Troy R. Loadholt, a multi-convicted felon from Russellville, Arkansas, has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine conspiracy linked to a white supremacist gang. The 300-month sentence was handed down on Thursday, November 13, 2025, by United States District Judge Brian S. Miller.
Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentencing, which caps a long-running federal investigation known as “To The Dirt.” The case involved over 50 defendants from Pope County charged with violations under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), violent crimes in aid of racketeering, and numerous drug and firearm offenses.
Loadholt, 44, was indicted on September 3, 2019, on conspiracy charges to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He pleaded guilty on April 9, 2025, to distributing 45 kilograms or more of methamphetamine. The conspiracy involved supplying large quantities of methamphetamine to members of the New Aryan Empire (NAE), a white supremacist prison gang, who then distributed the drugs throughout the Pope County area.
Investigators revealed that Loadholt facilitated the shipment of multi-pound methamphetamine packages from California to Arkansas, using his brother’s restaurant corporate account and even social media platforms. His criminal history and career offender status contributed to the severity of his sentence.
“The cooperation of federal, state, and local agencies dismantled a large-scale violent drug trafficking organization with strong ties to white supremacist gangs in Pope County,” Ross said. “This sentence represents a significant step in making Pope County safer, though our work continues.”
Law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation and prosecution included the ATF, DEA, FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Pope County Sheriff’s Office, Russellville Police Department, and the Fifth Judicial District Drug Task Force.
ATF Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson emphasized, “The sentence sends a clear message that repeat offenders involved in violent drug operations will be removed from our streets to keep neighborhoods safe.”
Kai Pickens, U.S. Postal Inspection Service Inspector in Charge, added, “Those who attempt to weaponize the mail for drug trafficking will be held accountable. Our partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies were critical in this successful investigation.”
Pope County Sheriff Blake Wilson noted, “This brings closure to a lengthy investigation that required dedication, patience, and cooperation across multiple agencies. Justice has been served, and we remain committed to keeping our communities safe.”
Russellville Police Chief David Ewing stated, “This sentencing demonstrates the impact of coordinated law enforcement efforts in reducing crime and protecting our communities.”
Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Phillips said, “Cooperation is key to dismantling criminal enterprises, and the Fifth Judicial Drug Task Force played an integral role in these convictions.”
Loadholt’s sentence is part of an OCDETF (Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces) operation, which targets high-level criminal organizations using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information on OCDETF, visit https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF
This sentencing marks a significant milestone in the effort to dismantle the violent “To The Dirt” methamphetamine network and underscores the ongoing commitment of federal, state, and local authorities to combat drug trafficking and related violent crimes in Arkansas.
