How much help are American volunteers in Ukraine? Named after lead defendant Derrick Hart, 27, of North Little Rock, this operation targeted drug distribution in the North Little Rock area. According to the Little Rock Police. 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. The White County Sheriffs Office is praising the actions of a deputy after millions of dollars worth of narcotics were discovered during a traffic stop. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Fordson faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. Gladney was listed as a defendant in the indictment that was a result of the FBI focusing on the EBK gang, as was his father Freddie Gladney, Jr. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Clinton Presidential Center debuting Dinosaur Explorer, Tuesday Morning going out of business, set to close, Jacksonvilles farmers market set to kick off 2023, Pay-per-article service coming to Twitter, Le Creuset just launched a dreamy new color for spring, Our fitness expert weighs in on this years top spring, Picnic-planning ideas for the spring season, Clinton Presidential Center debuts dino exhibit in, Yellen says drop-dead date for debt ceiling is June, Tuesday Morning closing, including 8 AR stores, Jacksonvilles farmers market starts 2023 season, Hunter Biden in AR court over child support payments, Four bald eagles dead, $5k reward for suspect info, CALS to undergo renovation & prepare for new space, Embattled UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson resigns, Zelensky: There will be two Victory Days in Ukraine. Multiple undercover operations and numerous other law enforcement actions, including multiple seizures of cocaine and crack cocaine were used during the investigation. Two FBI operations, each focused on a rival gang, were created to address violence and drug trafficking in the corridor between Pine Bluff and Little Rock. Before Wednesdays DEA arrests, investigators seized $146,000 in cash, 10 firearms, 12 pounds of methamphetamine, 1.2 kilograms of powder fentanyl, 600 pressed fentanyl pills, 10 pounds of marijuana, and nine ounces of cocaine. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Collins, Ross said, was working as a task force officer the day he was killed, and he said the investigation into gang violence done by the slain officer had provided much of the intelligence, built upon over the next two years, that was the basis for the indictments. The units investigations and operations are coordinated out of FBI Little Rocks field office, and GETROCK continues to serve as the clearinghouse for gang-related law enforcement activity in Central Arkansas. As a part of his guilty plea Wednesday, Gioelli admitted the amount of fentanyl he distributed was between eight and 16 grams. From a video recorded inside the confidential source's vehicle, Rhodes can be seen pulling out a large plastic bag with an "off white" substance containing a heroin/fentanyl mixture. In total, deputies found 62 lbs. Marshals, Arkansas National Guard, Arkansas State Police, the U.S. Attorneys office, and the FBI.. The FBI conducted their operations with assistance from Arkansas State Police, Arkansas Department of Community Corrections, Little Rock Police Department, North Little Rock Police Department, Pine Bluff Police Department, and Jonesboro Police Department. A locked padlock The release says authorities seized about 16.2 pounds of cocaine, 7.7 pounds of marijuana, 13 firearms and $9,540. Former DEA special agent Derek Maltz breaks down how Mexican cartels are utilizing social media sites to 'target' young children on 'Lawrence Jones Cross Country.'. 15 people arrested in Little Rock-based drug trafficking bust. Possession with intent to distribute more than 28 grams but less than 280 grams of crack cocaine is punishable by not less than five years, not more than 40 years incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons with a possible fine of up to $5,000,000, and not less than four years supervised release. Eighteen individuals were indicted because of the DEAs investigation. Pine Bluff Police Detective Kevin Collins was shot and killed in October 2020 while serving an arrest warrant on an EBK associate wanted for a homicide in Georgia. "We won't stop until we have all of them in custody.". Arraignments held for 13 people charged in NLR-area drug bust 2021-11-11 - DALE ELLIS . Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Police lights are shown in this file photo. The FBI conducted their operations with assistance from Arkansas State Police, Arkansas Department of Community Corrections, Little Rock Police Department, North Little Rock Police Department, Pine Bluff Police Department, and Jonesboro Police Department. We will continue to identify and bring to justice offenders like these to protect our communities and the U.S. Mail.. The investigations into the rival gangs and their involvement in the drug and firearms pipeline in Arkansas gained momentum in October 2020 after Pine Bluff Police Detective Kevin Collins was shot and killed while serving an arrest warrant on an EBK member wanted for homicide in Georgia. Authorities also seized four firearms including an AR-style pistol, 2 ounces of cocaine, 1 ounce of crack-cocaine and $30,000 on Wednesday morning. Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana: Possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine: Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine is punishable by not less than 10 years, not more than life, incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons with a possible fine of up to $10,000,000, and not less than five years supervised release. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Pine Bluff Police Detective Kevin Collins was shot and killed in October 2020 while serving an arrest warrant on an EBK associate wanted for a homicide in Georgia. (KAIT) - The eight people arrested in connection with a federal and state drug bust earlier this week in Jonesboro have appeared in federal court, with an initial trial date now set. These efforts are part of several Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operations. Manuel Taylor was charged in a separate indictment. They also bought more than a 2.2 pounds of cocaine from the organization and used. Investigation revealed the drugs were being mailed into Arkansas from California, and these shipmentswhich included kilogram-quantities of methamphetamine and thousands of pressed fentanyl pillswere then distributed to individuals in Little Rock and Pine Bluff as well as Houston, Texas. A locked padlock Police executed a search warrant at 2:30 p.m. at 10520 W. Markham St. and reported finding the Xanax, along with methamphetamine and assorted drug paraphernalia, the report said. Lane said last fiscal year, the total dollar amount of seized drugs from task force members was around $79 million. Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. "We've taken most of those into custody and in the coming days we hope to take the remainder in," he said. Terrell Fordson, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, while federal prosecutors dismissed two other charges. The second investigation focused on the Loady Murder Mobb gang and resulted in the indictment of 26 defendants. The 80 individuals sought were charged with various federal firearms and drug trafficking charges. The DEA's investigation found drugs were mailed from California into Arkansas in shipments that included kilogram-quantities of methamphetamine and thousands of pressed fentanyl pills, according. An investigative focus on the pipeline of drugs and firearms between Pine Bluff and Little Rock resulted in the indictment of 80 individuals, all charged with various federal firearms and drug trafficking charges in multiple indictments that were unsealed today. At this time, agents located LSD, Kratom, marijuana, paraphernalia, MDMA (ecstasy), mushrooms, $2,449.00, five firearms, and cocaine. All rights reserved. The second investigation focused on the Loady Murder Mobb gang and resulted in the indictment of 26 defendants. Tuesday, the unnamed drug interdiction deputy was patrolling along highway 67 near Searcy when he pulled over a car for a lane change violation. Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute more than 280 grams of crack cocaine is punishable by not less than 10 years, not more than life, incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons with a possible fine of up to $10,000,000, and not less than five years supervised release. The DEA Little Rock Office was assisted by the DEA Riverside, California office, United States Postal Inspection Service, North Little Rock Police Department, Sherwood Police Department and Benton Police Department. Two Drug Conspiracies Land Little Rock Man in Federal Prison for 18 Years Thursday, May 5, 2022 Share For Immediate Release U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Arkansas LITTLE ROCKA Little Rock man's involvement in two separate drug conspiracies will end with him spending 18 years in federal prison. This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. Material from the Associated Press is Copyright 2023, Associated Press and may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Three men pleaded guilty in two separate fentanyl cases in federal court in Little Rock on Wednesday. Collins and another officer were shot in the incident, and Collins died of his wounds at a local hospital. Three; Michael Dawkins, Rodriques Davis and Richard Beason, are still at large. Prior to his death, Detective Collins was assisting FBI with intelligence related to criminal activity of these gangs, as well as surveillance, interviews, and arrests of individuals responsible for criminal activity in Pine Bluff. This spring, Le Creuset has introduced an exciting new shade thats already selling fast: shallot, a soft lavender with pink and slight gray undertones. In addition, agents seized more than nine ounces of crack cocaine and more than 165 pounds of marijuana. The third investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, or DEA, which began in August 2021 after the agency and North Little Rock Police Department identified street-level methamphetamine and fentanyl dealers in central Arkansas, who were connected to the same source of supply as the rival gangs. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. He was trying to make an arrest of a guy who had already killed someone.". Dubbed Operation Candyland, this investigation by the FBI, Arkansas Eastern District of Arkansas Box 1229 The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Chris Givens and Benecia Moore. A third operation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration began in August 2021 when DEA and the North Little Rock Police Department identified street-level methamphetamine and fentanyl. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Between March 2021 and June 2022, the FBI utilized 12 wiretaps to get real-time information and intervene to prevent violence in Pine Bluff, Little Rock and other communities throughout the state. An investigation into a large-scale drug trafficking organization based in Little Rock resulted in the early-morning arrests of 22 defendants on charges involving distribution of cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana, weapons possession, and money laundering charges. Relatives say former US Marine killed fighting in, What about Paul Whelan and Brittney Griner left in, Russia frees US Marine vet as part of prisoner exchange, Strike kills 50 at crowded Ukraine rail station, Pink Floyd members reunite and record song for Ukraine, US to send $100M more in military aid to Ukraine, Ukrainian poisonings kill 2 Russian soldiers: officials, Sanders names AR Division of Higher Ed. U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Arkansas, Investigations Built on the Work of Late Pine Bluff Detective Kevin Collins, Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee (LECC), Three Federal Operations in Pine Bluff and Little Rock Lead to Dozens of Drug & Firearm Arrests, 35 Years In Federal Prison for Convicted Cocaine Trafficker, Operation "Candyland" Leads to Multiple Drug Arrests in Marianna and Forrest City, Little Rock Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Distributing Fentanyl That Resulted in Death. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File). Money laundering is punishable by not more than 20 years incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons with a possible fine of up to $500,000, and not more than three years supervised release. Javier Rodela and Alejandro Flores of El Paso Texas were charged with trafficking a controlled substance and are being held in the White County Detention Center on $400,000 bonds. Three defendants are named in multiple indictments. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Little Rock District Office conducted their operation with assistance from DEA Riverside, California District Office; USPIS; North Little Rock Police Department; Sherwood Police Department; and Benton Police Department. This operation, named after lead defendant Derrick Hart, 27, of North Little Rock, targeted drug distribution in the North Little Rock area. In addition to the arrests, during the operation authorities seized 4 firearms, one of which was an AR-style pistol; 2 ounces of cocaine; 1 ounce of crack cocaine; and $30,000 cash. Following a three-day trial and after one hour of deliberation, the jury convicted Jemel Foster, 32, of four federal drug and firearm crimes, including distribution of fentanyl that resulted in death. - Deputies in Johnson County say they made a huge drug bust during a traffic stop Tuesday but think the bigger crime was the suspects bringing Little Debbie into the mix. The units investigations and operations are coordinated out of FBI Little Rocks field office, and GETROCK continues to serve as the clearinghouse for gang-related law enforcement activity in Central Arkansas. LITTLE ROCKThree federal investigations culminated in 45 arrests this morning. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Michael Gioelli pleaded guilty to knowingly distributing a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl with prosecutors dropping the rest of the counts against him. "When my alarm went off at 3:15 this morning," Harper said,"Detective Collins' spirit was with not just me, but the entire team, the investigative team, the arrest team and the prosecutorial team.". During FBI wiretapped phone calls and text messages between Fordson and Fuller, Fordson negotiated the purchase and distribution of fentanyl from Fuller. "The investigation revealed drug trafficking and travel between Arkansas and Texas, California, Arizona, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee and Oklahoma.". He has a lot of things that he looks for to pick up on people that may be trafficking, explained Lt. Scott Seiders with WCSO. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Chancellor Damphousse Elected to Serve As President of Sun Belt Conference, In a Position to Give Some Magic This Season? Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute more than 28 grams but less than 280 grams of crack cocaine is punishable by not less than five years, not more than 40 years incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons with a possible fine of up to $5,000,000, and not less than four years supervised release. According to the indictment, Freddie Gladney III and the 34 other individuals allegedly knowingly and intentionally distributed and possessed cocaine, crack-cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana. P.O. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Of the 80 defendants indicted in the three investigations, 8 of those were already in custody when this mornings roundup began. Courtney Rhodes pleaded guilty to the distribution of a controlled substance, while the U.S. government dismissed three other charges. Ross said Wednesday's arrests were part of three separate -- but related -- operations, two of which were conducted by the FBI and the third by the DEA, with both organizations working in concert with state and local police in Little Rock, North Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Jonesboro and Helena-West Helena to interrupt what was described as a "pipeline" of drugs and guns moving between Pine Bluff and Little Rock. Copyright 2023, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. All three will be sentenced at later dates. During the "controlled buy," Rhodes asked the confidential source, "What you got?" O.C. Distribution of less than 500 grams of cocaine is punishable by not more than 20 years incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons with a possible fine of up to $1,000,000, and not less than three years supervised release. The FBI investigation began in January 2013. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. No Thanks The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anne Gardner. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. North Little police arrest man carrying over $175,000 worth of drugs, guns Authorities arrested 33-year-old Michael Hall for outstanding warrants. At that time, officers noticed marijuana in plain view and placed Tylor Clairday and Amber Smith under arrest for the trafficking charge. with the source replying "I need two of em," meaning two grams of heroin/fentanyl, according to the plea agreement. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. The investigation revealed drug trafficking and travel between Arkansas and Texas, California, Arizona, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Oklahoma. In addition to his active warrants, Hall was also charged with trafficking due to his possession of fentanyl. Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 50 kilograms but less than 100 kilograms of marijuana is punishable by not more than 20 years incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons with a possible fine of up to $1,000,000, and not less than three years supervised release. According to a news report, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas said a grand jury indicted 19 . Bragg credited the arrests on Wednesday to work begun by Pine Bluff Det. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chris Givens. He adds the dedication of this deputy resulted in more than just drugs off the street it saved lives, potentially thousands. "These operations today are, in part, a continuation of those efforts," Dawson said, adding that the indictments unsealed on Wednesday are part of an ongoing effort to disrupt the activities of violent street gangs in Arkansas. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. Legal Statement. The investigations focused on rival gangs responsible for violence throughout central Arkansas, with one operation focused on the EBK -- Every Body Killas -- gang and resulting in the indictment of 35 defendants. Lock During the search, drugs were found and the two men were arrested. In December 2020, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) began an investigation into a methamphetamine and cocaine distribution ring based in the McAlmont neighborhood of North Little Rock. Both Clairday and Smith were booked into the Greene County Detention Center on trafficking a controlled substance, simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, manufacturing a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and several charges of possession of controlled substances with purpose to deliver. Before todays DEA arrests, investigators seized $146,000 in cash, 10 firearms, 12 pounds of methamphetamine, 1.2 kilograms of powder fentanyl, 600 pressed fentanyl pills, 10 pounds of marijuana, and nine ounces of cocaine. A press release from the drug task force detailed a large interagency drug bust this week in NEA. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, with assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies including: the Little Rock Police Department, Benton Police Department, Sherwood Police Department, Pulaski County Sheriffs Office, Arkansas National Guard, Arkansas State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, and United States Marshal Service. . LITTLE ROCKA federal jury convicted a Little Rock man who distributed the fentanyl that resulted in a person's overdose death in early 2021. Javier Rodela and Alejandro Flores of El Paso Texas were charged with trafficking a controlled substance and are being held in the White County Detention Center on $400,000 bonds. The two FBI operations, each focused on a rival gang, were created to address violence and drug trafficking in the corridor between Pine Bluff and Little Rock. PressReader. The investigation revealed drug trafficking and travel between Arkansas and Texas, California, Arizona, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Oklahoma. He is charged with felony escape, two felony counts of possession of Schedule II drugs with purpose, felony possession of Schedule I drugs with purpose, felony possession of drug paraphernalia and felony possession of marijuana with purpose. With this investigation, DEA, working with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, has taken down a drug trafficking organization responsible for bringing significant amounts of these illegal dangerous drugs into Arkansas through the U.S. "Kevin really worked hard at his job and being a police officer," Hobbs said. On October 25, 2021, three separate . An official website of the United States government. A man briefly broke free and fled from North Little Rock police officers arresting him on drug charges during a traffic stop Friday afternoon, according to an arrest report. An indictment contains only allegations. - Federal agents say an investigation into a drug distribution ring in North Little Rock led to multiple arrests and the seizure of drugs and guns Tuesday. Not only are the drugs taken off the street, but the associated weapons and criminal enterprise is removed from our neighborhoods. Courtney Rhodes pleaded guilty to the distribution of a controlled substance, while the. Example video title will go here for this video. The press release said Collins was assisting the FBI with intelligence pertaining to the criminal activity of the gangs, as well as surveillance, interviews and arrests of those involved in criminal activity in Pine Bluff. DEA agents arrest 13, seize drugs & gun in North Little Rock neighborhood bust During the search, drugs were found and the two men were arrested. This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. Material from the Associated Press is Copyright 2023, Associated Press and may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. We are fortunate to have good working relationships where drug trafficking organizations such as this one are dismantled. Authorities arrested Michael Hall and during the arrest police found nearly two handguns, digital scales, suboxone, marijuana, and nearly 2-lbs of fentanyl in his possession that's valued at roughly $175,520 according to reports. Gladney was arrested Wednesday in Jonesboro. During the investigation, DEA covertly purchased approximately two pounds of methamphetamine from various co-conspirators and seized more than a pound of methamphetamine and several firearms during the execution of search warrants. Use of a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking crime is punishable by not more than four years incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons with a possible fine of up to $250,000, and not more than one year supervised release. During Tuesdays arrests, officers recovered an additional AR-15 rifle. U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Arkansas, Methamphetamine, Firearms Recovered from North Little Rock Drug Ring, Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee (LECC), "Operation Hartbreak Kid" Results in Thirteen Arrests, 35 Years In Federal Prison for Convicted Cocaine Trafficker, Operation "Candyland" Leads to Multiple Drug Arrests in Marianna and Forrest City, Little Rock Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Distributing Fentanyl That Resulted in Death. Agents with Homeland Security received information from FedEx and Border Patrol regarding a package shipped from Mexico to Rector, Arkansas that contained approximately fifteen pounds of DMT, which is a hallucinogenic schedule I controlled substance. These arrests are indicative of our commitment to rid our communities of these criminals determined to profit on the backs of addiction. Agencies that assisted the FBI in executing their operations included the Arkansas State Police, Arkansas Department of Community Corrections, Little Rock Police Department, North Little Rock Police Department, Pine Bluff Police Department and Jonesboro Police Department. Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute less than 500 grams of cocaine is punishable by not more than 20 years incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons with a possible fine of up to $1,000,000, and not less than three years supervised release. During the investigation, Hart and Tetus Jenkins, 43, of North Little Rock, were identified as the sources of supply to more than eight other individuals. Three more defendants, Quincy Martez Chambers, Deandreian Devonte Meadows, and Joseph Riggins, Jr., are charged separately in stand-alone indictments. Email Email. Official websites use .gov One FBI investigation focused on the Every Body Killas, or EBK gang, which resulted in 35 indictments, and the other focused on the Loady Murder Mobb Gang, which resulted in 26 indictments. Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Officers stopped a vehicle driven by Jayuian Ellington, 44, of North Little Rock for having defective equipment and smelled marijuana coming from inside the vehicle, the report said. The drugs were then distributed to individuals in Little Rock and Pine Bluff, Arkansas, as well as Houston, Texas.
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