The investigation led to the execution of a search warrant on November 9, 2021, during which detectives located six guns—three of which were AR-style pistols, nearly a quarter pound of fentanyl, a brick press, scales, mixing equipment, and over $10,000 in U.S. currency. Austin, who was at the building during the search, was arrested at the scene and later questioned. In a written statement, Austin claimed that everything in the shop was his, including the guns and drugs.
Previously, a co-defendant, Tarik Slater, 26, who is also a felon, claimed ownership of one of the guns and pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm before Chief Judge Baker. On January 11, 2025, Chief Judge Baker sentenced Slater to 30 months in federal prison.
The drug offense carries additional penalties of up to a $5,000,000 fine and at least four years of supervised release. The firearm offenses include penalties of up to a $250,000 fine and up to five years of supervised release.
The investigation was conducted by LRPD, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Eldridge and Julie Peters prosecuted the case.
# # #
Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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Russellville Man Sentenced to 22 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Larry Douglas Cossey, a multi-convicted felon, will spend the next 22 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the 264-month sentence, which was handed down today by United States District Judge James M. Moody, Jr. Judge Moody also sentenced Cossey to five years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Cossey was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 4, 2024, on one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, two counts of distribution of methamphetamine, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On February 3, 2025, Cossey, 59, of Russellville, Arkansas, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
During an investigation into drug trafficking in the Russellville area, Cossey sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant on January 10, 2023, and January 26, 2023. On April 10, 2023, a Russellville Police Department officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Cossey. While speaking with the officer Cossey acknowledged that there was marijuana inside the vehicle. Officers searched the vehicle and located $13,108 in currency, marijuana wrapped inside rolling paper, a vacuum-sealed bag containing marijuana, a bag containing three jars of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) wax, a baggie containing 33 suspected ecstasy pills, a smoking device with residue inside, two packs of rolling papers, two digital scales, and a safe. Officers also located a key on Cossey’s key ring which opened the safe. Inside the safe, officers located more money and a bag containing 399 grams of methamphetamine.
On June 16, 2023, a Russellville Police Department officer conducted another traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Cossey. After Cossey consented to a search of his vehicle, officers located a baggie containing approximately four grams of methamphetamine; a backpack containing an Arcadia Machine and Tool (AMT), model Backup, .380 caliber firearm with a loaded magazine containing six rounds and one round chambered; a smoking pipe with residue; two digital scales with residue; a baggie containing 200 grams of methamphetamine; another baggie containing approximately five grams of methamphetamine; a bag containing approximately 24 grams of marijuana; three syringes; two THC vape pens; a rubber THC pen; a spoon with residue; empty baggies; and $3,124 in currency.
Cossey’s sentence was enhanced due to his status as a career offender as a result of his criminal history that includes several serious drug convictions, including drug-trafficking convictions, and a felon in possession of firearm conviction.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Pope County Sheriff’s Office, Russellville Police Department, and the 5th Judicial Drug Task Force.
# # #
Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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Arkansas Men Plead Guilty in Illegal Paddlefish Snagging Investigation; More Than $14,000 in Fines, Restitution LeviedRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—As summer fast approaches, many will be heading to the beautiful lakes and rivers across the Natural State to enjoy time with family and friends.
While taking advantage of these outdoor opportunities, it’s important to remember to be safe, responsible, and mindful of federal laws that govern our public lands and waters. Failure to do so can lead to serious consequences, as evidenced by the recent conduct of four Arkansans now facing serious penalties for the illegal snagging of paddlefish.
In March 2025, four Arkansans pleaded guilty after being charged with multiple federal violations stemming from a three-year, multi-agency investigation led by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service into the illegal snagging of paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) from the Little Red River in the Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge located in White County.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Joe J. Volpe imposed the sentences on Matthew “Cole” Harken of Conway, Andrew Jennings of Searcy, Dakota Wilson of Russellville, and Steven Lawrence of Jacksonville, who all pleaded guilty to federal violations concerning the illegal taking and transport of 29 paddlefish over an approximate three-year period, resulting in fines and restitution totaling $14,190.00.
The investigation revealed that the men were illegally snagging the paddlefish to collect their eggs, which are commonly referred to as “roe.” Not unlike salmon, paddlefish are migratory in nature, traveling many miles to reach their spawning grounds every year. Paddlefish are also prehistoric, growing at slower rates, and a 40-pound paddlefish may be up to 50 years old. Paddlefish feed on plankton located in the water which makes them unable to be caught using conventional methods of fishing, such as bait and lures, requiring them to be snagged or netted. The Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge contains areas where paddlefish migrate to spawn annually. During spawning season paddlefish are full of roe which is highly sought after and valuable as caviar both domestically and internationally.
“We are extremely proud of the Officers of Unites States Fish and Wildlife Service Division of Refuge Law Enforcement and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission whose devotion to the protection of our natural resources made this investigation successful,” said Patrol Captain Brandon Bland, who supervises U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Division of Refuge Law Enforcement operations in Arkansas.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Division of Refuge Law Enforcement with assistance from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Katie Hinojosa.
Let this serve as a reminder: enjoy Arkansas’s natural beauty, but do so with respect for the law, the environment, and one another.
# # #
Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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Dishonorably Discharged Man, Who Was Prohibited from Possessing Firearms, Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of 20 Firearms in Relation to a Conspiracy to Commit a Hobbs Act RobberyRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—A man who was discharged from the U.S. Navy under dishonorable conditions was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for possession of twenty firearms. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today, by United States District Court Judge Lee P. Rudofsky.
James Charles Hart, 26, of Wynne, was arrested on a complaint December 7, 2023. On January 9, 2024, Hart was charged in an indictment for possession of a firearm by a dishonorably discharged person. On July 2, 2024, Hart was indicted in a superseding indictment charging him with one count of possession of a firearm by a dishonorably discharged person and one count of possession of an unregistered firearm. On January 6, 2025, Hart plead guilty to possession of a firearm by a dishonorably discharged person.
In addition to the 144-month sentence, Judge Rudofsky also sentenced Hart to 3 years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Hart was dishonorably discharged from the U.S. Navy on August 26, 2021, after being convicted for advocating supremacist and extremist doctrine, ideology and causes, larceny of military property, and selling firearms without a license. Hart’s conduct included advocating killing military members and encouraging others to take up the cause and recruit others. During the court martial, Hart told the presiding judge that the statement was not made in gest. Because of his dishonorable discharge, Hart was advised he was not allowed to possess firearms after his discharge from the Navy.
An investigation by the FBI revealed that on April 2, 2023, Hart entered the driveway of a residence dressed in a tactical vest and carrying an AR pattern firearm with approximately ten loaded magazines, approached the resident and stated that he was “patrolling this neighborhood” for looters. Hart stated that he was protecting the neighborhood. The resident advised Hart to leave his property and that he never requested Hart to provide any protection.On December 7, 2023, FBI special agents arrested Hart while he was a passenger in another’s car. During a search incident Hart’s arrest, FBI found a firearm associated with Hart. Armed with a search warrant, FBI searched Hart’s personal car and Hart’s residence. In total, Hart possessed 20 firearms between the two vehicles and his residence. Hart possessed numerous Glock and Sig Sauer handguns, shotguns, AR and AK pattern rifles, and numerous other firearms, including NFA weapons. Hart also possessed thousands of rounds of ammunition, loaded and unloaded magazines, ballistic helmets, body armor, gas masks, confederate and Nazi flags, and tactical gear.
During a subsequent search of Hart’s phone, FBI discovered a conspiracy to commit a robbery between Hart and members of a militia to target in Tennessee.
This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Crews.
# # #
This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available on-line athttp://www.justice.gov/edar
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@USAO_EDARSeveral Defendants Sentenced to Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced today that eight defendants have been sentenced by United States District Judge Lee P. Rudofsky to federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. Each of the defendants previously pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.
On August 1, 2023, Jaylen Ester, aka Sumo; Adrian Perry; Miguel Thompson; James Chenault, aka LJ; Saundra Lunsford; Carma Brown; April Reyes; and Briana McElroy were indicted by a federal grand jury in a 13-count indictment. All defendants were indicted on Count 1, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.
The defendants each pled guilty to Count 1 of the Indictment and Judge Rudofsky sentenced each of them to federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
Defendant
Age
City/State
Sentencing Date
Sentence
Adrian Perry39
England, Arkansas
6-2-2025
180 months,
5 years’ supervised release
Briana McElroy34
Dardanelle, Arkansas
4-15-2025
60 months,
4 years’ supervised release
Miguel Thompson42
Russellville, Arkansas
4-15-2025
197 months,
5 years’ supervised release
Jaylen Ester aka Sumo31
North Little Rock, Arkansas
1-16-2025
192 months,
5 years’ supervised release
April Reyes41
Russellville, Arkansas
12-16-2024
60 months,
4 years’ supervised release
Saundra Lunsford30
Russellville, Arkansas
12-10-2024
60 months,
4 years’ supervised release
James Chenault aka LJ42
Russellville, Arkansas
11-4-2024
210 months,
5 years’ supervised release
Carma Brown38
Russellville, Arkansas
10-22-2024
41 months,
4 years’ supervised release
Multiple defendants had significant criminal histories, and defendants Perry, Thompson, Chenault are classified as career offenders. Perry’s criminal history includes convictions for possession of cocaine with purpose to deliver and possession of marijuana with intent to deliver. The criminal history for Ester includes convictions for residential burglary and robbery. During Ester’s sentencing, the United States presented evidence to the court of his arrest for terroristic act, felon in possession of a firearm, and aggravated assault in an incident where Ester shot at an occupied residence with children present.
Thompson’s criminal history includes four convictions for delivery of marijuana, three convictions for possession with intent to deliver marijuana, intimidating a witness, delivery of methamphetamine, three convictions for possession with intent to deliver oxycodone, and terroristic act. Chenault’s criminal history includes three convictions for delivery of marijuana, battery and domestic battery, escape, possession of methamphetamine and cocaine with intent to deliver, and four convictions for delivery of cocaine or methamphetamine, aggravated assault, and possession of firearms by certain persons.
“Because fentanyl is so deadly and because it is being sent to our country by foreign adversaries ostensibly to result in the deaths of many Americans, our office will continue to regard the distribution of fentanyl as a violent crime which commands our office’s full attention,” said Ross. “Protecting our citizens from violent crime is the basic responsibility of law enforcement and so prosecuting those involved with distributing deadly drugs is part of the core mission at the Department of Justice. If you are involved in distributing the poisons of fentanyl and methamphetamine, we will not concern ourselves with trying to empathize with you as to why you made such despicable decisions; rather, we will commit to fully prosecuting you and seeking to keep you away from our communities through incarceration.”
Through an investigation, law enforcement officers learned that from 2020 through approximately December 2022, the defendants were distributing fentanyl for redistribution in the River Valley and central Arkansas areas.
In November 2021, information was received that Ester travelled to and from Little Rock and Russellville trafficking fentanyl from his girlfriend’s apartment. During surveillance of the girlfriend’s apartment, law enforcement officers observed the girlfriend leave in their vehicle. At this time law enforcement officers knocked on the door and Ester opened it and then attempted to shut the door, but law enforcement officers prevented the door from closing. Law enforcement officers observed children and Ester, a parolee who has a search waiver on file and felony warrants, inside the apartment. During a search of the apartment, law enforcement officers located fentanyl, marijuana, and close to $3,000 in cash. Law enforcement also recovered a bag of fentanyl tablets Ester’s girlfriend discarded, which Ester admitted was intended for distribution. Ester admitted obtaining thousands of fentanyl tablets and hundreds of pounds of marijuana for distribution.
On December 22, 2021, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop in which Perry, who had warrants, was a passenger. During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement officers located a can of Coke in the center console that contained 13 fentanyl pills. During a search of Perry’s person, law enforcement officers located $3,262.00.
In May 2022, law enforcement recovered fentanyl tablets and marijuana during an incident involving Chenault, and during the execution of a search warrant at Chenault and Lunsford’s residence located 142 whole fentanyl pills and ten partial fentanyl pills, over 300 grams of marijuana, and over 5 grams of methamphetamine. In July 2022, law enforcement recovered over 1,000 fentanyl tablets and cocaine from Thompson and McElroy after a traffic stop and search of Thompson’s residence. In August 2022, law enforcement recovered fentanyl tablets, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia from Reyes’s residence. In November 2022, law enforcement conducted multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl from Brown. On November 22, 2022, law enforcement officers conducted a home visit at Thompson’s residence and recovered methamphetamine, marijuana, and fentanyl.
“Sending career criminals like this to prison is another example of our commitment to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to protect our communities from those who spread fentanyl poison in our neighborhoods,” said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. “Bringing our expertise and resources to target individuals and organizations that plague our communities with drug trafficking is a top priority for ATF. The sentence imposed today sends a message to the community that drug traffickers will be held accountable.”
“The Russellville Police Department is proud to have played a role in the successful prosecution of those responsible for distributing these deadly drugs in our community,” said David Ewing, Chief of Police, Russellville Police Department. “This outcome reflects our ongoing commitment to working alongside our federal partners to combat the fentanyl crisis and protect the safety and well-being of our citizens.”
“I’m so proud of the dedicated people I have working with me in the Fifth Judicial Drug Task Force. Their cooperation with other local law enforcement in Pope County is so important in aggressively addressing criminal activity in our county - primarily drug sales and trafficking,” said Jeff Phillips, Fifth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney. “I also want to thank the federal authorities in partnering with us to make a difference in our community.”
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Fifth Judicial Drug Task Force, and the Russellville Police Department.
# # #
Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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Former Monroe County District Court Judge Sentenced to Two Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
HELENA-WEST HELENA—A man who has served as local judge, prosecutor, and criminal defense attorney was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for making false statements to the FBI. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down on May 19, 2025, by United States District Court Judge D. Price Marshall Jr. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial Thomas David Carruth, 64, of Clarendon, served as an elected Monroe County district court judge. In that role, Carruth presided over criminal and civil matters. In April 2022, Carruth met with the girlfriend of a defendant in a criminal case pending before him. The girlfriend sought Carruth’s assistance in getting her boyfriend’s case dismissed. During the meeting, which the girlfriend recorded, Carruth solicited sex and a lingerie show from her in exchange for assisting her boyfriend.
Carruth asked the girlfriend, “How do you feel about sex?” and “The next step back from that is, do you have any nice lingerie? …Do you mind letting me see you in it?” He also asked the girlfriend, “So, if you change your mind about giving me a lingerie show…well, you got a body that can do it and if you have an attitude where you like to wear lingerie, I’d love to look – to see it on you…If you change your mind about seeing what an old man can do, you know…”
The jury found that, when questioned by the FBI, Carruth lied to agents about the incident, including by falsely stating that he did not “request,” “ask,” “offer”, make “overture[s] about”, “insinuate,” or “even [think] about,” sex with the girlfriend.
The jury convicted Carruth of one count of making false statements. Carruth was acquitted of charges of bribery, honest services fraud, and violations of the Travel Act.
“When judges exploit their positions for personal gain, they pervert justice which erodes public trust in the judiciary,” said Ross. “The sentence underscores that no one, including a debauched judge, is above the law.”
"Officials who violate the public’s trust for their own personal gain have no place in our Arkansas communities,” said Alicia D. Corder, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Little Rock Field Office. “FBI Little Rock will continue to work with members of the ArkTrust Public Corruption Task Force to protect Arkansans from corruption and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.”
This case was investigated by the FBI. This case was prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Nicholas W. Cannon and Trial Attorney Madison H. Mumma of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section. They received substantial assistance from Assistant United States Attorney Julie Peters.
# # #
Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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Inmate Sentenced to 20 Years' Imprisonment for Attempted Kidnapping of Family Member of Retired Law Enforcement OfficerRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Houston Gregory, a convicted murderer with a violent criminal history, was sentenced to twenty years’ imprisonment to run consecutive for his role in the attempted kidnapping of a retired law enforcement officer’s family member. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by United States District Judge James M. Moody, Jr.
A federal grand jury indicted Gregory, 49, who is from North Little Rock but currently imprisoned and serving a sentence of life imprisonment for murder in Florida, in a one count indictment on April 5, 2023. Gregory was charged with attempted kidnapping. On January 28, 2025, Gregory pled no contest to the charge in the indictment.
In November 2022, law enforcement learned that Gregory was attempting to solicit the kidnapping of the family member of a retired detective who assisted in Gregory’s prosecution and conviction for capital murder, aggravated robbery, and theft in Arkansas. Gregory is serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole for those convictions and has a prior conviction for possession of cocaine with intent to deliver. He is serving his life sentence in Florida after he helped fellow Arkansas Department of Correction inmates plan an escape.
Throughout December 2022 and early January 2023, Gregory communicated with an undercover law enforcement officer (UC) via contraband cell phone and/or tablet from a Florida prison. Gregory solicited the assistance of the UC in the kidnapping of the detective’s family member with the proposed plan to hold the family member hostage until the detective provided a false affidavit stating that the detective lied in his testimony against Gregory. Gregory instructed the UC to be prepared to hold the family member hostage for up to 30 days. Gregory provided personal information about the family member to the UC and offered the UC money for the UC’s participation. On January 6, 2023, Gregory sent the UC a photo of a piece of paper with Gregory’s demands and threats written on it, which were to be conveyed to the retired detective.
In addition to the twenty-year federal sentence, Judge Moody also sentenced defendant to three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the ATF.
# # #
Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Possession with Intent to Distribute MarinjuanaRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Trevion Dickson, a multi-convicted felon who again illegally possessed guns and drugs, will spend the next 30 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the 360-month total sentence, which was handed down today by United States District Judge Brian S. Miller.
A federal grand jury indicted Dickson, 43, of Pine Bluff, in an indictment on December 5, 2023. On February 6, 2025, Dickson pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Judge Miller sentenced Dickson to 30 years on the firearm charge and five years on the drug charge, with the sentences to run concurrently.
On January 6, 2023, law enforcement officers from the White Hall Police Department were dispatched to an immobile vehicle revving its engine in the roadway. Dickson was standing next to the vehicle and upon questioning, Dickson fled from police on foot. He was later apprehended in a shed hiding behind a lawn mower and had to be physically restrained when officers attempted to take him into custody. At the time, Dickson had active felony warrants pending and was a parolee with a search waiver on file. Officers searched Dickson’s person and located methamphetamine, synthetic marijuana, marijuana, and alprazolam. During a search of Dickson’s vehicle officers located two sets of digital scales, marijuana, and a Smith & Wesson 9mm firearm.
Dickson has five previous felony cocaine convictions and two prior felony firearm convictions, as well as numerous other convictions. His criminal history classified him as an armed career criminal and enhanced his sentence.
Judge Miller also sentenced Dickson to three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by DEA with assistance from the White Hall Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacy Williams.
# # #
Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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Sin City Deciples Member Sentenced to 180 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Roger Lee Ervin Burton, age 55, of Merrillville, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to a racketeering conspiracy announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.
Burton was sentenced to 180 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to the Second Superseding Indictment, the Sin City Deciples, originally formed in 1967 in Gary, Indiana, is an outlaw motorcycle organization in which its members and associates engaged in acts of violence, extortion, and narcotics distribution in the Northern District of Indiana and elsewhere.
Burton served as a National Board Member of the entire club and was described by informants as one of the top three leaders in the criminal organization.
The agencies involved in this prosecution were: the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the East Chicago Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Gary Police Department, the Griffith Police Department, the Hammond Police Department, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division, the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area officers and agents, the Merrillville Police Department, the Munster Police Department, and the Schererville Police Department. Also aiding were the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern District of Arkansas, the Northern District of Illinois, the Southern District of Indiana, the Western District of Kentucky, and the Western District of Pennsylvania.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David J. Nozick, Michael J. Toth, and former Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly L. Schultz.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
This case was also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Large-Scale Drug Trafficker in Little Rock Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Theotis Thornton, a multi-convicted felon, will spend the next 20 years in federal prison for his significant role in a criminal organization that was responsible for distribution of methamphetamine and phencyclidine (PCP) in the Little Rock area and being a felon in possession of firearms. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down recently by United States District Judge D. P. Marshall, Jr.
A federal grand jury indicted Thornton, 42, of Little Rock, in a superseding indictment on November 6, 2024. Thornton was charged with possession of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, one kilogram or more of PCP, and being a felon in possession of firearms. On December 4, 2024, Thornton plead guilty to all charges in the superseding indictment.
On January 8, 2021, officers with the United States Marshal’s Service went to a residence in Little Rock, Arkansas, to execute a federal arrest warrant on the defendant’s brother, Thomas Thornton. Upon arrival, officers determined that Thomas Thornton was not home, but Theotis Thornton was in the residence. Theotis Thornton came to the door and advised officers that his brother was not at the house.
Both Thomas Thornton and Theotis Thornton were on active parole, and both had active search waivers on file. Due to concerns for safety, officers detained Theotis Thornton and conducted a safety sweep of the residence. During the safety sweep, officers observed a loaded firearm in plain view as well as drug paraphernalia inside the residence. Officers searched the vehicle belonging to Theotis Thornton that was parked at the residence and found more than 4.5 kilograms methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a magazine consistent with the firearm found in the bedroom. During the safety sweep, officers also observed surveillance equipment and a safe. Typical with the distribution of narcotics, the back room of the home had paraphernalia such as empty pill bottles and glass bottles.
Upon further investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant to search the safe. Upon opening the safe, officers located inside the safe multiple bags of multi-colored pills and tablets. Also discovered inside the safe were 8,826 grams of PCP in six bottles and over $27,000 in cash. The safe also contained documents belonging the brothers. Additionally, officers located in the safe and inside the residence six firearms: three Springfield Hellcat 9mm firearms; two Bushmaster, .223 caliber rifles, and a Glock, model 27, .40 caliber firearm.
In addition to the 20-year federal sentence, Judge Marshall also sentenced defendant to five years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Defendant has prior convictions for possession with intent to distribute marijuana and aggravated residential burglary.
This case was investigated by the Little Rock Police Department with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, DEA, and ATF. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bart Dickinson.
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This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available on-line at
http://www.justice.gov/edar
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Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown, Including One Arrest in the Eastern District of ArkansasRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—On May 7, 2025, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.
“The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.”
“Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.”
If you harm or exploit a child and we can find a way to federally prosecute you, we will,” said Jonathan D. Ross, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas. “Protecting children from predators is one of the most important responsibilities we have at the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The partnership among federal, state, and local law enforcement is crucial to bringing justice to the victims of these crimes.”
“This operation is a testament to the efforts of the FBI and our dedicated law enforcement partners to protect children in our communities,” said FBI Little Rock Special Agent in Charge Alicia D. Corder. “FBI Little Rock will continue to prioritize these investigations, seek justice for victims and hold predators accountable for their actions.”
As part of Operation Restore Justice, on May 6, 2025, the FBI in the Eastern District of Arkansas arrested a defendant that is alleged to have distributed large amounts of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in a chatroom dedicated to the sexual exploitation of children. The day he was arrested, the defendant possessed a cellular telephone that had multiple images of CSAM to include an image depicting a fully nude pre-pubescent female laying on her back. The image also depicted the pre-pubescent female’s hands and feet tied together with a white cord or rope and blindfolded.
Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims.
In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.
This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.
The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
Other online resources:
Electronic Press Kit
Violent Crimes Against Children
How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids
An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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Career Offender Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Bralyn Wadlington, who has numerous prior convictions for drug-related offense as well as other crimes, will spend the next 240 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, by United States District Judge Brian S. Miller.
On January 22, 2025, Wadlington, 28, of Little Rock, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Judge Miller also sentenced Wadlington to five years’ supervised release. On June 4, 2024, Wadlington was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of possession with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
On May 29, 2024, an Arkansas State Police (ASP) trooper conducted a traffic stop on a black Kia Optima for speeding. The trooper made contact with the driver, Wadlington, however, Wadlington then fled the scene in his vehicle at a high rate of speed. The trooper then engaged in a vehicle pursuit of Wadlington. During the pursuit, Wadlington evaded police until running the red light at the intersection of Asher Avenue and University Avenue, colliding with a civilian in a white truck. After the collision, Wadlington continued to disobey the trooper’s commands to comply and exited the passenger side of his vehicle and fled on foot. A second ASP trooper arrived on scene to assist and deployed his taser to subdue Wadlington and take him into custody.
Troopers conducted a search of Wadlington’s Kia Optima and in located in the backseat approximately 446.6 grams of methamphetamine, one FN Herstal, model Five-Seven, 5.7x28 mm caliber firearm, multiple rounds of various ammunitions, multiple bags, and a digital scale used in drug distribution.
Wadlington received enhanced penalties for the drug conviction at sentencing due to his status as a career offender because of his criminal history that includes residential burglary, two convictions for theft by receiving, possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance, two convictions for possession of a Schedule I/II controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession with purpose to deliver a controlled substance, two convictions for fleeing, fraud/deceit to procure narcotics, two convictions for possession of a firearm by certain persons. There is no parole in the federal system.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Arkansas State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Katie Hinojosa.
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This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
http://www.justice.gov/edar
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Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to 17 Years in Federal Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Demarius Chamon Johnson, a felon who possessed a firearm located next to a three-year old child, will spend the next 17 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the 204-month sentence, which was handed down today by United States District Judge Brian S. Miller.
A federal grand jury indicted Johnson, 35, of Jacksonville, in a superseding indictment on May 3, 2023. On January 24, 2025, Johnson pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On September 17, 2021, officers with the North Little Rock Police Department located a vehicle that had been reported stolen out of El Dorado parked at the Fairview Inn in North Little Rock. The hotel’s surveillance footage showed that an individual had parked the stolen vehicle and entered one of the rooms on the second floor. Officers went to the room, noted the door was open, and saw Johnson by the doorway. When officers entered the room, they noticed a firearm next to a three-year old child who was lying on one of the beds. Johnson was initially detained in relation to the stolen car. While being placed in handcuffs, Johnson stated, “that gun’s mine, it belongs to me.” The Colt Commander, .45 caliber pistol that was located on the bed had one round in the chamber and six rounds in the magazine. The firearm had been reported stolen out of Little Rock.
Johnson has at least three prior convictions for a violent felony or serious drug offense and is therefore classified as an armed career criminal. His criminal history includes residential burglary, attempted residential burglary, and felony drug possession and distribution.
Judge Miller also sentenced Johnson to three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by ATF with assistance from the North Little Rock Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda Jegley.
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This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available on-line at
http://www.justice.gov/edar
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Oak Grove Man Sentenced to 71 Months in Federal Prison for Committing Arson at a Federally Contracted Rehabilitation CenterRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Nathan James Hester will spend the next 71 months in federal prison after intentionally starting multiple fires at a federally contracted rehabilitation center in Searcy, Arkansas. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down on April 24, 2025, by Chief United States District Kristine G. Baker.
An investigation revealed that Hester, 39, of Oak Grove, was suspected of setting fire to several residences in the Oak Grove community in North Little Rock between September 2022 and October 2022. On October 20, 2022, Hester set fire to a business located in North Little Rock, for which he was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 2, 2022. While under indictment, Hester was released on pretrial supervision and resided at a federally contracted rehabilitation center. On November 27, 2022, while at the rehabilitation center, Hester set multiple fires inside of his assigned room while the center was occupied.
On October 3, 2023, in a superseding indictment, Hester was charged with arson relating to the fires at the federally contracted rehabilitation center. Hester pleaded guilty to the arson charge on August 8, 2024.
“Nathan James Hester is a serial arsonist who endangered others and caused property damage,” Ross said. “These crimes deserve federal attention, and if there are others who make the choice to endanger others and set fire to destroy properties and endanger others, this office will ensure you are held accountable.”
“ATF is dedicated to preventing and reducing violent crime involving the criminal misuse of arson like the kind Nathan James Hester inflicted on the residents of a rehabilitation center,” said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. “ATF remains vigilant about working fire investigations with our partners to solve these crimes and hold those accountable who use this dangerous violent tactic to harm the public.”
Chief Judge Baker also sentenced Hester to three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, Maumelle Police Department, Maumelle Fire Department, Oak Grove Fire Department, Arkansas State Police, Searcy Police Department, and the Searcy Fire Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin O’Leary.
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Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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@USAO_EDAR
Arkansas Woman Sentenced to 36 Months in Federal Prison for Stealing over $300,000 from Elderly Customers at a New Hampshire Credit UnionRead the Press Release
CONCORD – An Arkansas woman was sentenced today in federal court for stealing over $300,000 from elderly customers at a New Hampshire credit union, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack and U.S. Attorney Jonathan D. Ross announce.
Tyra Brown, 27, of Benton Arkansas, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian S. Miller of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas to 36 months in prison and three years of supervised release. On January 23, 2025, Brown pleaded guilty in the Eastern District of Arkansas to one count of wire fraud.
“The defendant deliberately abused her position of trust and chose to target elderly account holders, knowing some of whom were unfamiliar with electronic banking,” said Acting U.S. Attorney McCormack. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners are vigilantly working to protect Granite Staters from fraudsters like the defendant.”
“Tyra Brown had no compunction about swindling elderly victims out of their hard-earned money. What she did isn’t just cowardly, it’s cruel,” said James Crowley, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The FBI will never stop working to shut down elder fraud schemes like this one.”
Brown was a customer service representative for a New Hampshire credit union. Because of her job, Brown could access customers’ personal identifying information, security questions and answers, and account balances. She was only permitted to access customer account information for business purposes, such as to answer customer questions on calls. Brown used that access to steal $301,674.89 from at least 10 elderly victims and attempted to steal $428,526.85 in total. Brown used wires, electronic debits, and Zelle to transfer victim funds to other accounts.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation in New Hampshire led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander S. Chen of the District of New Hampshire and Katie Hinojosa of the Eastern District of Arkansas prosecuted the case.
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