A large-scale drug enforcement operation in Claiborne Parish resulted in multiple arrests on Jan. 31 2025, as law enforcement agencies executed search warrants and took suspects into custody following an eight-month investigation into a Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO).
The Louisiana State Police (LSP) Narcotics Division, in collaboration with the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) and multiple other agencies, led the operation, which was supported by S.W.A.T. teams from the LSP, Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office, Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Bossier City Police Department. Helicopters from LSP and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations provided air support as officers made arrests across Claiborne Parish and beyond.
The investigation, which began in May 2024, revealed that many of the individuals involved were not acting independently but were part of an organized DTO operating inside and beyond Claiborne Parish. Over the course of the probe, narcotics agents seized thousands of grams of illegal drugs intended for regional distribution.
During the January 31st searches, law enforcement recovered:
Over 20 grams of crack cocaine
More than 8 pounds of marijuana
Over 1 pound of methamphetamine
Seven illegally possessed firearms
Large sums of U.S. currency
Sheriff Sam Dowies emphasized that cracking down on illegal drug operations remains a priority, recognizing the connection between drug activity and other criminal offenses, particularly violent crimes.
During the operation, one suspect fired shots at a SWAT team, but thanks to the professionalism and training of law enforcement, no one was injured. Another suspect barricaded himself inside a residence but eventually surrendered peacefully after negotiating with officers.
Sheriff Dowies credited LSP Colonel Robert Hodges, Lincoln Parish Sheriff Stephen Williams, Ouachita Parish Sheriff Marc Mashaw, and Bossier City Police Chief Daniel Haugen for ensuring that their SWAT teams are well-trained and equipped with state-of-the-art safety gear.
The following individuals were arrested as part of the operation:
Georgerick Coleman (Homer): Racketeering, Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana
Rontrell Sturdivant (Haynesville): Racketeering
Demontre Robinson (Haynesville): Racketeering
Richard Jones Sr. (Haynesville): Racketeering, Distribution of Schedule II CDS
Dexter Washington (Haynesville): Racketeering, Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Dedarian Robinson (Haynesville): Racketeering
Alonzo Jackson (Haynesville): Racketeering
Demond Maddox (Homer): Racketeering, Distribution of Schedule II CDS, Conspiracy to Distribute CDS, Attempted Obstruction of Justice
Ashley Morgan (Haynesville): Principal to Distribution of Schedule II CDS
John Michael Jackson (Haynesville): Attempted First-Degree Murder, Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Nicholas Willis (Haynesville): Racketeering
Derrick Bradford (Jonesboro): Racketeering, Possession of a firearm in the presence of CDS, Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS
Fernando Grider (Haynesville): Distribution of Schedule I CDS, Distribution of Schedule II CDS
Falante Hill (Haynesville): Distribution of Schedule II CDS, Possession of Schedule II CDS, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Jaimie Rocket (Emmerson, AR): Distribution of Schedule II CDS
Cheryl Bragg (Haynesville): Racketeering
Jesse Thomas (Haynesville): Racketeering
Authorities expect additional arrests, charges, and seizures as the investigation into the DTO continues. Sheriff Dowies emphasized the importance of collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies, including:
Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office
Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office
Columbia County, AR Sheriff’s Office
Minden Police Department
Ruston Police Department
David Wade Correctional Center
Arkansas State Police
U.S. Homeland Security Investigations
U.S. Postal Inspection Service
U.S. Marshals Service
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
Authorities urge anyone with information about drug-related or criminal activity to contact the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office at (318) 927-2011 or visit http://www.claibornesheriff.org. The Louisiana State Police can also be reached at (318) 741-7411 or lsp.org.