Five associates of the white supremacist gang known as the “New Aryan Empire” have recently been sentenced to prison for their involvement in various crimes. Russell Robinson, Jeffrey Howell, Richard Hampton, Tiffany Parker, and April Teeter all pleaded guilty to crimes associated with the drug trafficking activities of the organization. Robinson, the most heavily sentenced, received 204 months imprisonment for his involvement in kidnapping and racketeering. The investigation into the New Aryan Empire began in 2016, with multiple agencies working together to infiltrate and dismantle drug trafficking operations in the Russellville area. The case, named “To The Dirt,” has resulted in the conviction of over 50 individuals, with the majority pleading guilty. The sentencing of these five associates marks another step in the efforts to dismantle this white supremacist gang and bring justice to those affected by their criminal activities.
Title: Five ‘New Aryan Empire’ Associates Sentenced to Prison
The recent sentencing of five associates of the New Aryan Empire (NAE) has marked a significant victory in the ongoing battle against white supremacist drug trafficking organizations. These individuals were sentenced for their involvement in various crimes committed on behalf of the NAE, which initially began as a prison gang but later transitioned into a drug trafficking organization. This article will provide an overview of the case, detail the crimes committed by the defendants, and outline the sentences they received.
Details of the Case
Overview
The case involving the five NAE associates revolves around their participation in criminal activities carried out by the white supremacist gang. Each defendant had previously pleaded guilty to charges related to their involvement in the NAE’s operations. The sentencing of these individuals signifies a significant step forward in dismantling the NAE and combating white supremacist ideologies.
Crimes Committed
The defendants in this case have been found guilty of various crimes connected to their association with the NAE. Russell Robinson, from Dover, Arkansas, was convicted of kidnapping, assault with a dangerous weapon, and maiming in aid of racketeering, resulting in a 204-month prison sentence. The remaining four defendants, Jeffrey Howell, Richard Hampton, Tiffany Parker, and April Teeter, were sentenced for their roles in conspiracy to distribute and possess methamphetamine. Howell received a prison sentence of 188 months, while Hampton, Parker, and Teeter were sentenced to 96 months, 96 months, and 90 months respectively. In addition to their prison terms, all defendants were also sentenced to five years of supervised release.
Investigation
Initiation of Joint Investigation
The investigation into the NAE and its drug trafficking operations began in 2016 when local and federal law enforcement agencies initiated a joint effort to identify, infiltrate, and dismantle drug trafficking organizations within the Russellville area. This collaborative effort aimed to gather evidence and build a case against the NAE and its associates, ultimately leading to their arrest and conviction.
Identification of Drug Trafficking Organizations
As the investigation progressed, law enforcement agents successfully identified multiple individuals involved in trafficking methamphetamine in Pope County. The identification of these drug trafficking organizations allowed authorities to gather crucial evidence and intelligence, which played a significant role in the successful prosecution of these cases.
Role of Local and Federal Agencies
Both local and federal law enforcement agencies played a vital role in this extensive investigation. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Pope County Sheriff’s Office, the Fifth Judicial Drug Task Force, the Russellville Police Department, and the FBI all collaborated to gather information, gather evidence, and apprehend the individuals involved in the NAE’s criminal activities.
New Aryan Empire (NAE)
Origins as a Prison Gang
The NAE originated as a prison gang, formed by individuals with white supremacist beliefs who sought to establish a power structure within the correctional system. Initially, their primary focus was to protect their members and promote white supremacist ideologies within the prison environment.
Transition into a Drug Trafficking Organization
Over time, the NAE expanded its criminal activities beyond the prison walls and transitioned into a full-fledged drug trafficking organization. This shift allowed them to gain significant control over drug distribution networks, contributing to the proliferation of drug-related crimes within the Russellville area.
Motto and Rules of Membership
The NAE operates with a motto of “To The Dirt,” symbolizing their unwavering loyalty and commitment to the organization until death. Their rules of membership include strict adherence to hierarchical structures, involvement in criminal activities, and the promotion of white supremacist ideologies. Failure to comply with these rules can result in severe consequences, including violence against members or outsiders perceived as threats to the organization.
Defendant Sentences
The sentencing of the five NAE associates serves as a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice and the dismantling of white supremacist drug trafficking organizations. Russell Robinson, convicted of kidnapping and racketeering-related charges, was sentenced to 204 months in prison. Jeffrey Howell, Richard Hampton, Tiffany Parker, and April Teeter, found guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, were sentenced to 188 months, 96 months, 96 months, and 90 months, respectively. These sentences reflect the severity of their crimes and send a strong message that white supremacist criminal organizations will face the full force of the law.
Additional Defendants
Total Number of Defendants
In the comprehensive investigation known as “Operation ‘To The Dirt,'” a total of 55 defendants from the Pope County area were charged with violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering, and numerous gun and drug violations. This significant number of defendants highlights the widespread reach and influence of the NAE within the community.
Guilty Pleas and Trial Verdict
Of the 55 defendants charged in the case, 53 have pleaded guilty to their involvement in the NAE and its criminal activities. One defendant was found guilty at trial, highlighting the strength of the evidence and the effectiveness of the prosecution’s case.
Sentences Already Served
Out of the charged defendants, 35 have already been sentenced to prison terms, ranging from 36 months to 420 months. These sentences serve as a testament to the severity of the crimes committed and the determination of law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
Ongoing Investigation
Remaining Fugitive
Despite significant progress in the investigation and the sentencing of numerous defendants, one individual, Troy L. Loadholt, remains a fugitive. Law enforcement agencies are actively pursuing leads and conducting comprehensive efforts to locate and apprehend Loadholt. The ongoing investigation demonstrates the unwavering commitment of law enforcement to hold all individuals involved in the NAE’s criminal activities accountable for their actions.
Continued Efforts by Law Enforcement
The investigation into the NAE and its associated criminal activities is far from over. Local and federal law enforcement agencies remain committed to working collaboratively to identify, apprehend, and prosecute all individuals involved in drug trafficking and other crimes associated with the NAE. These continued efforts aim to dismantle the organization entirely and ensure the safety and security of affected communities.
Collaborating Agencies
The successful investigation and prosecution of the NAE’s criminal activities required the combined efforts of various law enforcement agencies. The ATF, DEA, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pope County Sheriff’s Office, Fifth Judicial Drug Task Force, Russellville Police Department, and FBI all played critical roles in providing resources, expertise, and manpower to bring the NAE associates to justice.
Related Content
To further understand the impact and importance of this case, it is essential to explore related content that sheds light on similar criminal prosecutions and drug trafficking-related cases. The articles “Fentanyl Traffickers Arraigned Today In Federal Court,” “Life In Federal Prison For Pope County Drug Trafficker Associated With White Supremacist Gang,” and “35 Years In Federal Prison for Convicted Cocaine Trafficker” provide additional context and insight into the broader scope of the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime.
Contact Information
For any inquiries or additional information regarding this case or other matters related to law enforcement efforts in the Eastern District of Arkansas, interested parties can contact the Eastern District of Arkansas Main Office via email, telephone, fax line, or visit their website. The contact information ensures that members of the public can connect with the appropriate authorities for further assistance or clarification.
In conclusion, the sentencing of the five NAE associates serves as a significant victory in the ongoing fight against white supremacist drug trafficking organizations. Through a collaborative effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies, these individuals have been held accountable for their involvement in the NAE’s criminal activities. The case underscores the determination and commitment of law enforcement to protect communities from the influence of organized crime and extremist ideologies. The ongoing investigation, along with continued efforts by law enforcement agencies, reflects the unwavering dedication to eradicate the NAE and ensure the safety and security of affected communities.