Federal Operation Targeting Gun Violence in Helena-West Helena Leads to Seven Men Indicted

HELENA-WEST HELENA-An ongoing investigation into gun violence in the Helena-West Helena area has led to the arrests of seven individuals alleged to have illegally possessed, and in some cases used, firearms. Several of the defendants also face federal drug charges after today's early-morning arrest operation that was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Jonathan D. Ross, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the unsealing of seven indictments that were returned by a federal Grand Jury sitting in Helena-West Helena on March 5, 2026. The indictments were returned against the following individuals:

• Jacarius Ross, 34, of Helena-West Helena, charged with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime in Case Number 2:26-CR-00007-KGB.

• Dmarkus Britton, 38, of Helena-West Helena, charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of an unregistered National Firearms Act weapon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime in Case Number 2:26-CR-00005-JM.

• Michael Harris, 44, of Helena-West Helena, charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime in Case Number 2:26-CR-00008-DPM.

• Lawrence Bennett, 34, of Helena-West Helena, charged with felon in possession of a firearm in Case Number 2:26-CR-00004-BSM.

• Jordan Walker, 34, of Helena-West Helena, charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime in Case Number 2:26-CR-00010-BSM.

• Kevin Williams, 50, of Helena-West Helena, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime in Case Number 2:26-CR-00011-BSM.

• Kamarius Landrum, 23, of Marvell, charged with felon in possession of a firearm in Case Number 2:26-CR-0009-LPR.

Landrum was in previous state custody and arraigned by United States Magistrate Judge Edie R. Ervin on March 12. The other six defendants appeared before Judge Ervin today in Helena-West Helena and were given trial dates. Bennett, Walker, and Williams were arrested this morning. Ross, Britton, and Harris were in state custody on other charges and brought to federal court today. All seven defendants remain detained.

"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."

"Violent offenders will be held accountable, and we will use every available resource to bring them to justice," FBI Little Rock Special Agent in Charge Jason 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."

The cases unsealed today all stem from local investigations into gun and drug crimes, and at least two cases involved active shooting scenes. All agencies involved in today's operation continue to investigate gun crimes in the region, and more indictments are expected.

"I want to personally thank our partners with the FBI, Arkansas State Police, and U.S. Attorney's office," Helena-West Helena Police Chief Quanderius 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 crime of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, or fentanyl, as charged in these indictments, carries a penalty of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $1,000,000, and not less than three years of supervised release. Felon in possession of a firearm carries a penalty of not more than 15 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, and not less than three years of supervised release. Possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime has a penalty of not less than five years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence imposed, a fine of not more than $250,000, and not more than five years of supervised release. Possession of an unregistered National Firearms Act weapon carries a penalty of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, and not more than three years of supervised release.

Today's operation was led by the FBI, with assistance from the Helena-West Helena Police Department and the Arkansas State Police.

The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Bart Dickinson, Lauren Eldridge, Ashley Bowen, and Reese Lancaster.

An indictment contains only allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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