Seven drug crime suspects arrested in early-morning drug sweep

A lengthy investigation funded by the Drew County Sheriff’s Office and Monticello Police Department has resulted in the arrest of seven men suspected of drug crimes, according to a news release from 10th Judicial District Drug Task Force supervising agent Jason Akers.

More arrests are expected.

“Targets of the investigation were developed through information from Monticello Police and the Drew County Sheriff’s Department,” Akers said. “Of the suspects being sought, all but one of arrest warrants is for delivery of cocaine or crack cocaine. One suspect is being sought after for charges of delivery of prescription narcotics.

Akers released the names of the suspects Wednesday afternoon. They are:

Jeremiah Jones, aka “Shotgun”
Michael Simpson
Jeremy Rouse
Fred Cotton
Dwight Freeman
Quincy Fisher
Randy King

All but one are Monticello residents. One is a resident of the New Light community in Drew County, according to Akers.

“We were not after street corner drug dealers in this investigation,” Akers continued. “One of the deliveries occurred in close proximity to a day care and another occurred a few feet from a local church. We targeted specific individuals based on accurate and reliable drug intelligence.”

The arrests are the first of a series the DTF will conduct throughout Southeast Arkansas over the course of the next month.

“Our next focus will be the Delta region of our district,” Akers said.

The 10th Judicial Drug Task Force covers Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Desha and Drew counties.

“We greatly appreciate the Drew County Sheriff’s Department and Monticello Police Department for providing the logistical help to make this investigation possible,” Akers said.