In a recent case held in the United States District Court in El Dorado, a South Arkansas drug trafficking organization was collectively sentenced to 47 years in federal prison for their involvement in the distribution of methamphetamine. The investigation, which began in February of 2019, involved the cooperation of various law enforcement agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The organization, headed by Pharell Jackson, was responsible for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine across different districts in Arkansas. The sentencing marks a significant victory in the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region.
Investigation into Drug Trafficking Organization in El Dorado
The investigation into a drug trafficking organization in El Dorado, Arkansas, was launched in February of 2019 by the 13th Judicial District Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The focus of the investigation was a drug trafficking organization operating out of the El Dorado Division of the Western District of Arkansas. The organization, headed by Pharell Jackson, was found to be responsible for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine from Magnolia, Arkansas, to other locations in the Western District of Arkansas and the Eastern District of Arkansas.
Involvement of the 13th Judicial District Drug Task Force, DEA, and FBI
The 13th Judicial District Drug Task Force, along with the DEA and FBI, played a crucial role in the investigation into the drug trafficking organization in El Dorado. These agencies worked together to gather evidence, conduct surveillance, and build a case against the members of the organization. Their cooperation and collaboration were essential in successfully dismantling the drug trafficking operation.
Identification of Pharell Jackson and his organization
Pharell Jackson, a 32-year-old resident of El Dorado, Arkansas, was identified as the leader of the drug trafficking organization. Investigators uncovered evidence linking Jackson and his organization to the distribution of large quantities of methamphetamine in the area. Through their diligent efforts, law enforcement was able to gather enough evidence to indict Jackson and other members of the organization.
Sentencing of the Drug Trafficking Organization
Following their arrests, the members of the drug trafficking organization were brought before Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey for sentencing hearings in the United States District Court in El Dorado. The charges and sentences for each member of the organization were as follows:
- Pharell Bronse Jackson: Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine – 168 months imprisonment and 3-year term of supervised release.
- Michael Fitzgerald Williams Jr.: Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine – 120 months imprisonment and 3-year term of supervised release.
- Gary Bernard Green II: Distribution of Methamphetamine -168 months imprisonment and 3-year term of supervised release.
- Jacovas Deonta Mitchell: Knowing and Intentionally Distributing Methamphetamine – 108 months imprisonment and 3-year term of supervised release.
These sentences send a strong message that drug trafficking will not be tolerated in the Western District of Arkansas and highlight the effectiveness of the combined efforts of law enforcement agencies.
Announcement by U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the official announcement regarding the sentencing of the drug trafficking organization in El Dorado. He commended the 13th Judicial District Drug Task Force, the DEA, and the FBI for their diligent work in investigating and dismantling the organization. Their efforts were instrumental in bringing the individuals responsible to justice.
Agencies involved in the investigation
The successful investigation and sentencing of the drug trafficking organization in El Dorado was a coordinated effort by multiple law enforcement agencies. The 13th Judicial District Drug Task Force, the DEA, and the FBI all played integral roles in gathering evidence, conducting surveillance, and making arrests. The collaboration between these agencies highlights the importance of interagency cooperation in combating drug trafficking and ensuring the safety of communities.
Prosecutors who handled the case
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin Wulff, Graham Jones, and Steven Mohlhenrich were the prosecutors who handled the case for the United States. Their expertise and dedication were instrumental in securing convictions and appropriate sentences for the members of the drug trafficking organization. The successful outcome of the case is a testament to their hard work and commitment to justice.
Project Safe Neighborhoods and Violent Crime Reduction Strategy
As part of the commitment to reducing violent crime, the United States Department of Justice launched Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). This program aims to bring together law enforcement agencies and communities to collaborate on efforts to reduce violent crime and gun violence. The Department has also implemented a violent crime reduction strategy based on the core principles of fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting community-based organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring results.
Explanation of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN)
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a comprehensive and collaborative approach to reducing violent crime. It involves the cooperation of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, as well as community organizations, to identify and address the root causes of violence. Through PSN, law enforcement and community partners work together to develop and implement strategies that target the most dangerous offenders and hot spots of crime.
Launch of a violent crime reduction strategy
In May of 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy aimed at strengthening Project Safe Neighborhoods. This strategy focuses on fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting community-based organizations that work to prevent violence, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results of these efforts. By implementing these core principles, the Department aims to make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Date of the press release
The press release detailing the sentencing of the drug trafficking organization in El Dorado was issued on Thursday, October 13, 2022.
Related content
In addition to the sentencing of the drug trafficking organization, the Western District of Arkansas has been actively working on other cases related to drug trafficking. This press release is just one example of the continued efforts of law enforcement to combat drug crimes in the district.
Contact information for the Western District of Arkansas
For more information or inquiries regarding the case, the Western District of Arkansas provides contact information for the public. Interested individuals can reach out to the district via email or telephone to obtain further details or ask questions.
About the Western District of Arkansas
The Western District of Arkansas is one of the U.S. Attorney’s Offices located throughout the country. Its main office is situated at 414 Parker Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72901. The district covers a specific jurisdiction within Arkansas and is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes within its boundaries.
Main office location
The main office of the Western District of Arkansas is located at 414 Parker Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72901.
Contact information
The Western District of Arkansas provides contact information for individuals seeking assistance or information. Interested parties can reach out via email or telephone to connect with the district’s office.
Social media presence
To stay connected with the Western District of Arkansas and receive regular updates, individuals can follow the district on social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook. These platforms serve as outlets for sharing news, updates, and important information relevant to the district.
Archives and resources
The Western District of Arkansas also maintains archives and resources that provide access to past press releases, publications, and other important documents. These resources can be accessed through the district’s website and are valuable for individuals seeking additional information or researching the district’s work.
Accessibility and legal policies
In line with its commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Western District of Arkansas ensures that its website and online resources adhere to legal policies and accessibility guidelines. This is done to ensure that members of the public can easily access information and resources provided by the district.