Little Rock - Christopher R. Thyer, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, and William J. Bryant, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Little Rock District Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration announced that a federal grand jury has returned indictments against five people from northeast Arkansas on drug distribution and firearm charges.

U.S. Attorney Thyer said, "Once again, the investigation and indictments are typical of the cooperation that we all enjoy in Arkansas when engaged in fighting crime and protecting the public. It is all too common for local law enforcement and the DEA to work hand in glove in investigations. We all have our strengths which, when unified, make a formidable opponent to drug dealers. This is another example of that commitment and unity."

Richard Anderson, of Jonesboro, and Bridgette Diane Crosswell, of Gosnell were indicted in a drug conspiracy involving methamphetamine. Crosswell was also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possessing a pistol in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The maximum statutory penalty for the drug conspiracy involving this amount of methamphetamine is not less than five years imprisonment and not more than 40 years, a $5,000,000 fine, or both. The maximum statutory penalty for being a felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition is not more than ten years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both. The penalty for possessing a pistol in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime is 5 years imprisonment consecutive to any other conviction.

Michael Dority, of Jonesboro, is charged with two counts of distribution of cocaine, and one count of possession with the intent to distribute approximately 44 grams of cocaine base, aka crack. The maximum statutory penalty for distribution of cocaine is not more than twenty years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, or both. The maximum statutory penalty for possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base, aka crack, is not less than five years imprisonment and not more than 40 years, a $5,000,000 fine, or both.

Arthur Ray Osborn, aka Ray Ray, of Jonesboro, is charged with one count of possession with the intent to distribute 3.4 ounces of cocaine base, aka, crack, and one count of possession with the intent to distribute approximately 86 ecstasy tablets. The maximum statutory penalty for possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base, aka crack, is not less than five years imprisonment and not more than 40 years, a $5,000,000 fine, or both. The maximum statutory penalty for possession with the intent to distribute ecstasy is not more than twenty years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, or both.

Brian Collins of Blytheville is charged in a one count indictment with possession with the intent to distribute approximately 1.85 ounces of cocaine base, aka, crack. The maximum statutory penalty for possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base, aka crack, is not less than five years imprisonment and not more than 40 years, a $5,000,000 fine, or both.

This investigation was conducted by agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the 2nd Judicial District Drug Task Force, Jonesboro Police Department, Blytheville Police Department, Osceola Police Department, and the Mississippi County Sheriff's Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Harris.

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

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