Jonathan D. Ross U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas
Seven men have been indicted on federal charges related to gun violence and drug offenses in the Helena-West Helena area, according to a March 19 announcement by Jonathan D. Ross, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas. The indictments follow an early-morning arrest operation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The investigation is part of ongoing efforts to address gun crime in the region. Authorities say these cases are connected to local investigations into gun and drug crimes, with at least two involving active shooting scenes. All seven defendants remain detained as law enforcement continues its work.
Ross said, “Combating gun crime remains one of our office’s highest priorities. We are grateful to the hard work of the FBI and the Helena-West Helena Police Department that went into presenting these cases to the grand jury. By continuing to work with our law enforcement partners, today’s operation underscores our commitment to making communities safer.”
The individuals indicted include Jacarius Ross, Dmarkus Britton, Michael Harris, Lawrence Bennett, Jordan Walker, Kevin Williams—all from Helena-West Helena—and Kamarius Landrum from Marvell. Charges range from possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine or cocaine; felon in possession of a firearm; possession of an unregistered National Firearms Act weapon; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
FBI Little Rock Special Agent in Charge Jason Van Goor said, “Violent offenders will be held accountable, and we will use every available resource to bring them to justice. The FBI Little Rock Field Office remains committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to protect Arkansans from those who threaten our communities.”
Helena-West Helena Police Chief Quanderius Sanders added: “I want to personally thank our partners with the FBI, Arkansas State Police, and U.S. Attorney’s office. Let this serve as a message: individuals who choose to engage in criminal activity in our city will be identified, pursued, and held accountable.”
Penalties for the charges vary but can include up to 20 years in prison for certain drug offenses and up to 15 years for felon-in-possession charges. Possession of an unregistered National Firearms Act weapon carries up to 10 years imprisonment.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Bart Dickinson, Lauren Eldridge, Ashley Bowen, and Reese Lancaster. Authorities note that indictments contain only allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
