Large-Scale Drug Trafficker in Little Rock Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison

           LITTLE ROCK—Theotis Thornton, a multi-convicted felon, will spend the next 20 years in federal prison for his significant role in a criminal organization that was responsible for distribution of methamphetamine and phencyclidine (PCP) in the Little Rock area and being a felon in possession of firearms. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down recently by United States District Judge D. P. Marshall, Jr.

           A federal grand jury indicted Thornton, 42, of Little Rock, in a superseding indictment on November 6, 2024. Thornton was charged with possession of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, one kilogram or more of PCP, and being a felon in possession of firearms. On December 4, 2024, Thornton plead guilty to all charges in the superseding indictment.

           On January 8, 2021, officers with the United States Marshal’s Service went to a residence in Little Rock, Arkansas, to execute a federal arrest warrant on the defendant’s brother, Thomas Thornton. Upon arrival, officers determined that Thomas Thornton was not home, but Theotis Thornton was in the residence. Theotis Thornton came to the door and advised officers that his brother was not at the house. 

           Both Thomas Thornton and Theotis Thornton were on active parole, and both had active search waivers on file. Due to concerns for safety, officers detained Theotis Thornton and conducted a safety sweep of the residence. During the safety sweep, officers observed a loaded firearm in plain view as well as drug paraphernalia inside the residence. Officers searched the vehicle belonging to Theotis Thornton that was parked at the residence and found more than 4.5 kilograms methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a magazine consistent with the firearm found in the bedroom. During the safety sweep, officers also observed surveillance equipment and a safe. Typical with the distribution of narcotics, the back room of the home had paraphernalia such as empty pill bottles and glass bottles.

           Upon further investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant to search the safe. Upon opening the safe, officers located inside the safe multiple bags of multi-colored pills and tablets. Also discovered inside the safe were 8,826 grams of PCP in six bottles and over $27,000 in cash. The safe also contained documents belonging the brothers. Additionally, officers located in the safe and inside the residence six firearms: three Springfield Hellcat 9mm firearms; two Bushmaster, .223 caliber rifles, and a Glock, model 27, .40 caliber firearm.

           In addition to the 20-year federal sentence, Judge Marshall also sentenced defendant to five years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

           Defendant has prior convictions for possession with intent to distribute marijuana and aggravated residential burglary.

          This case was investigated by the Little Rock Police Department with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, DEA, and ATF. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bart Dickinson.

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This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the

United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available on-line at

http://www.justice.gov/edar

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