Jonathan D. Ross U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas
Terry Duane Qualls, a multi-convicted felon from Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, has been sentenced to 262 months in federal prison. The sentence was announced by Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, and delivered by United States District Judge Lee P. Rudofsky.
Qualls, aged 37, pleaded guilty on September 20, 2024, to charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of firearms. He was indicted on April 5, 2024, on several counts including conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
In addition to the prison term equating to over 21 years and 10 months, Qualls will also serve five years of supervised release following his incarceration. Federal sentencing does not allow for parole.
The investigation into Qualls began in the spring of 2021 when law enforcement received information about his involvement as a distributor of various drugs including methamphetamine and marijuana in northeast Arkansas. Subsequent arrests revealed his possession of drugs and proceeds from drug sales. A controlled purchase further confirmed his activities.
A search warrant executed at Qualls' property uncovered stolen vehicles and a marijuana grow operation. Inside his camper residence were found 26 firearms along with body armor and ammunition. Authorities also discovered substantial quantities of methamphetamine and other drugs alongside paraphernalia such as digital scales and syringes.
Qualls was classified as a career offender due to previous serious drug convictions which influenced the severity of his sentencing both for drug-related charges and firearm possession.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation aimed at dismantling high-level criminal organizations through coordinated efforts among multiple agencies. The investigation involved contributions from the FBI along with local law enforcement agencies including the Second Judicial Drug Task Force and county sheriff's offices.
Assistant United States Attorney Erin O’Leary prosecuted the case against Qualls.
