Crime & Safety News

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...

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,...

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...

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,...

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...

Little Rock, Arkansas - An 18-year-old man faces serious charges following a fatal shooting incident over the weekend in south Little Rock. Juan Ruiz, aged 18, was arrested on Sunday and charged with capital murder in connection with the shooting death of a juvenile. The incident took place outside a residence in the 1000 block of Hilaro Springs Road on Saturday night. According to the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office, a disturbance outside the home led to the shooting. After the incident, Ruiz reportedly fled the scene. The young victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, was rushed to a local hospital for...

West Memhis, Arkansas - A large-scale joint operation in Eastern Arkansas, involving multiple law enforcement agencies, resulted in a substantial number of arrests earlier this week. The operation was aimed at removing wanted and repeat offenders from the streets, significantly contributing to community safety. In total, the law enforcement officers successfully made 245 arrests within just an eight-hour span. This remarkable achievement highlights the efficiency and dedication of the teams involved. Arkansas State Police played a crucial role, contributing 27 of their troopers to the task force. Overall, 55 officers patrolled the streets of Crittenden County, focusing on reducing crime in...

North Little Rock, Arkansas - The North Little Rock Police Department (NLRPD) is actively seeking the public’s assistance in locating a suspect involved in a violent robbery at a Waffle House on December 15, 2023. Devontea Clay, a 24-year-old suspect, is wanted for aggravated robbery and first-degree battery following the incident at the Waffle House located on Camp Robinson Road. The robbery resulted in a life-threatening injury to a woman who was shot during the crime. According to police reports and witness statements from the restaurant, a black male armed with a handgun entered the Waffle House and demanded money. In the...

Little Rock, Arkansas - Following the discovery of numerous firearms and illegal marijuana during a routine traffic stop, Arkansas State Police (ASP) arrested four teenagers. The incident occurred on Wednesday around 2:23 p.m. at Stagecoach Road and Interstate 430 South in Little Rock. According to ASP special agents, a trooper conducting the traffic stop discovered six firearms and 42 grams of illegal black-market marijuana in the vehicle. Among the seized firearms were two Glock handguns equipped with switches. These switches allowed the handguns to operate either as fully automatic or semi-automatic weapons, which significantly increased their lethality. The teens, whose ages range...

North Little Rock, Arkansas - A recent incident in North Little Rock has highlighted the ongoing crisis of gun violence in the United States, following a fatal shooting that resulted in the death of an adult male. At approximately 2:37 p.m. on Saturday, the North Little Rock Police Department (NLRPD) responded to reports of a shooting at a home near Perin Road and Kierre Drive. Upon their arrival, officers discovered a male victim with a gunshot wound to his leg. Despite receiving immediate medical attention, the victim was pronounced dead at a local hospital. This has led to an intensive homicide...