Helena-West Helena, Arkansas – A sweeping federal investigation into gun violence and drug activity in Helena-West Helena has resulted in the arrest and indictment of seven individuals, marking a significant escalation in efforts to address crime in the region. The arrests followed an early-morning operation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, targeting individuals accused of illegally possessing firearms and, in several cases, distributing dangerous narcotics.
Jonathan D. Ross, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced that a federal grand jury returned seven indictments on March 5, 2026. The charges stem from ongoing investigations into gun-related incidents, including at least two cases tied to active shooting scenes, as well as broader drug trafficking concerns.
Seven defendants face federal charges tied to guns and drugs
The individuals named in the indictments include Jacarius Ross, 34; Dmarkus Britton, 38; Michael Harris, 44; Lawrence Bennett, 34; Jordan Walker, 34; Kevin Williams, 50; all of Helena-West Helena; and Kamarius Landrum, 23, of Marvell.
Each defendant faces specific charges tied to their alleged actions. Jacarius Ross is accused of possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Britton faces multiple charges, including possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of an unregistered National Firearms Act weapon, and possession of a firearm tied to drug trafficking.
Harris is charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Bennett and Landrum are both charged with being felons in possession of firearms.
Walker and Williams are each accused of possessing cocaine with intent to distribute, along with firearm-related charges tied to drug trafficking. Williams also faces a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Authorities confirmed that Landrum had already been in state custody and was arraigned on March 12. The remaining six defendants appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Edie R. Ervin in Helena-West Helena, where trial dates were set. Bennett, Walker, and Williams were taken into custody during the morning operation, while Ross, Britton, and Harris were transferred from state custody. All seven defendants are currently being held.
“Combating gun crime remains one of our office’s highest priorities. We are grateful to the hard work of the FBI and the Helena-West Helena Police Department that went into presenting these cases to the grand jury,” Ross said. “By continuing to work with our law enforcement partners, today’s operation underscores our commitment to making communities safer.”
Federal officials emphasized that the operation is part of a broader effort to reduce violence and hold offenders accountable. FBI Little Rock Special Agent in Charge Jason Van Goor reinforced that message. “Violent offenders will be held accountable, and we will use every available resource to bring them to justice,” Van Goor said. “The FBI Little Rock Field Office remains committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to protect Arkansans from those who threaten our communities.”
Local leaders also spoke about the importance of collaboration in tackling crime. Helena-West Helena Police Chief Quanderius Sanders highlighted the joint effort behind the arrests. “I want to personally thank our partners with the FBI, Arkansas State Police, and U.S. Attorney’s office,” Sanders said. “Let this serve as a message: individuals who choose to engage in criminal activity in our city will be identified, pursued, and held accountable.”
The charges carry severe penalties if the defendants are convicted. Drug trafficking offenses involving methamphetamine, cocaine, or fentanyl can result in up to 20 years in prison, along with significant fines and supervised release. Firearm-related offenses add additional penalties, including mandatory prison terms that must be served consecutively in some cases.
The investigation was led by the FBI with support from the Helena-West Helena Police Department and the Arkansas State Police. Prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office are handling the cases as the investigation continues.
Officials noted that more indictments could follow as law enforcement agencies continue to examine gun and drug activity in the area, signaling that this operation may be only one step in a larger ongoing effort to address crime in the community.
