Arrest Made in Mabelvale for Illegal Possession of Explosive Material

LITTLE ROCK—Christopher R. Thyer, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced that Michael, S. Parker, age 52, of Mabelvale, Arkansas, was arraigned today before United States Magistrate J. Thomas Ray on a federal complaint charging him with being a felon in possession of firearms and explosive material. Parker was detained following his initial appearance. His indictment will be presented at the next session of the grand jury.

The affidavit supporting the complaint states that probable cause existed to conduct a search warrant at an address in Mabelvale, Arkansas. The search warrant was executed by 30 law enforcement officers on September 19, 2012, from multiple state and local law enforcement agencies, including a bomb squad from the Arkansas State Police (ASP) and bomb detection K-9s from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The search resulted in the seizure of a 12-gauge shotgun, a .38 caliber Smith & Wesson revolver, one stick of military grade dynamite, and 14 one-pound high-explosive slurries. A slurry is a commercially available all-purpose, weather-resistant emulsion explosive. The complaint alleges that Parker had previous felony methamphetamine-related convictions. As a felon, it is illegal for Parker to possess firearms or explosives.

“It is a relief to this office, those involved in the search, and now the neighbors of the Mabelvale community that these extremely explosive devices were recovered,” stated Thyer. “Just one pound of slurry could destroy a vehicle and everyone in it. The potential damage from the explosion of 14 of these would have been devastating.”

A complaint contains only allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This investigation was conducted by agents from ATF. The search warrant was executed by ATF, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Arkansas State Police, and officers from the Little Rock Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Chris Givens and Stephanie Mazzanti are prosecuting the case for the United States.

Thirty in Jonesboro Indicted in Methamphetamine Conspiracy

LITTLE ROCK—Jane W. Duke, First Assistant for the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, and William J. Bryant, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Little Rock Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), announced the unsealing of a federal indictment against 30 individuals in the Jonesboro area.

The 64 count indictment charges all 30 defendants, except for Blanca Fuentes, in count 1 with conspiring to distribute, or to possess with intent to distribute, 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine from an unknown date through the grand jury’s return of the indictment on September 5, 2012. Antonio Ventura-Fuentes is charged in counts 2, 3, 6-11, and 13 with distributing methamphetamine on multiple occasions between January and May of 2012. William Jeffrey Long, Sr., and Michael Thomas McGuinnes are similarly charged with distributing methamphetamine, respectively, in counts 4 and 5, and count 11. Jeffrey Holman is charged in count 12 with possessing methamphetamine on May 8, 2012, with the intent to distribute it. Count 14 charges Blanca Fuentes with misprision of a felony for being aware of, concealing, and failing to report the methamphetamine conspiracy. The remaining 50 counts charge each defendant—except for Blanca Fuentes, Misty Polston, Marco Antonio Martinez, and Jeffrey Holman—with a “phone count” for using a telephone to commit, cause, or facilitate the methamphetamine conspiracy.

“Methamphetamine is a highly addictive and devastating drug,” stated Duke. “There is no way people are able to remain ‘social’ or ‘recreational’ meth users. It eventually overtakes every aspect of a person’s life. We have seen case after case where people think they can use methamphetamine occasionally and still maintain a family, a career, a home, and their health. But, the addictive nature of this drug is such that you simply cannot. Eventually, the acquisition and use of methamphetamine completely consumes a user. Left in the wake are broken families, ruined careers, repossessed homes, and serious health problems.”

“This is an important day for the Jonesboro community. Credit is due to the diligent investigative work of DEA agents, Jonesboro Police Department and the Craighead County Sheriff’s office, with assistance from the Second Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s office,” stated Bryant. “Today, the Arkansas State Police, United States Marshals Service, the FBI, and the Arkansas National Guard and Independence County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the arrests of these drug dealers. Through coordinated efforts of the law enforcement community, we continue to make the communities across the state of Arkansas safer for the law abiding citizens living in them.”

If convicted of conspiring to distribute or possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine (as charged in count 1), the defendants will face a sentence of not less than 10 years to life imprisonment. Counts 2-13 (distribution of or possession with intent to distribute less than 50 grams of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine) carry a possible punishment of not more than 20 years in federal prison. Count 14 (misprision of a felony) carries a possible punishment of not more than three years’ imprisonment. Each “phone count” is punishable by not more than four years’ imprisonment.

United States Attorney Christopher R. Thyer has recused himself from the prosecution of this case.

The investigation was conducted by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the Jonesboro Police Department, and the Craighead County Sheriff’s Office. Assistance was also provided by the prosecutor’s office of the Second Judicial District. Agencies assisting with the arrests were the Arkansas State Police, the United States Marshal Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Arkansas National Guard, and Independence County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Gordon, Julie Peters, and Chris Givens.

An indictment contains only allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Arkansas Man Pleads Guilty to Civil Rights Offenses for Involvement in the Firebombing of Interracial Couples’ Home

Gary Dodson, 32, of Waldron, Ark., pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Little Rock, Ark., to one count of civil rights conspiracy, one count of interference with housing rights due to race and one count of possession of an unregistered firearm/destructive device for his involvement in the Jan. 14, 2011, racially motivated firebombing of the home of an interracial couple in Hardy, Ark.

Dodson, along with Jason Barnwell, 37, of Evening Shade, Ark.; Jake Murphy, 19, of Waldron; Dustin Hammond, 20, of Hardy, Ark.; and Wendy Treybig, 31, of Evening Shade, were indicted in April by a federal grand jury on civil rights charges and other federal charges stemming from their participation in the racially motivated firebombing and their attempts to obstruct a federal investigation.

During the plea proceedings, Dodson admitted that on the night of Jan. 14, 2011, while at a party at Barnwell’s house in Evening Shade, he, Murphy, Hammond, and Barnwell devised a plan to firebomb the victims’ house. Dodson then drove all four men from Barnwell’s residence to the victims’ house in Hardy. When they arrived, Barnwell, Murphy, and Hammond constructed three Molotov cocktails and threw them at the house. They damaged the victims’ house, however, the victims were not injured.

“The victims’ home was attacked and their safety threatened because of their race. Such violence and intimidation has no place in our society,” said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to vigorously prosecute individuals who commit such atrocious acts of hate.”

“Today’s plea begins the final chapter in a terrible story begun less than a year ago on the night of Jan. 14, 2011, in a small Northeast Arkansas community,” said Christopher R. Thyer, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas. “Racially motivated violence, more than any other type, tears at the very fabric of what makes America and Arkansas great. We should be celebrating our diversity rather than committing acts of violence because of it. When it occurs, my office will vigorously prosecute it.”

Barnwell faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. Sentencing has been set for April 20, 2012. Barnwell, Murphy, Hammond and Treybig have already pleaded guilty for their involvement in this matter.

This case was investigated by the Little Rock Office of the FBI and the Little Rock Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Arkansas State Police, the Hardy and Waldron Police Departments, and the Scott and Sharp County Sheriff’s Offices. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Ray White of the Eastern District of Arkansas, and Trial Attorneys Cindy Chung and Henry Leventis of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.

Arkansas Man Pleads Guilty to Civil Rights Offenses for Involvement in the Firebombing of Interracial Couple's Home

WASHINGTON - Gary Dodson, 32, of Waldron, Ark., pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Little Rock, Ark., to one count of civil rights conspiracy, one count of interference with housing rights due to race and one count of possession of an unregistered firearm/destructive device for his involvement in the Jan. 14, 2011, racially motivated firebombing of the home of an interracial couple in Hardy, Ark.

Dodson, along with Jason Barnwell, 37, of Evening Shade, Ark.; Jake Murphy, 19, of Waldron; Dustin Hammond, 20, of Hardy, Ark.; and Wendy Treybig, 31, of Evening Shade, were indicted in April by a federal grand jury on civil rights charges and other federal charges stemming from their participation in the racially motivated firebombing and their attempts to obstruct a federal investigation.

During the plea proceedings, Dodson admitted that on the night of Jan. 14, 2011, while at a party at Barnwell’s house in Evening Shade, he, Murphy, Hammond and Barnwell devised a plan to firebomb the victims’ house. Dodson then drove all four men from Barnwell’s residence to the victims’ house in Hardy. When they arrived, Barnwell, Murphy and Hammond constructed three Molotov cocktails and threw them at the house. They damaged the victims’ house, however, the victims were not injured.

“The victims’ home was attacked and their safety threatened because of their race. Such violence and intimidation has no place in our society,” said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to vigorously prosecute individuals who commit such atrocious acts of hate.”

“Today’s plea begins the final chapter in a terrible story begun less than a year ago on the night of Jan. 14, 2011, in a small Northeast Arkansas community,” said Christopher R. Thyer, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas.  “Racially motivated violence, more than any other type, tears at the very fabric of what makes America and Arkansas great.  We should be celebrating our diversity rather than committing acts of violence because of it.  When it occurs, my office will vigorously prosecute it.”

Dodson faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. Sentencing has been set for April 6, 2012. Barnwell, Murphy, Hammond and Treybig have already pleaded guilty for their involvement in this matter.

This case was investigated by the Little Rock Office of the FBI and the Little Rock Office of the  Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Arkansas State Police, the Hardy and Waldron Police Departments, and the Scott and Sharp County Sheriff’s Offices.   It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Ray White of the Eastern District of Arkansas, and Trial Attorneys Cindy Chung and Henry Leventis of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.

Seventy-Four Defendants Charged in Operation State Line Sweep, Targeting Texarkana Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

TEXARKANA, AR—Conner Eldridge, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas and Val Parlave, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI announced today that a federal grand jury returned one indictment containing 190 counts and charging 66 individuals in the Texarkana, Arkansas area with a large-scale drug trafficking conspiracy and other crimes. The indictment was unsealed today in U.S. District Court in Texarkana, Arkansas. In addition, eight other defendants were charged in federal or state court. The investigation, Operation State Line Sweep, resulted in 41 arrests today by local, state, and federal law enforcement as part of a roundup of the charged Defendants.

All 66 defendants named in the indictment are charged with conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine. In addition, the separate defendants face charges ranging from felon in possession of a firearm to possession with intent to distribute and distribution of controlled substances including crack cocaine and methamphetamine. The indictment also alleges that controlled substances were distributed within 1,000 feet of five public schools, five public housing facilities, and one public playground.

“This case indicates that we are serious about working together to investigate and prosecute individuals and organizations that put our communities in jeopardy by engaging in drug trafficking and other crimes,” commented Conner Eldridge, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas. “Many of these Defendants placed children at risk by selling drugs in close proximity to schools, public housing, and a playground. I appreciate the cooperation among local, state, and federal law enforcement and prosecutors to bring this case. We will continue to work together to identify, investigate and prosecute criminal activity such as this, and ensure that our streets—in Texarkana, South Arkansas, and throughout the Western District—are safe.”

Val Parlave, Special Agent in Charge of the Arkansas Federal Bureau of Investigation commented, “This investigation represents a coordinated effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement to target those who traffic in drugs and put our citizens and particularly our children at risk by selling them in our communities. This multi-agency case represents a collaborative effort focused on cleaning up our streets and neighborhoods throughout Southwestern Arkansas and Northeast Texas. This operation shows that we, at all levels of law enforcement, are committed to working together to eliminate these types of drug organizations and hold those involved in them accountable for their illegal activities.”

The defendants who were arrested today will appear before United States Magistrate Judge Barry A. Bryant starting this afternoon and continuing on Wednesday, October 19, 2011. The case is styled as: United States v. Lewis, et al, Case No 4:11CR40032-001-066.

This case was investigated by the FBI Violent Gang Safe Streets Task Force, the Texarkana, Arkansas Police Department, the Texarkana, Texas Police Department, the Miller County Sheriff’s Office, the Bi-State Narcotics Task Force and the Arkansas State Police. Other agencies assisting in the arrest operation include: the South Central Drug Task Force, the U.S. Marshals Office, the Department of Homeland Security, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Arkansas Tobacco Control, and the Texas State Comptroller’s Office.

The statutory sentences for the crimes charged in this indictment range from five years up to life imprisonment, with fines ranging from up to $250,000 to $20 million.

An indictment is merely an accusation. An arrest warrant represents a finding of probable cause. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Seventy Defendants in Helena-West Helena and Marianna Indicted in Operation Delta Blues

LITTLE ROCK—Christopher R. Thyer, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, along Valerie Parlave, Special Agent in Charge of the Little Rock Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); William J. Bryant, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Little Rock District Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Grover C. Crossland, Resident Agent in Charge of the Little Rock Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Christopher A. Henry, Special Agent in Charge of the Nashville Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigations Division; and Colonel JR Howard, Director of the Arkansas State Police (ASP), announced today that a federal grand jury returned seven indictments charging 70 individuals, including five law enforcement officers, in the Phillips and Lee County areas. The charges include public corruption, drug trafficking, money laundering, and firearms offenses. The indictments were handed down on Tuesday, October 4, 2011, and were unsealed today following a massive roundup of the charged defendants.

The charges stem from multiple Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigations spanning more than a two-year period. The investigations, collectively referred to as “Operation Delta Blues,” primarily focused on public corruption and drug trafficking activities in the Helena-West Helena and Marianna, Arkansas areas. The United States Attorney’s Office utilized 16 court-authorized wiretaps over the course of Operation Delta Blues. Approximately 700 federal, state, and local law enforcement personnel from the FBI, DEA, IRS, ATF, ASP, Arkansas National Guard, and the Little Rock Police Department and West Memphis Police Department participated in the arrests today.

“Our commitment to eradicating drug trafficking and violent crime has never been stronger,” stated United States Attorney Christopher R. Thyer. “When these two elements are mixed with law enforcement corruption, it can make for the perfect storm in a community. It can paralyze honest law enforcement action, silence witnesses, and erode public confidence in our system of justice.” Thyer added, “These indictments and arrests signify a substantial development in what can only be classified as an ongoing investigation into public corruption, drug trafficking, and violent crime in the eastern part of our district.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Parlave followed by saying, “I am confident that today’s takedown in Operation Delta Blues will send a clear message that we are committed to rooting out public corruption, disrupting violent gang activities, and dismantling illegal drug organizations. I am honored to work alongside the Arkansas State Police, ATF, DEA, and IRS, who pulled together in an unprecedented way to execute this operation today. Our investigation remains ongoing and I encourage anyone with information to call our public corruption hotline at 501-221-8200, or e-mail: Little.Rock@ic.fbi.gov.”

DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Bryant concurred, saying, “This type of investigation shows the great teamwork and commitment of the federal agencies—FBI, DEA, ATF, and IRS—and the Arkansas State Police in combating drug trafficking and public corruption in the State of Arkansas. All of these agencies combined their assets and resources to disrupt and dismantle these drug trafficking organizations and corrupt public officials.”

“Some of the best police work I’ve ever been a part of occurred when law enforcement agencies came together to share resources for a common good. As disappointing as it may be that public corruption of the worst kind was the target in this Operation, the public would expect nothing less of us than to ensure we worked together to eliminate the threat,” stated ASP Colonel Howard.

IRS Special Agent in Charge Henry added, “The role of IRS Criminal Investigations in narcotics investigations is to follow the money so we can financially disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations. Working alongside our law enforcement partners, IRS-CI is proud to provide our financial expertise to help make our communities safer places to live.”

The defendants who were arrested today will appear before United States Magistrate Judge Joseph J. Volpe for Plea and Arraignment on October 13, 2011, beginning at 8:30 a.m. The cases are as follows:

■United States v. Trice, et al., Case No. 4:11CR209 JLH, pending before U.S. District Court Judge J. Leon Holmes.

■United States v. Colbert, et al., Case No. 4:11CR210 JMM, pending before U.S. District Court Judge James M. Moody.
■United States v. Turner, et al., Case No. 4:11CR211 JMM, pending before U.S. District Court Judge James M. Moody.
■United States v. Hughes, et al., Case No. 4:11CR212 JLH, pending before U.S. District Court Judge J. Leon Holmes.
■United States v. Eaton, Case No. 4:11CR213 JLH, pending before U.S. District Court Judge J. Leon Holmes.
■United States v. Rogers, et al., Case No. 4:11CR214 BSM, pending before U.S. District Court Judge Brian S. Miller.
■United States v. Wahls, Case No. 4:11CR215 BRW, pending before U.S. District Court Judge Bill Wilson.

The investigation was conducted by the United States Attorney’s Office, FBI, DEA, ATF, IRS-CID, and Arkansas State Police, with operational assistance from the Arkansas National Guard, the Little Rock Police Department, and the West Memphis Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Julie Peters, Benecia B. Moore, and Michael Gordon.

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

Arkansas Man Pleads Guilty to Civil Rights Offenses Related to Firebombing of Mixed-Race Couple’s Home

WASHINGTON—Jason Walter Barnwell, 37, of Evening Shade, Ark., pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Little Rock, Ark., to charges related to his involvement in the Jan. 14, 2011, racially motivated firebombing of the home of a mixed-race couple in Hardy, Ark. Barnwell pleaded guilty to one count of civil rights conspiracy and one count of use of fire during the commission of a felony in connection with the incident. Barnwell also pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon for illegally possessing a firearm on March 16, 2011, the Department of Justice announced today.

Barnwell, along with Gary Dodson, 32, of Waldron, Ark.; Jake Murphy, 19, also of Waldron; Dustin Hammond, 20, of Hardy; and Wendy Treybig, 31, of Evening Shade, were indicted in April 2011 by a federal grand jury on civil rights charges and other federal charges stemming from their participation in the racially motivated firebombing and subsequent attempt to obstruct a federal investigation.

During the plea proceedings, Barnwell admitted that on the night of Jan. 14, 2011, while at a party at his house, he, Murphy, Hammond and Dodson devised a plan to firebomb the victims’ house. Thereafter, all four men drove from Barnwell’s residence to the victims’ house in Hardy. When they arrived, Barnwell, Murphy and Hammond constructed three Molotov cocktails and threw them at the house. The victims’ house sustained some damage; however, the victims were not injured. Barnwell also admitted to illegally possessing a firearm after he had been convicted of a felony.

“We simply will not tolerate racially-motivated violence in this country,” said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will vigorously prosecute individuals who commit such heinous acts.”

“This joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; along with the Arkansas State Police; the Hardy and Waldron Police Departments; and the Scott and Sharp County Sheriff’s Offices demonstrates how seriously all levels and branches of law enforcement consider these acts of prejudice, intolerance, and intimidation,” said Christopher R. Thyer, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas. “We are committed to protect the civil rights of all citizens of the Eastern District of Arkansas.”

Barnwell faces a maximum penalty of 35 years in prison. Sentencing has been set for Dec. 20, 2011. Murphy, Hammond and Treybig previously pleaded guilty for their involvement in this matter. Gary Dodson is scheduled to go to trial on Oct. 25, 2011.

This case was investigated by the Little Rock Division of the Federal FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Ray White of the Eastern District of Arkansas and Trial Attorney Henry Leventis of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.

Arkansas Men Charged with Federal Hate Crime Related to the Assault of Five Hispanic Men

WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced today the arrest of Sean Popejoy, 19, and Frankie Maybee, 20, both of Green Forest, Ark., on charges related to a racially-motivated assault on five Hispanic men.   A federal grand jury in the Western District of Arkansas returned an indictment on April 5, 2011, charging Popejoy and Maybee with federal hate crime charges and conspiracy to commit a federal hate crime.

According to the indictment, Popejoy and Maybee have been charged with one count of conspiracy and five counts of violating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which was enacted in October 2009.   Specifically, the indictment alleges that on June 20, 2010, the defendants yelled anti-Latino epithets at the victims while at a gas station parking lot.   When the victims drove away, the defendants chased after them in the defendants’ truck.   The defendants eventually caught up to the victims’ car and repeatedly rammed their truck into the victims’ car, causing the victims’ car to go off the road, overturn and ignite.   All five of the victims were physically injured as a result of the defendants’ actions.

If convicted, the defendants face maximum penalties of 10 years in prison on each of the civil rights charges.

This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Fayetteville Division in cooperation with the Arkansas State Police Department and the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office.   The case is being prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Conner Eldridge and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyra Jenner for the Western District of Arkansas and Trial Attorney Edward Chung of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.

An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Four Men and One Woman from Arkansas Indicted on Charges Stemming from the Firebombing of an Interracial Couple’s Home

WASHINGTON – Jason Barnwell, 37, of Evening Shade, Ark.; Gary Dodson, 32, of Waldron, Ark.; Jake Murphy, 19, also of Waldron; and Dustin Hammond, 20, of Hardy, Ark., were indicted by a federal grand jury on civil rights charges and other federal charges stemming from their participation in an incident in January 2011 involving Molotov cocktails thrown at and into the home of a mixed-race couple living near Hardy, Ark.   The couple was also barraged with racial slurs and threatened with future violence if they did not leave Arkansas. Wendy Treybig, 31, of Evening Shade, Ark., was indicted for obstruction of justice for her role in trying to cover up the incident.

Specifically, Barnwell, Dodson, Murphy and Hammond are charged with one count of conspiracy to interfere with the housing rights of another, one count of interfering with the housing rights of another, one count of possessing an unregistered firearm, one count of using fire in the commission of a felony, and one count of using a destructive device in furtherance of a crime of violence.   Barnwell is also charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm.    

If convicted, Barnwell faces up to 85 years in prison.   If convicted, Dodson, Murphy and Hammond face up to 70 years in prison.   If convicted, Treybig faces up to 20 years in prison.

This investigation was led by the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) of the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; along with the Arkansas State Police; the Hardy and Waldron Police Departments; and the Scott and Sharp County Sheriff's Offices.  

The charges set forth in an indictment are merely allegations.   The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Arkansas and Colorado

Police-Writers.com is a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books. The website added three police officers; two from Colorado and one from Arkansas.

Dempsie Coffman was sworn in as a Trooper with the Arkansas State Police on October 7, 1973 and assigned to the Highway Patrol Division. In 1979, he received the prestigious Trooper of the Year award for saving a woman’s life. He was promoted to Sergeant on November 23, 1984 and then Lieutenant on June 17, 1988. His first assignment as a lieutenant was as the Assistant Commander for Troop “B” at Newport, Arkansas. In March of 1995, he transferred to Troop “J” in Clarksville, where he served the remainder of his thirty-year career before retiring on April 30, 2004. Dempsie Coffman is the author of three books: Arkansas State Troopers: A Breed Apart; Life (It's All about the Family) An Autobiography about the Life and Times of Lt. Dempsie Coffman, Arkansas State Police; and, a book of poetry, Southern Charm: Poems For All Occasions.

Steve Thomas is a 13 year veteran of law enforcement. His experience includes 8 years with the Boulder Police Department (Colorado). While working on the Boulder Police Department, Steve Thomas was a primary investigator on the JonBenet Ramsey case. Steve Thomas took medical leave in 1998 and ultimately resigned from the Boulder Police Department. Steve Thomas is the co-author of JonBenet: Inside the Murder Investigation.

According to Shawn Carkonen, a reviewer on Amazon.com, “Let's answer the burning question straightaway: Steve Thomas believes that Patsy Ramsey is responsible for the death of her daughter, JonBenét, Christmas night 1996. As a key member of the team assigned to investigate the murder of the 6-year-old girl, the former detective knows the facts of the case as well as anyone, and the conclusion he draws is convincing and clearly presented. And, as it turns out, his theory about who may be guilty of the crime is just one of the shocking revelations in JonBenét: Inside the Ramsey Murder Investigation.”

Philip Swift was born into an Episcopal Church and grew up in both Missouri and Colorado and under the watchful eye of his father, an Episcopal Priest. At a young age, Philip decided that his life's work would not be found within the church but within the law enforcement community. Cradle to Grave is a unique look at an age-old problem. Philip uses his years of service with not only the Denver Sheriff Department's Gang Unit but also the Department Emergency Response Unit to address the problem of monitoring and tracking both gang and Security Threat Groups from the prospective of a correctional setting. His unique look at an often overlooked issue offers a new set of techniques that can be applied to the ever-changing gang culture within today's jails and prisons. The Cradle to Grave philosophy binds together techniques that have been proven in facilities across the country to create a program that can effectively monitor and track gang and Security Threat Groups. Cradle to Grave also offers a view into gang and Security Threat Group culture that enables even a rookie officer to understand the inmates that live within the walls of today's correctional facilities.

Police-Writers.com now hosts 560 police officers (representing 234 police departments) and their 1179 books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.