Jonesboro Meth Dealer Gets 20 Years, Shot at Feds

JONESBORO, AR – Eiichi Moore, 44, is headed for a long stretch behind bars after receiving a 20-year federal prison sentence. Moore wasn’t just dealing meth; he actively resisted arrest, opening fire on federal agents who moved to take him down. The case, detailed in court records, paints a picture of a hardened criminal with blatant disregard for the law and the safety of others.

Federal prosecutors revealed Moore ran a methamphetamine distribution network in the Jonesboro area from April 2019 until his capture in January 2020. He wasn’t a small-time operator, either – the feds say he supplied the drug to multiple other dealers, effectively fueling the region’s addiction crisis. The operation wasn’t a secret; authorities had been building a case based on controlled purchases and surveillance.

The bust went sideways on January 15, 2020. When agents attempted to arrest Moore, he didn’t hesitate. He unleashed a volley of gunfire, forcing the agents to take cover. Thankfully, no agents were hit, but the incident immediately escalated the charges against Moore, adding assault on a federal officer to the already serious drug conspiracy charge. It’s a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement every single day.

Adding insult to injury, Moore was found to be in possession of not one, but *three* firearms: two semi-automatic pistols and a semi-automatic shotgun. As a convicted felon, possessing any of these weapons was illegal. This wasn’t just about the drugs; it was about a dangerous individual armed and willing to use force, posing a clear and present danger to the community.

U.S. District Judge Brian S. Miller handed down the 240-month sentence in Little Rock, sending a clear message that violent resistance to law enforcement and drug trafficking won’t be tolerated. The feds aren’t letting up on these cases, and this sentence proves they’re willing to come down hard on those who put officers’ lives at risk.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin O’Leary and Bart Dickinson led the prosecution, building a rock-solid case against Moore. The FBI spearheaded the investigation, with crucial assistance from the Jonesboro Police Department and the Arkansas State Police. FBI Special Agent in Charge James A. Dawson noted the importance of interagency cooperation in bringing dangerous criminals like Moore to justice.

“This case demonstrates the commitment of federal prosecutors and our law enforcement partners to dismantling drug trafficking organizations and holding accountable those who endanger our communities,” stated U.S. Attorney Jonathan D. Ross. Moore will also serve an additional five years of supervised release after completing his prison term, a small consolation for the damage he’s caused.

The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the ongoing fight against drug trafficking and violent crime in Arkansas and across the nation. We’ll keep you informed on the individuals who prey on our communities and the efforts to bring them to justice.