An ongoing investigation into gun violence in the Helena-West Helena area led to the arrest of seven men on March 19, following an early-morning operation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The individuals are accused of illegally possessing firearms and, in some cases, using them. Several also face federal drug charges.
The indictments were announced by Jonathan D. Ross, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, after a federal grand jury returned seven indictments on March 5. The defendants 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.
Landrum was previously in state custody and arraigned on March 12 before United States Magistrate Judge Edie R. Ervin. The other six appeared before Judge Ervin on March 19 and received trial dates. All seven remain detained.
“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,” Ross said. “By continuing to work with our law enforcement partners, today’s operation underscores our commitment to making communities safer.”
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.”
The cases stem from local investigations into gun and drug crimes; at least two involved active shooting scenes. Authorities say more indictments are expected as investigations continue.
“I want to personally thank our partners with the FBI, Arkansas State Police, and U.S. Attorney’s office,” said Helena-West Helena Police Chief Quanderius Sanders. “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 charged offenses vary: up to 20 years for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances; up to 15 years for felon in possession of a firearm; not less than five years consecutive for possessing a firearm during drug trafficking; and up to 10 years for possessing an unregistered National Firearms Act weapon.
The operation was led by the FBI with assistance from local police departments and state police agencies. Assistant United States Attorneys Bart Dickinson, Lauren Eldridge, Ashley Bowen, and Reese Lancaster are prosecuting these cases.
Authorities remind that indictments contain only allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
