Little Rock, Arkansas – Federal and state authorities announced Tuesday the results of a sweeping law enforcement effort known as Operation Viper, a coordinated initiative across Arkansas that led to 39 arrests, multiple federal indictments, and the seizure of drugs, firearms, and suspected criminal proceeds.
The operation, led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas alongside the FBI’s Little Rock Field Office, targeted individuals suspected of violent crime, drug trafficking, and illegal weapons possession. Officials described the effort as a broad, coordinated strike involving multiple agencies working together across jurisdictions.
Authorities confirmed that 26 warrants were executed during the operation. In addition, law enforcement officers seized 33 firearms, approximately 100 pounds of marijuana, significant quantities of fentanyl and other illicit pills, and $74,400 in suspected illegal proceeds. Officials say the scale of the seizures reflects the depth of the criminal activity being investigated.
Federal prosecutors also announced that nine individuals arrested during Operation Viper were indicted by a federal grand jury on June 2. These indictments include a range of firearms and drug-related charges, signaling what officials describe as an ongoing effort to disrupt criminal networks operating in Arkansas communities.
Those indicted include individuals from several cities across the state: Werrick Baines, 19, of Jacksonville; Kenny Lamar Branson, 41, of Little Rock; Ynohtna W. Carroll, 25, of North Little Rock; Leon Harris, 20, of Little Rock; Charles Edward Layton, III, 40, of North Little Rock; Jeffery Wayne Murdock, 41, of Little Rock; Terjun Tramaine Parker, 49, of Alexander; Zavier Marqise Rhodes, 23, of North Little Rock; and Kaylon Roshon Robinson, 27, of Little Rock.
Federal charges filed in connection with the operation include felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a machine gun, and possession with intent to deliver marijuana. Officials say these charges reflect a mix of violent crime enforcement and drug trafficking investigations that were prioritized throughout the operation.
Law enforcement leaders emphasized that Operation Viper is part of a continued strategy to reduce violent crime by focusing on repeat offenders and illegal weapons activity. Authorities say the operation is designed not only to make arrests, but also to disrupt broader criminal networks that contribute to violence in local communities.
“Together with our law enforcement partners, our office seeks to remove as many violent and repeat offenders from our communities as possible,” said U.S. Attorney Jonathan D. Ross, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas. “The success of this collaboration reflects the ongoing commitment of our office, law enforcement, and first responder partnerships to lower violent crime and the consistent pursuit of violent offenders across Arkansas.”
FBI officials echoed that message, highlighting the importance of cooperation among agencies at every level of government.
“The success of Operation Viper reflects the unwavering commitment of the FBI and our strong partnerships with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies throughout Arkansas,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason Van Goor, FBI Little Rock Field Office. “Violent crime will not be tolerated in our state, and we will continue to aggressively target and hold accountable those who endanger our communities.”
The operation brought together a wide range of agencies, underscoring the collaborative nature of the effort. Participants included the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshals Service, Arkansas State Police, county sheriff’s offices in Pulaski and White counties, police departments from Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Pine Bluff, Arkansas Community Correction, and MEMS’ STAR Team.
Officials say this broad coalition allowed investigators to share intelligence, coordinate arrests, and execute warrants efficiently across multiple jurisdictions. The result, they note, was a concentrated enforcement effort targeting individuals considered to pose significant risks to public safety.
While Operation Viper has concluded its initial phase, authorities indicate that investigations tied to the case remain active. More charges and enforcement actions could follow as prosecutors continue to review evidence and pursue additional suspects linked to firearms and drug trafficking activity.
For now, officials say the operation sends a clear message about continued efforts to combat violent crime across Arkansas and strengthen cooperation among law enforcement agencies statewide.
