Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. These efforts are part of several Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operations. 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. A search found methamphetamine, cocaine, Ecstasy, marijuana and a digital scale, according to the report. Possession with the intent 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. 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 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. Three men pleaded guilty in two separate fentanyl cases in federal court in Little Rock on Wednesday. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Drug trafficking brings violence and fear to our communities, and we will do everything we can to protect our streets from these crimes, stated Jonathan D. Ross, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas. That indictment named an additional 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. Of the 80 defendants indicted on Wednesday, eight were in custody before the roundup began. We are fortunate to have good working relationships where drug trafficking organizations such as this one are dismantled. 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. Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute less than 28 grams of crack 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. 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.'. One of those arrested Wednesday was Freddie Gladney III, 28, an EBK associate and hip-hop artist who goes by the name of "Bankroll Freddie." Dubbed Operation Candyland, this investigation by the FBI, Arkansas Eastern District of Arkansas 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. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Little Rock, AR 72203, Telephone:(501) 340-2600 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. North Little police arrest man carrying over $175,000 worth of drugs, guns Authorities arrested 33-year-old Michael Hall for outstanding warrants. Get FBI email alerts A lock ( Collins' parents, Charles and Dornetta Hobbs of Pine Bluff, attended the press conference. A third operation, this one led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), began in August 2021 when DEA and the North Little Rock Police Department identified street-level methamphetamine and fentanyl dealers in central Arkansas who were connected to the same source of supply. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Julie Peters and Amanda Fields with assistance from Cameron McCree. Rawls, 50, of Benton, was sentenced to 420 months imprisonment for his role in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, The total street value of the bust more than $3 million, one of the largest traffic-stop-related drug busts in White County history. Share on Facebook Facebook They also bought more than a 2.2 pounds of cocaine from the organization and used. 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 dealers in central Arkansas who were connected to the same West Coast source. 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. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Staci Vandagriff). Official websites use .gov Dubbed Operation Candyland, this investigation by the FBI, Arkansas Eastern District of Arkansas If you want to plan the perfect spring picnic, food and drink are important, but its certainly not the only factor to consider. 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. Smith was booked into the Clay County Detention Center on the charge of trafficking a controlled substance. Official websites use .gov Arraignments held for 13 people charged in NLR-area drug bust 2021-11-11 - DALE ELLIS . Kelley pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl in February. 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. The three men were a part of fentanyl distribution rings that trafficked the drug in Central Arkansas. 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. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. A third operation, this one led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), began in August 2021 when DEA and the North Little Rock Police Department identified street-level methamphetamine and fentanyl dealers in central Arkansas who were connected to the same source of supply. The drugs were then distributed to individuals in Little Rock and Pine Bluff, Arkansas, as well as Houston, Texas. Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital. [], During this years competition, competitors will use their robots to simulate a waterway cleanup. According to the Johnson County Sheriff's office, the driver of a vehicle ran away from the traffic stop after a deputy saw methamphetamine . LITTLE ROCK (KATV) Seven people have been arrested in connection with an ongoing drug investigation in Jonesboro. Three more defendants, Quincy Martez Chambers, Deandreian Devonte Meadows, and Joseph Riggins, Jr., are charged separately in stand-alone indictments. Collins and another officer were shot in the incident, and Collins died of his wounds at a local hospital. U.S. Attorney Jonathan Ross said Wednesday's operation was part of an ongoing effort to address the problem of gang violence in central Arkansas. According to a release from the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, the Drug Enforcement Admiration arrested 13 people as part of Operation Hartbreak Kid, which was named after the man agents believe to be the lead defendant in the case, 27-year-old Derrick Hart. 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. Both agencies believe this seizure of drugs will not only impact the drug trade locally, but also help to identify the 'bad actors' in the city of Little Rock. 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. During the arrest, authorities found guns and drugs with an overall value of $175,520. J. Volpe later. 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. Gioelli is one of 17 co-defendants who are a part of the case targeting Desmond Kelley, who was head of another fentanyl distribution ring in central Arkansas. 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. Also, agents found a journal where Clairday made entries as far back as 2018 where he described his experiments with growing mushrooms and his recipes for DMT production and use. The release says authorities seized about 16.2 pounds of cocaine, 7.7 pounds of marijuana, 13 firearms and $9,540. 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. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. 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. 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. HOUSTON RAPPER THE BREADMAN GETS 23 YEARS FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING. "Kevin really worked hard at his job and being a police officer," Hobbs said. Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use. "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 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. 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. A press release from the drug task force detailed a large interagency drug bust this week in NEA. Possession of a firearm by a felon is punishable by not more than 20 years incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons with a possible fine of up to $250,000, and not more than three years supervised release. According to the Little Rock Police. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. 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. The indictment was handed down by a Federal Grand Jury on September 11, 2014. 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. 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. This achievement was made possible by a collaborative effort with our many local and federal law enforcement agencies. 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. 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. Police lights are shown in this file photo. Fax Line:(501) 340-2728. Brenda Golden Day- age 36, Fort Smith, Arkansas - sentenced April 1, 2021 to 60 months BOP and $100 special assessment for Distribution of More Than Five Grams of Methamphetamine. ARKANSAS The season of giving is here, and the Postal Service is putting out the call for kind-hearted, generous people across the country to sign [], An unfortunate accident happened Saturday evening in Jonesboro involving a patrol car and a civilian driver. Mexican cartels are marketing their drugs through social media: Former DEA special agent. In recent weeks, Little Rock police and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have teamed up in an effort to help combat violent crimes. This investigation culminated in the indictment of 18 defendants. As part of the operation on Tuesday more than 20 vehicles and more than $35,000 in drug proceeds from multiple bank accounts was seized. 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. Email Email. 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. In just the first half of this current fiscal period, the state is already at $115 million. LITTLE ROCKThree federal investigations culminated in 45 arrests this morning. O.C. This investigation involved the seizure of various illegal drugs ranging from marijuana to fentanyl, along with several firearms. In addition to his active warrants, Hall was also charged with trafficking due to his possession of fentanyl. 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. 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. This spring, Le Creuset has introduced an exciting new shade thats already selling fast: shallot, a soft lavender with pink and slight gray undertones. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Print Headline: Sweep leads to 80 indictments. A lock ( 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. All rights reserved. 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. Afterward, Charles Hobbs, Collins' stepfather, expressed his appreciation for the work that went into the investigations. Courtney Rhodes pleaded guilty to the distribution of a controlled substance, while the. Todays events provide an excellent example of the partnerships between local, county, state, and federal agencies. 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. 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. Three defendants are named in multiple indictments. Unfortunately, its getting to be the norm, Lane said. Lock He adds the dedication of this deputy resulted in more than just drugs off the street it saved lives, potentially thousands. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If convicted of conspiracy to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine each defendant will face a sentence of not less than 10 years to life imprisonment. The investigation revealed drug trafficking and travel between Arkansas and Texas, California, Arizona, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Oklahoma. 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. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chris Givens. The DEAs investigation found drugs were mailed from California into Arkansas in shipments that included kilogram-quantities of methamphetamine and thousands of pressed fentanyl pills, according to the press release. Further, there were numerous items used to produce, grow, cultivate, package, and sell controlled substances. Eighteen individuals were indicted because of the DEAs investigation. In addition to those arrested on Tuesday, seven others have been charged and arrested in separate indictments in connection with this operation. He is also accused in the indictment of acquiring these types of guns from a licensed firearms dealer and making false statements during the purchases, possessing one or more machine guns and possessing several guns without serial numbers, among other things. News of Gladney's arrest was reported by TMZ on Wednesday afternoon. 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. A locked padlock Twenty-seven fugitives are still not in custody, as of Wednesday morning, and those who were arrested were scheduled to appear for arraignment by U.S. Magistrate Judge Joe. All rights reserved. [], Sounds to me like this is bullshit. Included in the indictment were several forfeiture counts which called for the forfeiture of multiple vehicles used by the Freddie Brewster organization, including the inventory of the used car shop. 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. 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. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. 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. All three will be sentenced at later dates. PressReader. Prior to todays 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. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 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. Box 1229 One out of every six of these pills on the average contains a lethal dose, Lane said, referring to fentanyl. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File). This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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.