A comprehensive nine-month investigation targeting significant criminal activity in England has resulted in multiple arrests, following community complaints that initiated the operation. Dubbed “Operation Loud and Clear,” this collaborative effort involved 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: Faces multiple 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 took office on May 30, 2024, expressed pride in the partnerships that facilitated this operation and indicated ongoing efforts to combat crime.
“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,” Police Chief Richard Friend said 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 a period of heightened drug activity and violence in certain areas of England, Arkansas, focusing on dismantling criminal networks affecting the city.
