A man turned himself in to the FBI on Wednesday following his indictment and the arrest of 23 other people in connection with a drug trafficking organization that authorities said was based in southwest Little Rock.
Cherith Beck, spokesman for the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, said Wednesday afternoon that Rodriques Davis of Little Rock had surrendered to authorities. Davis, 30, was one of 25 suspects across Arkansas, Texas and Georgia charged with multiple drug offenses including conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine and marijuana, and use of a telephone to facilitate a drug trafficking crime. The indictments were unsealed Tuesday.
By late Wednesday, each suspect named in the 62-count indictment except Michael Dawkins, 27, of Little Rock had been arrested.
Davis was being held in lieu of bond in the Pulaski County jail along with the purported leader of the organization, Freddie Brewster. The indictment states that Brewster, 30, distributed large amounts of drugs from his auto store, Brewster's Used Auto & Detail LLC, at 6618 Forbing Road in Little Rock. Brewster was convicted of multiple counts of drug distribution and possession in 2007.
He opened the auto store in November 2011, according to state records of limited liability companies. Gates at the store were padlocked Wednesday afternoon and calls to the store's listed number went straight to voice mail.
Robert Jones, who works at an auto garage next door, said between 50 and 60 law enforcement agents showed up about 6 a.m. Tuesday and cordoned off an area on Forbing Road surrounding Brewster's business. Jones' co-workers watched through an office window as authorities towed more than 20 vehicles from Brewster's lot. About six vehicles remained on the property Wednesday.
Jones said he and Brewster didn't talk much. If the two saw each other, they would wave and keep walking, he said.
Jones said he didn't see any suspicious activity at the purported drug hub.
"It was just like a regular car sales lot. But now I heard they ain't sell no cars," he said.
FBI agents working with state and local law enforcement agencies purchased more than 1.75 kilograms of cocaine from Brewster's organization, according to the indictment. Authorities reported seizing more than 165 pounds of marijuana and 9 ounces of crack cocaine during an investigation of the group that began in January 2013. More than $35,000 purportedly linked to drug sales was seized, as well.
Brewster's mother, Linda Brewster, 53, and wife, Christina Brewster, 27, were also charged in the case. The indictment was unsealed four days after another immediate family member was arrested on drug-related charges.
Freddie Brewster's older brother, Forthrick Brewster, 36, was arrested last Thursday after purportedly leading Pulaski County sheriff's deputies on a half-mile chase. Deputies reported finding marijuana and promethazine cough syrup in Forthrick Brewster's vehicle. He was charged with fleeing, possession of marijuana and possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.
It was at least the fourth time since 2003 that the elder Brewster brother had been charged with a drug-related offense, according to court records. He was charged with delivery of methamphetamine or cocaine one year ago. He has been convicted of possession of drugs and firearms, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of methamphetamine.
Forthrick Brewster was not named in Tuesday's unsealed indictment, which was filed in U.S. District Court the day before his arrest last week. Beck said even if additional charges were forthcoming in the case, she couldn't share that information.
"All I can say is that it's an ongoing investigation," she said.
Forthrick Brewster was being held at the jail in lieu of a $20,000 bond.
His younger brother, sister-in-law and mother were being held for federal authorities in lieu of bail.
Metro on 09/18/2014