LITTLE ROCK—Cody Hiland, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, and Jeffrey Reed, Resident Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), announced today that five-time convicted felon Andre Smalley, 33, of Little Rock, was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison for his illegal possession of a firearm.

A grand jury charged Smalley with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm on May 6, 2015, and he pleaded guilty to that count on May 19, 2017. On Wednesday, United States District Court Judge D.P. Marshall, Jr., sentenced Smalley to eight years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Andre Smalley is a dangerous, repeat offender who should not be free on the streets of Little Rock, and this sentence properly reflects the seriousness of his crime,” Hiland said. “Prosecuting repeat offenders who terrorize our community by engaging in gun violence will be one of this office’s top priorities. Dangerous criminals who illegally possess and use firearms should know there will be a spot in a federal prison waiting for them.”

At his change of plea hearing Smalley admitted that he possessed a gun during a fight on April 5, 2015. On that evening, Little Rock police officers responded to a fight in progress with shots fired at Our Community Market, located at 1901 Wright Avenue in Little Rock. While in route, communications relayed to officers that there was a male subject lying on the ground suffering from a gunshot wound and there were people trying to load him into a vehicle. Upon arrival, officers located what appeared to be a crime scene, but found that both the victims and suspects had fled the area prior to officers’ arrival.

Following witnesses’ descriptions, and with the aid of security camera footage, officers identified Smalley as one of the people involved in the fight. Footage showed Smalley appear to shoot a gun at victims. Two victims eventually went to the hospital with gunshot wounds.

A short time later, officers located a vehicle matching the description of one of the vehicles seen at Our Community Market during the fight. Smalley was driving the vehicle. Following the execution of a search warrant, officers located a Ruger 9mm handgun, which was consistent with the description of the gun used in the shooting. Additionally, three expended shell cartridges located at Our Community Market were forensically determined to have been fired from the Ruger pistol that was recovered from Smalley.

The investigation was conducted by the Little Rock Police Department and the ATF. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Edward Walker and Kristin Bryant.

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LITTLE ROCK—Patrick C. Harris, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, Tracey D. Montaño, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation Division, and Phyllis G. Robinson, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)—Office of Inspector General, announced today that Chief United States District Judge Brian S. Miller sentenced Rhonda Williams, 50, and her husband, Gary Williams, 59, both of Des Arc, Arkansas, to prison for their role in a scheme to steal money intended for use by the Cotton Plant Housing Authority.

On September 2, 2016, Rhonda Williams and Gary Williams appeared before Judge Miller and pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit bank fraud and money laundering. Today, Judge Miller sentenced Rhonda Williams to 37 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In the same hearing, Judge Miller sentenced Gary Williams to 24 months of federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. The Williams were jointly ordered to pay restitution of $732,177.80 and to forfeit $145,000 in cash seized from their home, the money in four bank accounts, a boat, and an SUV.

“These defendants took public money that was meant to provide affordable housing to a low income population, and instead used it for their own personal gain,” Harris said. “This case is an example of how our office will continue working tirelessly to protect the public and eliminate this unacceptable fraud, waste, and abuse.”

The Cotton Plant Housing Authority received its annual operating funds from HUD in the form of an annual distribution. Rhonda Williams served as the Executive Director of the Housing Authority and Gary Williams was the Housing Authority’s Maintenance Supervisor.

From January 31, 2001 to December 31, 2014, the Williams conspired and executed a scheme where they used false and fraudulent pretenses to receive funds that were intended for use by the Housing Authority. As part of the conspiracy, the Williams lied about the reasons for the payment of Housing Authority money, and solicited and accepted bribes and kickback payments from Housing Authority contractors. In addition, the Williams caused the Housing Authority to pay for their personal expenses on their Housing Authority credit cards, and took Housing Authority equipment and materials and used them in the construction of their personal residence.

“IRS-Criminal Investigation remains committed to its pursuit of individuals who engage in corruption at the expense of hardworking Americans,” Montaño said. “As employees of the Cotton Plant Housing Authority, Rhonda and Gary Williams’ actions violated public trust by using their position to enrich themselves at the expense of American taxpayers. Today’s sentence demonstrates the government’s determination to ensure that trust is not broken.”

This investigation was conducted by IRS-Criminal Investigation Division, the HUD - Office of Inspector General, and the Benton Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Cameron McCree and Edward Walker prosecuted the case for the United States.

LITTLE ROCK—Patrick C. Harris, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, and Diane Upchurch, Special Agent in Charge of the Little Rock Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), announced today that James Edgerson, 39, of Dumas, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison for his role in a large-scale drug conspiracy.

On October 7, 2015, a federal Grand Jury returned an indictment charging Edgerson, who was a police officer at the time he committed his crimes, and five other people in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine and crack cocaine, and marijuana. Edgerson also faced multiple drug distribution charges, as well as charges related to selling the drugs while carrying his police-issued firearm.

On February 2, 2017, Edgerson pleaded guilty to his role in the drug conspiracy. Edgerson also admitted to possessing a firearm and abusing his position of trust as a police officer. Today, Chief United States District Judge Brian S. Miller sentenced Edgerson to 135 months’ imprisonment, five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

“Police officers take an oath to protect and serve their communities,” Harris said. “Edgerson’s significant sentence reflects his absolute violation of this oath, and his abuse of the trust placed in him by members of his community. This sentence also demonstrates that no one is above the law, and people who sell drugs will be prosecuted, regardless of their position in society.”

Edgerson admitted to participating in the conspiracy from May 2015 through through September 2015. While he was working as a police officer for the Dumas Police Department, James Edgerson bought and sold cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana along with Kendrick Lamar Edgerson, Gregory Lamont Charles, Steven Sherrod Miles, Eli Haynes III and Rodney Lariel Edgerson.

James Edgerson obtained multi-ounce quantities of methamphetamine from Haynes for resale and redistribution to other individuals. For example, on August 25, 2015, James Edgerson called Haynes to arrange the purchase of methamphetamine. James Edgerson then traveled to meet Haynes in the Arlington, Texas, area, and purchased approximately nine ounces of methamphetamine. James Edgerson also purchased pound quantities of marijuana from Rodney Edgerson.

James Edgerson also sold drugs numerous times, including times while in uniform. As one example of multiple transactions, James Edgerson sold an informant nine ounces of cocaine for $11,300 on August 31, 2015, telling the source that he makes $50 on each ounce. On June 16, 2015, he completed a deal while in uniform and standing next to his police cruiser.

“James Edgerson betrayed the trust we place in police officers and the sentencing today is an indication of his total disregard for the citizens and law enforcement in our communities,” Upchurch said. “I commend the United States Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District and the Arkansas State Police for their efforts, and the great work of our FBI team.”

Charles, Miles, Haynes, and Rodney Edgerson have all previously pleaded guilty. Kendrick Edgerson has trial pending on September 11, 2017.

This investigation was conducted by the FBI and Arkansas State Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Julie Peters and Edward Walker. All defendants are innocent unless and until proven guilty.

LITTLE ROCK—Patrick C. Harris, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, Diane Upchurch, Special Agent in Charge of the Little Rock Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Kenton Buckner, Chief of Little Rock Police Department (LRPD), and Mike Davis, Chief of North Little Rock Police Department (NLRPD) announced today the unsealing of multiple federal indictments following the successful conclusion of an early morning operation that resulted in the arrests of dozens of accused drug and gun dealers in central Arkansas.

Wednesday morning’s operation culminated an 18-month joint investigation into several drug-trafficking organizations, primarily in Little Rock. Twenty-five people were arrested today—joining the 27 people indicted who were already in custody—while nine individuals remain at large. Fifty of the 61 defendants are from Little Rock.

Eight indictments were unsealed Wednesday, including five that alleged drug conspiracies. The largest involved a 33-defendant, 67-count indictment alleging heroin and cocaine conspiracies, both headed by Aaron “Black” Clark, 33, of Little Rock. Other indictments allege cocaine and crack cocaine conspiracies, and contain multiple methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine possession and distribution charges, as well as multiple gun charges.

The defendants arrested today will have initial appearances and enter pleas before United States Magistrate Judge Tricia. S. Harris on Friday. Judge Harris will see those who were already in custody on Wednesday, May 31.

“Targeting violent drug dealers remains a priority for my office, as well as for all law enforcement agencies in central Arkansas,” Acting U.S. Attorney Harris said. “Drugs continue to be a prime source of crime and violence in our city, and taking these criminals off the streets has made Little Rock a safer place. A major operation like this is not possible without the help of all agencies involved, particularly the FBI and the Little Rock and North Little Rock Police Departments. And while today’s operation represents a victory against dangerous criminals, it in no way ends our coordinated efforts to ease crime in Little Rock and improve the lives and security of law-abiding citizens in our city.”

In late 2015, the FBI and NLRPD began investigating the drug-trafficking activities of certain North Little Rock gangs. Investigators soon learned the gangs’ source of supply of drugs came from individuals in Little Rock. Through the use of several investigative tactics, including the controlled purchases of drugs, multiple wiretaps, and the execution of search warrants, among other methods, agents with the FBI and LRPD located and identified multiple drug sources of supply, and more than 60 suspects.

Eventually, in November 2016, agents executed a search warrant at the west Little Rock residence of Clark. Agents seized more than $100,000 cash and jewelry, 170 grams of heroin, a marijuana grow operation, and six firearms.

“Today’s arrests show our collective resolve to attack and dismantle these violent drug organizations that destroy our communities and generate fear in its citizens,” FBI SAC Upchurch said. “The FBI and our partners at the United States Attorney’s Office, Little Rock Police Department, North Little Rock Police Department, Arkansas State Police, Arkansas National Guard, and Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office will remain committed to identifying drug traffickers and removing them from the streets to protect our cities.”

Throughout the investigation, agents seized more than two kilograms of cocaine, one kilogram of heroin, more than a pound each of crack cocaine and methamphetamine, and eight ounces of fentanyl. Officers seized these drugs during more than 25 controlled purchases, as well as during the execution of multiple search warrants. In addition, agents seized 25 guns and approximately $241,000 of drug proceeds.

In addition to the work by the FBI’s Met Rock Task Force, local law enforcement assisted in the case. LRPD, for example, was familiar with many of individuals in the drug-trafficking organizations targeted in these federal indictments, and joined the FBI in making the arrests of these defendants a priority.

“Today, the Little Rock Police Department received some much needed assistance from the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office,” LRPD Chief Buckner said. “Our collaboration resulted in the indictment of many problem individuals within our city. LRPD is very appreciative of this ongoing partnership—with special thanks to Diane Upchurch and Pat Harris—and will continue to work with our federal partners in the future. This is another example of the work performed as a result of our participation in the Violence Reduction Network.”

“The North Little Rock Police Department initiated an investigation into the illegal sale of cocaine in our city that then revealed the illegal sale of methamphetamine, heroin, and weapons around central Arkansas,” NLRPD Chief Davis said. “The NLRPD contacted the FBI to assist with this investigation. We are grateful for the outcome, and will continue to work with federal agencies to reduce violence in our community and to take illegal drugs and weapons off the streets.”

Several agencies, including the Arkansas State Police, National Guard, and Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, who each provided manpower and logistical support during the early-morning takedown, also combined to help make the Wednesday morning arrests.

“The Arkansas State Police acknowledges the significance of good teamwork,” said Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police. “The efforts of a multi-jurisdictional team paid off today by stopping these individuals from further criminal acts and strengthening the public’s trust and respect of law enforcement officers who work together to make our cities and towns safer places to live.”

“The National Guard stands shoulder to shoulder in supporting law enforcement to contain the heroin epidemic facing our communities and state,” National Guard Lieutenant Colonel Chuck Vereen said. “Our Counter Drug Program is dedicated to help keep children and families safe, we are all in!”

The primary investigation was conducted by FBI’s Met Rock Task Force, in coordination with the LRPD and NLRPD. Also assisting Wednesday’s operation was the Arkansas State Police, the National Guard, and the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Benecia Moore is the lead prosecutor on the indictments.

An indictment contains only allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Indictments unsealed Wednesday

U. S. v. Aaron Laray Clark, et al – 4:17-cr-00111-JM

Aaron Laray Clark a/k/a “Black”, 35, Little Rock^^^Hector Soto, 54, El Paso, Texas***

Elijah Alexander, III, 27, Little Rock***

Jason Michael Banks, 45, Little Rock^^^

John Webster Batton, 38, Searcy^^^

Carlos Eugene Burton, 37, Little Rock

Shannon Allen Cathey, 41, Little Rock

Jeremy Donte Craig, 33, Springdale^^^

Jabari Zaki Cummins, 39, Little RockAbreana Laray Daniels, 23, Little Rock***

Lekedric M. Davis, 31, Little Rock

Martin Drew Dehaven, 28, Little Rock

Kevin Dwane Dixon, 36, Little Rock

Alicia Lauren Fullington, 34, Little Rock^^^

Joseph Jamar Handy, 34, Little Rock

Desmond Kentrell Kelley, 23, Little Rock

Lowell John Ladd, 28, Little Rock^^^

Henry Lionell Lee a/k/a “Red”, 43, Little Rock

Antonio L. Lewis, 28, Benton^^^

Dalvin D. Lewis, 40, Little Rock

Marlon Shawn Marbley, Sr. a/k/a “Mob”, 45, Little Rock^^^Jamal Cornell McCoy, 42, Little Rock***

Kwesi Okang Montague, 38, Little Rock^^^

Rachel Elizabeth Moore, 29, Little Rock^^^

Lucas Todd Murray, 33, Little RockChristopher S. Newman, Jr., 26, Jacksonville***

Roderick O. Rainey, 46, Little Rock^^^

Benson Dubois Smith, 31, Little Rock

Christopher Forsean Smith, 33, North Little RockTimothy Dewann Smith, 30, Little Rock***

Lionell Tidwell, 41, Greenbriar^^^

Davaris Daquante Whitehead, 26, North Little Rock^^^

Bryan Deshawn Young, 29, North Little Rock^^^

U. S. v. Marcus Jermaine Buckner, et al – 4:17-cr-00110-DPM

Marcus Jermaine Buckner, 35, Little RockAntonio Louis Bumpers, 28, Little Rock***

Marcus J. Clark, 40, Little Rock

Willie Craig, III, 42, Little Rock^^^

Alvin Dean Withers, Jr., 32, Little Rock^^^

U. S. v. Thaddeus Eugene Higgins, Jr. et al – 4:17-cr-00113-KGB

Thaddeus Eugene Higgins, Jr., 28, Little Rock

Fabian A. Bridgewater, 37, Little Rock

Laquina Rena Cheatham, 35, Little Rock^^^Rodrick Deshawn Cunningham, 38, Little Rock***

Henry Lee Dupree, Jr., 68, Little Rock^^^

Courtney Ray Foster, 34, Little Rock

Brandon Deshawn Higgins, 21, Little Rock^^^

Brian Lamont Higgins, 34, Little Rock

Charles Bernard Higgins, 37, Little Rock^^^

William Frank Jones, 57, Pine Bluff^^^

Clarence Edward Walker, Jr., 28, Little Rock

U. S. v. Jeremiah Hollis, Sr. a/k/a “Trigg”, et al – 4:17-cr-00114-DPM

Jeremiah Hollis, Sr. a/k/a “Trigg”, 40, Little Rock^^^

Regina Evette Nelson, 47, Little Rock

Abdulah Farig Woods, 31, Little Rock

U. S. v. Antonio Malone a/k/a “Greenlight”, et al – 4:17-cr-00116-DPM

Antonio Lamont Malone a/k/a “Greenlight”, 37, Little Rock^^^

Christopher Bernard Bell a/k/a “Boonie”, 27, Little Rock

Antonio Dewayne Harris a/k/a “Big Yoke”, 37, Little Rock

Judge Lee Daniels, 26, Little Rock

Michael Princeton Marshall, 31, Little Rock

Terrence Edward Wright, 39, Little Rock

U. S. v. Hillary Ann Harmon – 4:17-cr-00112-BSM

Hillary Ann Harmon, 34, Little Rock^^^

U. S. v. Aaron William Lyman – 4:17-cr-00115-KGB

Aaron William Lyman, 36, North Little Rock^^^

U. S. v. Benjamin S. Schreiber – 4:17-cr-00117-BRW

Benjamin S. Schreiber, 32, Little Rock***

*** Fugitive

^^^ Arrested Wednesday

 

STATUTORY SENTENCES

Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute more than 1 kilogram of heroin 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 5 years supervised release.

Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute more than 100 grams but less than 1 kilogram of heroin is punishable by not less than 5 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 4 years supervised release.

Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute more than 5 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 5 years supervised release.

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 5 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 4 years supervised release.

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 5 years supervised release.

Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute more than 28 grams but less than 280 grams of cocaine is punishable by not less than 5 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 4 years supervised release.

Possession with intent to distribute or distribution of more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine or more than 500 grams of a methamphetamine mixture 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 5 years supervised release.

Possession with intent to distribute or distribution of more than 5 grams, but less than 50 grams, of actual methamphetamine is punishable by not less than 5 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 4 years supervised release.

Possession with intent to distribute or distribution of more than 100 grams, but less than 1 kilogram, of heroin is punishable by not less than 5 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 4 years supervised release.

Possession with intent to distribute or distribution of more than 28 grams, but less than 280 grams, of crack cocaine is punishable by not less than 5 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 4 years supervised release.

Possession with intent to distribute or distribution of 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 3 years supervised release.

Possession with intent to distribute or 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 3 years supervised release.

Possession with intent to distribute or distribution of less than 100 grams of heroin 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 3 years supervised release.

Possession with intent to distribute or distribution of less than 50 grams of methamphetamine mixture 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 3 years supervised release.

Possession with intent to distribute or distribution of fentanyl 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 3 years supervised release.

Possession of a firearm by a felon is punishable by not more than 10 years’ incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons with a possible fine of up to $250,000, and not more than 3 years supervised release.

Use of a firearm during and in relation to a drug-trafficking crime is punishable by not less than 5 years, not more than life incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons, consecutive to any other charge, with a possible fine of up to $250,000, and not more than 3 years supervised release.

Use of a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking crime is punishable by not more than 4 years incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons with a possible fine of up to $250,000, and not more than 1 year supervised release.