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. "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.". Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use. 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. Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute more than 500 grams but less than 5 kilograms of 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. 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. 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. In addition to those arrested on Tuesday, seven others have been charged and arrested in separate indictments in connection with this operation. 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. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. Law enforcement discovered that the gangs were funding their violent activity primarily through the sale of large quantities of high-grade marijuana. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Agents with Homeland Security then made contact with Clay County 2nd Judicial DTF Agents and arranged a controlled delivery to the address in Rector, AR. An official website of the United States government. On Wednesday and in prior operations involving the EBK and Loady Murder Mobb gangs, investigators seized a total of 46 firearms, including two machine guns; approximately $805,000 in cash and $428,000 in jewelry; approximately 278 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $450,000; nine ounces of cocaine; four ounces of crack cocaine; 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine; and 116 pills containing fentanyl. That investigation revealed that drugs were being shipped from California to Arkansas -- including kilogram quantities of methamphetamine and thousands of pressed fentanyl pills -- and were then distributed to individuals in Pine Bluff, Little Rock and Houston. Fordson, also a part of the Fuller fentanyl distribution ring, agreed with Fuller and others in 2018 to "distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.". This organization used the mail system to evade detection in order to facilitate their operation. 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. O.C. At that time, officers noticed marijuana in plain view and placed Tylor Clairday and Amber Smith under arrest for the trafficking charge. 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. 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. Rhodes and Fordson are just two of the nine people indicted as part of the Monterrio "Money" Fuller fentanyl distribution ring. 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. 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. These arrests are indicative of our commitment to rid our communities of these criminals determined to profit on the backs of addiction. FBI.gov is an official site of the U.S. Department of Justice, Christopher Lamont JONES, 41, Little Rock, Ladeitrick HAMPTON, 33, North Little Rock, Willie Joseph TYLER, JR., 37, Little Rock, Rodriques DAngelo DAVIS, 30, Little Rock, Christina Akins BREWSTER, 27, Little Rock. He said the arrests on Wednesday began at 6 a.m. as officers fanned out looking for more than 60 defendants named in the two FBI indictments. Hobbs said the announcement of Wednesday's arrests was particularly meaningful to both him and Collins' mother because of the credit Collins received from federal authorities for the part he played in the investigations. POLICE BEAT: Drug search leads to woman's arrest - Arkansas Online Little Rock agencies seize 'copious amounts' of meth, fentanyl - MSN Law enforcement began early this morning by searching for 72 suspects, all of whom were indicted for federal gun and drug trafficking crimes. Market data provided by Factset. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) to find and dismantle groups who misuse the U.S. Mail, said Thomas Noyes, Inspector in Charge of the Fort Worth Division of the USPIS. Legal Statement. The street value of the package of DMT is over $100,000. That indictment named an additional 18 defendants. Reports say that authorities made the arrest around 5:43 p.m. on Idaho Drive after they found Hall inside of a vehicle. Ke'shone Smith of Pine Bluff, who was wanted for a murder in Georgia when Collins was killed, is scheduled to go on trial for Collins' murder April 17 in Jefferson County Circuit Court. 15 people arrested in Little Rock-based drug trafficking bust. Arraignments held for 13 people charged in NLR-area drug bust Rawls, 50, of Benton, was sentenced to 420 months imprisonment for his role in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine. In March 2021, the FBIs GETROCK Task Force obtained a wiretap and used a total of twelve wiretaps through June 2022 as a source of real-time information to intervene and prevent violence in Pine Bluff, Little Rock, and other communities throughout the state. All told, the FBI purchased more than 1.75 kilos of cocaine from the Freddie Brewster drug trafficking organization (DTO) in a dozen controlled purchases. Twenty-seven fugitives remain after Wednesdays arrests. Three more defendants, Quincy Martez Chambers, Deandreian Devonte Meadows, and Joseph Riggins, Jr., are charged separately in stand-alone indictments. Rhodes bites off two pieces to weigh on a set of electronic scales and can be seen counting money, according to the plea agreement. A locked padlock We are proud of this partnership which remains focused on dismantling the violent criminal enterprises which attempt to root their networks within our communities, said Special Agent In Charge David T. Resch of the FBI Little Rock Field Office. 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. North Little police arrest man carrying over $175,000 worth of drugs, guns Authorities arrested 33-year-old Michael Hall for outstanding warrants. 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. Three Federal Operations in Pine Bluff and Little Rock Lead to Dozens The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing. News of Gladney's arrest was reported by TMZ on Wednesday afternoon. 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. DEA agents have seized $146,000 in cash, 10 firearms, 12 pounds of methamphetamine, 1.2 kilograms of powdered fentanyl, 600 pressed fentanyl pills, 10 pounds of marijuana, and nine ounces of cocaine. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Additional support was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Homeland Security Investigations; United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); Arkansas National Guard Counterdrug Joint Task Force; and the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory. 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. Eastern District of Arkansas | Central Arkansas Drug Organization Arkansas Drug Director Kirk Lane is seeing more of these stories, massive busts on highways and side roads as traffickers travel the state. Share on Twitter Twitter 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. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Email Email. A lock () or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. 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. Lane said last fiscal year, the total dollar amount of seized drugs from task force members was around $79 million. A third operation, led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), began in August 2021 when the North Little Rock Police Department identified street-level methamphetamine and fentanyl. Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use. Three federal investigations focused on the drug and firearm pipeline in Arkansas came to a head on Wednesday morning when 80 indictments were unsealed and 45 arrests were made, which included. 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. Of the 80 defendants indicted in the three investigations, 8 of those were already in custody when this mornings roundup began. 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. Little Rock, AR 72203, Telephone:(501) 340-2600 (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Staci Vandagriff). Most of the defendants who were arrested this morning will appear at a later date for arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Joe J. Volpe. Along with trafficking, Hall was additionally charged with simultaneous possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, and two counts of possession of a controlled substance with purpose. The formal accusation accuses Gladney of selling marijuana, possessing several firearms including 9mm handguns, an AM15 multi-caliber rifle, 5.56 NATO caliber rifle and SKS rifle. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. O.C. 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. Get FBI email alerts LITTLE ROCK, Ark. As a part of his guilty plea Wednesday, Gioelli admitted the amount of fentanyl he distributed was between eight and 16 grams. 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. 2:20 CR 20017-001-018 (Original Indictment issued August 26, 2020, Superseding Indictment issued October 7, 2020) All rights reserved. Fordson faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. The 80 individuals sought were charged with various federal firearms and drug trafficking charges. LITTLE ROCK, ARChristopher R. Thyer, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas; along with David T. Resch, Special Agent in Charge of the Little Rock Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and Little Rock Police Department Chief Kenton Buckner announced the unsealing of a 62-count indictment charging multiple defendants in Arkansas, Georgia, Texas and Tennessee, with multiple drug, weapons and money laundering charges. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Manuel Taylor was charged in a separate indictment. How much help are American volunteers in Ukraine? The investigation revealed drug trafficking and travel between Arkansas and Texas, California, Arizona, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Oklahoma. Have a question about Government Services? Secure .gov websites use HTTPS FBIs GETROCK Task Force was formed in 2017 in response to the escalation in gang and gun violence in Little Rock. "Law enforcement discovered that the gangs were funding their violent activity primarily through the sale of large quantities of high-grade marijuana," the release read. 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. Rawls, 50, of Benton, was sentenced to 420 months imprisonment for his role in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine. DEA is committed to its partnerships with all of our law enforcement allies in our ongoing efforts to make our communities safer and a better place for our families and children. We appreciate the dedication and commitment of our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners who conducted this investigation and made these arrests., Methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl are insidious, addictive drugs that consume all who abuse them, said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jarad Harper. The indictment was handed down by a Federal Grand Jury on . 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The drugs tested positive for opiates and are believed to be fentanyl. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Kevin Collins, who was shot to death Oct. 5, 2020 as he attempted to serve an arrest warrant on a known member of the EBK street gang. Rhodes appeared in front of U.S. District Judge Brian S. Miller and was taken into custody after agreeing to plead guilty. Have a question about Government Services? Smith was booked into the Clay County Detention Center on the charge of trafficking a controlled substance. 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.'. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Example video title will go here for this video. This investigation culminated in the indictment of 18 defendants. Todays arrests are the culmination of a long term collaboration between the Little Rock, Benton, and Sherwood Police Departments, as well as the Pulaski County Sheriffs Department, U.S. 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. During Tuesdays arrests, officers recovered an additional AR-15 rifle. 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. Catalog; For You; Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. This operation, named after lead defendant Derrick Hart, 27, of North Little Rock, targeted drug distribution in the North Little Rock area. She is charged with felony trafficking Xanax, felony possession of methamphetamine with purpose, felony possession of drug paraphernalia, felony possession of drugs in proximity to certain facilities and felony unauthorized use of another person's property. Jim Dawson, the special agent in charge of the local FBI office, said after Collins' death, the FBI banded together with investigative partners around the state to accelerate efforts to address the problem of violent crime in central Arkansas. [], During this years competition, competitors will use their robots to simulate a waterway cleanup. The investigations focused on rival gangs responsible for violence throughout central Arkansas, with one operation focused on the EBK or Every Body Killas gang and resulting in the indictment of 35 defendants. Prior to Wednesdays FBI arrests in their operations involving the EBK and Loady Murder Mobb gangs, investigators seized 42 firearms, including two machine guns; approximately $775,000 in cash and $428,000 in jewelry; approximately 278 pounds of marijuana, which has an approximate street value of $450,000; 7 ounces of cocaine; 3 ounces of crack cocaine; 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine; and 116 pills containing fentanyl. All rights reserved. 7 arrested in Jonesboro drug bust, $35,000 worth of meth - KATV After the delivery, agents executed a search warrant into the Rector home to retrieve the package and arrested Jacob Smith, who accepted the package from undercover DTF agents. 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. Collins and another officer were shot in the incident, and Collins died of his wounds at a local hospital. WHITE COUNTY, Ark. The counts include conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana, aiding and abetting the distribution of cocaine, felon in possession of firearms, money laundering, and the use of telephone to facilitate a drug trafficking crime. Arkansas drug and firearm investigations lead to 80 indictments - MSN On June 16, 2021, Agents with Homeland Security and the Second Judicial District Drug Task Force, partnered with officers from Jonesboro Police Department, Arkansas State Police, Craighead County Sheriffs Department, Greene County Sheriffs Department, Clay County Sheriffs Department, Rector Police Department, Marmaduke Police Department, Pocahontas Police Department, and the Paragould Police Department in what started as a controlled delivery of a package of drugs from Mexico, and led into the shutdown of a 4 year long mushroom and DMT home lab and dispensary. 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. We will continue to identify and bring to justice offenders like these to protect our communities and the U.S. Mail.. GEORGIA MAN ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY STEALING $50K FROM ELDERLY WOMAN, POSSESSION OF GUNS AND MARIJUANA, Rapper Bankroll Freddie attends his Birthday Party at Onyx Nightclub on April 7, 2021 in Atlanta. Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use. PressReader. Afterward, Charles Hobbs, Collins' stepfather, expressed his appreciation for the work that went into the investigations. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Dubbed Operation Candyland, this investigation by the FBI, Arkansas Eastern District of Arkansas Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Main Office: Sounds like bad cops planting shit and another thing the Clairday boy I can guarantee he doesnt mess with meth nor cocaine due to loosing family members to that drug he hates it. commissioner, AR Guardsmen win International Sniper Competition, AR hunter facing fines for killing Alaska caribou, Free concerts, food at Bridge Street LIVE in Hot, Man who lost wife, son in mass shooting tells story, Regulators seize First Republic in 3rd bank failure, BestReviews.com - Top gifts to make everyone happy this spring, Surprise your mom with one of these Mothers Day, Mothers Day inspo: This foot massager has 20,000, Drew Barrymores Walmart collection is perfect for, Best Mothers Day gifts for the budding plant mom, Best Mothers Day Gifts for moms obsessed with books, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. 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. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Representatives from law enforcement agencies across the state converse before a news conference Wednesday at the U.S. attorneys office in Little Rock. All rights reserved. Twenty-seven fugitives remain after this mornings arrests. A federal investigation dubbed Operation Mad Hatter led to the arrest of 15 individuals authorities say are tied to a central Arkansas drug trafficking organization. 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. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File). He is charged with capital murder and is facing a possible death sentence if he is convicted. 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. Manuel Taylor was charged in a separate indictment. The indictment was handed down by a Federal Grand Jury on September 11, 2014. (Prince Williams/Wireimage). 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. A lock ( Police lights are shown in this file photo. Authorities arrested 33-year-old Michael Hall for outstanding warrants. Eight plead not guilty in federal, state drug bust in Jonesboro - KAIT Notify me of follow-up comments by email. These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Julie Peters and Amanda Fields with assistance from Cameron McCree. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. During the arrest, authorities found guns and. 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. (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. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. "His name is still out there, people still think about him and he's still helping to make arrests," Hobbs said. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Legal Statement. with the source replying "I need two of em," meaning two grams of heroin/fentanyl, according to the plea agreement. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. Box 1229 We are fortunate to have good working relationships where drug trafficking organizations such as this one are dismantled. He was taken to the Pulaski County jail but was no longer on the jail roster as of Saturday evening. An indictment contains only allegations. Marshals, Arkansas National Guard, Arkansas State Police, the U.S. Attorneys office, and the FBI.. Lock The FBI investigation began in January 2013. Three men pleaded guilty in two separate fentanyl cases in federal court in Little Rock on Wednesday. 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 took Hall to the Pulaski County Regional Detention Facility where he's currently being held without bond until he appears in North Little Rock Court on Tuesday, January 4, 2022.
Australian Woman Dies On Everest 2021,
Logan Thirtyacre Brother,
Dillian Whyte Oldest Child,
Foid Card Denied Mental Health,
Articles D
