A nine-month investigation targeting major criminal activity in England, Arkansas, has led to multiple arrests, following community complaints that sparked the operation. Known as “Operation Loud and Clear,” the operation was a collaborative effort involving several law enforcement agencies, including the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office, Arkansas State Police, DEA, ATF, Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office, and Cabot Police Department.
The following individuals were arrested as part of the operation:
Chris Clubbs: Charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver and possession of drug paraphernalia; pled guilty on April 15, 2025.
Terry Wright: Facing charges including simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, possession of a defaced firearm, and theft of property; trial set for August 2025.
Aaron Hatfield: Charged with multiple drug and firearms offenses, including possession with intent to deliver and unlawful installation of a booby trap.
Stephen Glover Jr.: Charged with maintaining a drug premises, drug possession, first-degree terroristic threatening, and aggravated assault; pled guilty on April 28, 2025.
Eric Epperson: Charged with delivery of methamphetamine and unlawful use of a communication device; trial set for June 2025.
Billy Sanders: Charged with delivery of methamphetamine and unlawful use of a communication device; no trial date set.
Jeffery Barnett: Charged with delivery of methamphetamine; trial set for July 2025.
Chief Richard Friend, who assumed office on May 30, 2024, expressed his pride in the partnerships that made this operation successful, emphasizing the use of forensic analysis to identify links between suspects.
“We are proud of the partnerships that made this possible. One of the key tools in this operation was the forensic analysis of suspects’ cell phones, which allowed us to clearly link individuals to co-conspirators and additional crimes,” said Police Chief Richard Friend in a press release. “That’s how the operation got its name – ‘loud and clear’. The message to criminals is just that.”
The operation responded to rising drug activity and violence in certain areas of England, Arkansas, focusing on dismantling criminal networks and disrupting illegal operations in the city.
