Theotis Thornton, Methamphetamine Trafficking, Arkansas 2025

LITTLE ROCK, AR – In a significant victory for law enforcement, Theotis Thornton, a multi-convicted felon, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for his significant role in a criminal organization responsible for distributing methamphetamine and phencyclidine (PCP) in the Little Rock area and being a felon in possession of firearms.

The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge D. P. Marshall, Jr., following a superseding indictment by a federal grand jury on November 6, 2024. Thornton pleaded guilty to all charges in the superseding indictment on December 4, 2024.

According to court documents, officers with the United States Marshal’s Service went to a residence in Little Rock, Arkansas, to execute a federal arrest warrant on the defendant’s brother, Thomas Thornton, on January 8, 2021. Upon arrival, officers determined that Thomas Thornton was not home, but Theotis Thornton was in the residence. Theotis Thornton came to the door and advised officers that his brother was not at the house.

Both Thomas Thornton and Theotis Thornton were on active parole, and both had active search waivers on file. Due to concerns for safety, officers detained Theotis Thornton and conducted a safety sweep of the residence. During the safety sweep, officers observed a loaded firearm in plain view as well as drug paraphernalia inside the residence. Officers searched the vehicle belonging to Theotis Thornton that was parked at the residence and found more than 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a magazine consistent with the firearm found in the bedroom.

Upon further investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant to search the safe. Upon opening the safe, officers located inside the safe multiple bags of multi-colored pills and tablets. Also discovered inside the safe were 8,826 grams of PCP in six bottles and over $27,000 in cash. The safe also contained documents belonging to the brothers. Additionally, officers located in the safe and inside the residence six firearms: three Springfield Hellcat 9mm firearms; two Bushmaster, .223 caliber rifles, and a Glock, model 27, .40 caliber firearm.

In addition to the 20-year federal sentence, Judge Marshall also sentenced defendant to five years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Defendant has prior convictions for possession with intent to distribute marijuana and aggravated residential burglary.

This case was investigated by the Little Rock Police Department with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, DEA, and ATF. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bart Dickinson.

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