Jonathan D. Ross U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas
A Searcy landlord has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for sex trafficking and drug charges. Jonathan D. Ross, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced that Thomas Ray Kelso, 74, received his sentence from United States District Judge James M. Moody Jr.
Kelso was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 1, 2023. The Central Arkansas Drug Task Force's investigation revealed that Kelso distributed methamphetamine at an apartment complex he owned in Searcy. He coerced female residents into performing sex acts to maintain their utilities, pay rent, or acquire illegal drugs.
The investigation found that Kelso cut off power to a woman's apartment when she refused his advances and employed another woman to recruit others for sexual exploitation.
After a two-day trial ending on August 14, 2024, Kelso was found guilty on three counts of sex trafficking and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Judge Moody also imposed five years of supervised release and fined Kelso $100,000 in total penalties and restitution. Federal sentences do not allow parole.
The case was investigated by the Searcy Police Department and Central Arkansas Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorneys Kristin Bryant and Shelby Shelton prosecuted the case.
