312 Pounds of Meth Seized as Federal Agents Target California-to-Arkansas Pipeline

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Twenty-three people have been indicted in a federal investigation that authorities say uncovered a California-based supply network responsible for attempting to distribute hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine in Central Arkansas.

Thirteen people were arrested Tuesday, July 14, in Arkansas, California and Texas during Operation Return to Sender, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas.

Federal prosecutors said 14 defendants were in custody Thursday and two — David Ellis, 42, of Malvern, and Corey Lucas, 48, of Little Rock — remained fugitives. Sixteen defendants were scheduled to appear Thursday for plea and arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joe J. Volpe.

Authorities reported seizing approximately 312 pounds of methamphetamine during the two-year investigation:

• Approximately 186 pounds were found in eight packages intercepted between Oct. 27 and Nov. 3, 2025.
• Another 120 pounds were seized Tuesday from a North Little Rock property.
• Approximately 6 pounds were seized directly from defendants earlier in the investigation.

Investigators also seized four firearms, including two reported stolen, and approximately $35,000 in cash during Tuesday’s operation.

The indictment alleges that Christerious Wooten, 34, of North Little Rock, directed a trafficking organization operating in Little Rock and North Little Rock.

Prosecutors allege members transported money from Arkansas to the Los Angeles area to pay alleged supplier Ronji Hill, 57, of Los Angeles. Hill then allegedly arranged for methamphetamine to be shipped to residential addresses in Pulaski and Chicot counties and elsewhere in the Eastern District of Arkansas.

Eight packages containing a combined 186 pounds of methamphetamine were intercepted before reaching their intended destinations, according to prosecutors.

Members of the organization also allegedly maintained or purchased residential properties in Little Rock, North Little Rock and Los Angeles to distribute methamphetamine and convert drug proceeds into real estate.

The investigation began in 2024 and included nine court-authorized wiretaps used between December 2024 and November 2025.

“If you bring death to our streets, we will come to your doors to bring you to our courts to answer for your crimes,” U.S. Attorney Jonathan D. Ross said.

Ross said Arkansas State Crime Lab data identify methamphetamine as the leading cause of death among Arkansans who die from drug overdoses.

Defendants Named in the Indictment

Sixteen defendants face a conspiracy allegation involving at least 500 grams of methamphetamine. A conviction carries a statutory sentence of 10 years to life in federal prison:

• Allysia Brown, 29, of Alexander
• Sergio Burgueno, 51, of North Little Rock
• Jeremie Calvin, 22, of North Little Rock
• Shandreckqualin Chatman, 34, of Little Rock
• David Ellis, 42, of Malvern
• Charnice Frazier, 29, of Fort Worth, Texas
• Ronji Hill, 57, of Los Angeles
• Nicolette Jones, 35, of North Little Rock
• Timothy Jones, 47, of Sherwood
• Robert Raper, 49, of Jacksonville
• Desmond Rowe Jr., 19, of North Little Rock
• Tristen Taylor, 28, of Little Rock
• Grealin Thomas, 47, of Hot Springs
• Scott Vest, 47, of Little Rock
• Santadius Wilbarger, 44, of Little Rock
• Christerious Wooten, 34, of North Little Rock

Five defendants face a conspiracy allegation involving between 50 and 500 grams of methamphetamine. A conviction carries a statutory sentence of five to 40 years:

• Christopher Chambers, 35, of Morrilton
• Clay Glasco, 46, of Lonoke
• Jacki Hogue, 41, of Redfield
• Otis Kelly, 44, of Greenbrier
• Daniella Pruitt, 40, of Morrilton

Two defendants face a conspiracy allegation involving less than 50 grams. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years:

• Alexander Cruz, 54, of North Little Rock
• Corey Lucas, 48, of Little Rock

Several defendants also face individual allegations of distribution, possession with intent to distribute, attempted distribution, or maintaining a drug-involved property.

The DEA’s Little Rock office led the investigation with the Homeland Security Task Force. The IRS Criminal Investigation Division, Arkansas State Police, and the Little Rock and North Little Rock police departments were among the participating agencies.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.