Operation Viper Results in 39 Arrests, the Seizure of 35 Firearms, Large Quantities of Narcotics, Money, and Nine Federal Indictments

LITTLE ROCK—In coordination with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas and Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Little Rock Field Office announce the results of Operation Viper. Operation Viper, a high-intensity fugitive apprehension initiative, resulted in 26 warrants executed, the arrests of 39 individuals, a seizure of 35 firearms, the seizure of $74,400 in illegal proceeds, approximately 100 pounds of marijuana, and large quantities of fentanyl and other illicit pills. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has indicted nine of individuals arrested for federal firearms violations. “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.” “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.” On June 2, 2026, nine individuals arrested as part of Operation Viper were indicted by a federal grand jury, as follows: Werrick Baines, 19, Jacksonville, Arkansas, Kenny Lamar Branson, 41, Little Rock, Arkansas, Ynohtna W. Carroll, 25, North Little Rock, Arkansas, Leon Harris, 20, Little Rock, Arkansas, Charles Edward Layton, III, 40, North Little Rock, Arkansas, Jeffery Wayne Murdock, 41, Little Rock, Arkansas, Terjun Tramaine Parker, 49, Alexander, Arkansas, Zavier Marqise Rhodes, 23, North Little Rock, Arkansas, and Kaylon Roshon Robinson, 27, Little Rock, Arkansas. Federal charges for these individuals include felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a machinegun, and possession with intent to deliver marijuana.