U.S. Marshals Service Coordinated Enforcement Operations Across Eastern Arkansas Yield 47 Arrests

Little Rock, AR - The U.S. Marshals Service, in partnership with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, recently concluded two coordinated enforcement operations in Eastern Arkansas that resulted in the arrest of 47 individuals, including 31 registered sex offenders charged with failing to comply with Arkansas sex offender registration requirements.

Operation Trident, conducted June 19-25 in West Memphis, and Operation Call Your Bluff, conducted June 23-25 in Pine Bluff, targeted registered sex offenders who failed to comply with registration requirements, individuals accused of crimes against children and other high-priority fugitives.

Operation Trident resulted in the arrest of 30 individuals. Of those, 25 were charged with failure to comply with Arkansas sex offender registration requirements. Four individuals were arrested on charges related to internet stalking of a child and solicitation and use of a communication device to facilitate a child exploitation offense. Additionally, five of those arrested were also charged with traveling for the purpose of an unlawful sex act with a minor. Other charges included possession of narcotics, resisting arrest, possession of a firearm by certain persons, possession of marijuana and a probation violation.

Operation Call Your Bluff resulted in the arrest of 17 individuals, including 11 fugitives and six registered sex offenders charged with failure to comply with Arkansas sex offender registration requirements. The fugitives were wanted on a variety of felony offenses, including multiple counts of possession of a firearm by certain persons, possession of a machine gun, criminal use of a prohibited weapon, robbery, theft of property by threat, absconding, probation violations, hindering apprehension, simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, and possession of methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana. During the operation, investigators also seized five electronic devices and one firearm.

Participating agencies in Operation Trident included Homeland Security Investigations, Arkansas State Police, Arkansas Highway Police, West Memphis Police Department, Craighead County Sheriff’s Office, Jonesboro Police Department and the Arkansas Department of Corrections.

Participating agencies in Operation Call Your Bluff included the Pine Bluff Police Department, Arkansas Community Correction, Arkansas State Police and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit.

“These operations demonstrate the U.S. Marshals Service’s unwavering commitment to protecting our communities by holding sex offenders accountable, apprehending violent fugitives and ensuring compliance with registration laws,” said Cory Harris, Acting U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Arkansas. “The success of these operations reflects the outstanding partnerships we share with our federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Working together, we are better equipped to identify, locate and apprehend offenders who threaten public safety.”

“Protecting children from online predators requires strong partnerships and a relentless commitment to public safety,” said Matt Wright, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations. “Through our collaboration with the U.S. Marshals Service, as well as our state and local law enforcement partners, we are able to identify and apprehend individuals accused of using technology to exploit minors. These operations highlight the importance of working together to safeguard our communities, both in Arkansas and online, and ensure that those who seek to exploit children are held accountable.”