Arkansas News

Arkansas repeat offender sentenced to 188 months for distributing methamphetamine and possessing firearm

Little Rock, Arkansas - A Lamar man with a long criminal history will spend more than 15 years in federal prison after authorities uncovered methamphetamine distribution activity, a firearm, and evidence of a dangerous attempt to flee law enforcement. Kelly Bruce Duncan Jr., 43, who has previous felony drug convictions, was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down Tuesday, February 10, 2026, by United States District Judge Lee P. Rudofsky. A federal grand jury had indicted...

North Little Rock man sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for illegally possessing stolen firearm

Little Rock, Arkansas - A North Little Rock man with a lengthy criminal history will spend the next 15 years in federal prison after admitting to illegally possessing a firearm while on supervised release. Federal officials say the case underscores the serious penalties faced by repeat offenders who continue to engage in drug and firearm violations. Morris Anthony Campbell, 43, of North Little Rock, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down Tuesday,...

Trusted employee receives decade-long sentence for years-long lottery ticket theft scheme

Arkansas - A years-long theft scheme at a small Arkansas business has ended with a decade-long prison sentence after investigators determined that nearly a quarter of a million dollars in lottery tickets were stolen by an employee trusted to handle daily operations. Billie Rainwater, 47, was sentenced to 120 months in the Arkansas Department of Corrections, followed by 120 months of suspended imposition of sentence, also known as supervised probation. The sentence came after Rainwater accepted a negotiated plea deal tied to the theft of almost $250,000 worth of lottery tickets from her workplace over several years. Investigation uncovered a steady pattern...

Fordyce man sentenced to ten years in federal prison for methamphetamine and cocaine trafficking

Little Rock, Arkansas - A Fordyce man with a long criminal history tied to narcotics will spend the next decade behind bars after being sentenced in federal court for distributing large quantities of illegal drugs. Federal prosecutors said the case reflects months of coordinated investigation and a continued push to disrupt drug activity in South Arkansas communities. Eric Matlock, 42, of Fordyce, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The sentence was announced by Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas,...

Arkansas mother convicted in deadly fentanyl conspiracy receives 20 year federal prison sentence

Hensley, Arkansas - A 62-year-old Arkansas woman will spend 20 years in federal prison after a jury found her guilty of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl resulting in death, a case that stemmed from a fatal overdose at a Saline County home. The sentence was announced by Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, and imposed today by James M. Moody Jr.. Charges, Sentencing, and No Parole The defendant, April Adams of Hensley, was originally indicted alongside her daughter, Amber Church, after a federal grand jury returned charges on April 2, 2024. Both women were accused of conspiracy...

Governor Sanders continues Faces of Arkansas monthly series with tribute to passionate fishing guide

Little Rock, Arkansas - In a heartfelt recognition of Arkansans who embody the spirit of the state, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced the third installment of Faces of Arkansas, a monthly series meant to showcase the people who give the state its strength and identity. The latest profile features Eric Watts, a Little Rock fishing guide whose life, career, and sense of purpose are closely tied to the waters of Lake Maumelle and the broader vision of the Natural State Initiative. The Faces of Arkansas program aims to spotlight individuals who represent the heartbeat of Arkansas — from everyday workers and...

Winter conditions force continued mail delivery suspensions across Arkansas

Little Rock, Arkansas - Mail delivery disruptions continue across parts of Arkansas as lingering winter weather conditions keep roads unsafe and limit normal postal operations. Statewide cold, snow, and ice have forced the U.S. Postal Service to temporarily suspend deliveries to some homes and businesses while crews wait for safer conditions. Safety Concerns Keep Mail on Hold U.S. Postal Service officials say the decision to pause deliveries is centered on safety. Becky Hernandez, a spokesperson for USPS, confirmed that winter weather has directly affected postal operations across Arkansas, stressing that protecting employees and customers remains the top priority. “Due to safety concerns, mail...

Continued cold raises concern for more snow and ice across Arkansas through mid-February

Little Rock, Arkansas - Arkansas continues to face an elevated winter weather threat as stubborn cold air remains locked over the Mid-South, raising concerns that more snow and ice could impact the state well into mid-February. Forecasters say the pattern now in place creates the right setup for repeated winter events, especially after one of the most widespread storms of the season swept across the country. According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, temperatures across Arkansas are expected to stay below normal for an extended period. With cold air firmly established, any storm system moving across the Southern Plains...

Arkansas outperforms national unemployment rate in February

Arkansas - Arkansas workers have reasons to celebrate as recent statistics reveal a promising outlook in the state's job market. According to the latest findings from the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services, the unemployment rate in Arkansas has experienced a slight decline, reaching 3.6% in February. This marks a modest improvement from January's rate, demonstrating the state's ongoing economic resilience. The report, published on Friday, March 22, contrasts with the national scene, where the unemployment rate edged up by a tenth of a point to 3.9% during the same period. Notably, the civilian labor force in Arkansas saw a decrease of...

Gas prices in the Natural State increased by over 7 cents in a week

This past week, Arkansas witnessed an increase in gas prices, with the average price of gasoline in the state climbing by 7.6 cents. According to a survey conducted by GasBuddy.com, which included 1,826 stations across Arkansas, the price for regular unleaded gas reached an average of $3.04 a gallon. The survey revealed a significant range in prices; the lowest-priced station in the state offered gas at $2.69 a gallon, while the highest was charging $3.29. Comparatively, the national average also experienced a rise, increasing by 6.2 cents to settle at $3.40 per gallon. This upward trend in gas prices aligns...