Jonathan D. Ross U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas
Arthur Ray Osborne, a 44-year-old from Jonesboro, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for his involvement in a conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. The sentence was announced by Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, and was handed down on December 10, 2025, by United States District Judge Brian S. Miller.
Osborne pleaded guilty on June 18, 2025, to conspiracy charges related to distributing large quantities of methamphetamine. In addition to the prison term, he received five years of supervised release.
According to investigators, Osborne sold significant amounts of methamphetamine on several occasions between late 2019 and late 2020. These transactions included arranging sales with a confidential informant and exchanging thousands of dollars for ounces of the drug.
On April 11, 2022, law enforcement officers conducted surveillance at a business in Jonesboro where Osborne was present. Officers observed marijuana in plain view and obtained a search warrant after noting Osborne’s nervous behavior. During the search, they found a firearm and ammunition hidden in furniture cushions, two scales, approximately 100 grams of cocaine, 159 grams of methamphetamine, 380 grams of marijuana, over 120 assorted pills including ecstasy, as well as cash and other items linked to drug distribution.
Osborne’s prior felony convictions for possession with intent to deliver both marijuana and cocaine led to his classification as a career offender and an enhanced sentence. Federal sentencing does not allow parole.
The prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159. The HSTF is a government partnership focused on dismantling criminal cartels and organizations involved in various crimes within the United States. "Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations," according to the press release.
HSTF Little Rock includes agents from multiple agencies such as the FBI, Second Judicial District Drug Task Force, Jonesboro Police Department, and Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Crews and Bart Dickinson.
