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VIDEO: Griffin announces results of human trafficking operation

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LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Tim Griffin today issued the following statement announcing the execution of search warrants at 12 locations across the state as part of Operation Obscured Vision to combat human trafficking, resulting in aid provided to 16 victims, the arrest of four individuals, and the seizure of nearly $70,000 and a luxury vehicle:

“January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and the best way to prevent human trafficking and rescue its victims is to combat it on one of its key fronts: illicit massage parlors.

“Operation Obscured Vision was coordinated by my office’s Special Investigations Division and executed by local law enforcement and victim advocates groups to expose the pervasive issue of illicit massage parlors in Arkansas, rescue the victims of human trafficking, and permanently end the presence of illicit massage parlors in our state.

“Many of the women working in these illicit massage parlors are coerced to do so. One victim we interviewed stated that she is forced to work seven days a week, 13 hours per day.

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“I am proud to announce that local law enforcement, with coordination by my office, executed 12 search warrants at illicit massage parlors in Jonesboro, Russellville, Hot Springs, Rogers, Harrison, and a Little Rock hotel. I congratulate the local police officers, sheriff’s deputies, the Arkansas State Police, and Special Agents in my office for successfully executing this operation.

“I appreciate the efforts of victim’s advocates and the Arkansas Department of Health, who provided language interpreters, nursing services, and other support to help victims receive comprehensive and coordinated assistance to ensure their safety and support their journey toward independence and recovery. Seventeen victims ranging in age from 29-65 were identified in the operation, sixteen accepted services from medical staff and victim’s advocates.

“I am grateful to members of the Arkansas General Assembly and Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders for their support of adding a full-time human trafficking investigator to my office. That Special Agent worked tirelessly to coordinate this operation, and it wouldn’t have happened without the agent’s efforts.

“This operation is just a first step. The intelligence and evidence obtained through Operation Obscured Vision will be used in ongoing investigations and will aid in targeting similar massage parlors elsewhere in the state. The criminals who run these establishments and the men who patronize them are on notice. We are coming for you, and we will put an end to this horrific practice of exploiting women through human trafficking.”

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Four women were arrested as part of Operation Obscured Vision.

  • Haiyan Lu, 54, of Harrison, one count of Promoting Prostitution in the Second Degree
  • Qing Chen, 53, of Jonesboro, one count of Promoting Prostitution in the Second Degree
  • Hongliang Cai, 55, of Jonesboro, one count of Promoting Prostitution in the Second Degree
  • Chunli Wang, 50, of Rogers, one count of Sexual Assault in the Second Degree

 

Law enforcement seized nearly $70,000 during the operation. Additionally, ¥1,870 in Chinese currency was seized in Russellville. A Mercedes-Benz vehicle was seized in Rogers.

Participating law enforcement agencies in Operation Obscured Vision included:

  • Arkansas Attorney General’s Office Special Investigations Division
  • Arkansas State Police
  • Arkansas State Fusion Center
  • Jonesboro Police Department
  • Harrison Police Department
  • Rogers Police Department
  • Benton County Sheriff’s Office
  • Russellville Police Department
  • Little Rock Police Department
  • Hot Springs Police Department

 

Prosecuting Attorneys participating in Operation Obscured Vision include:

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  • Sonia Hagood, Second Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney
  • Jeff Phillips, Fifth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney
  • Will Jones, Sixth Judicial Prosecuting Attorney
  • David Ethredge, Fourteenth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney
  • Michelle Lawrence, Eighteenth-East Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney
  • Bryan Sexton, Nineteenth-West Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney

 

Advocate groups participating in Operation Obscured Vision included:

  • Arkansas Human Trafficking Council
  • Into the Light
  • Freedom Finders
  • Hope Found
  • NWA Forensic Nursing Team/REACH
  • NWA Sexual Assault Center
  • We Are Free
  • Regional Intervention of Sexual Exploitation (RISE)
  • Children’s Protection Center (CPC) Little Rock
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Hotter Temps, Thunderstorms Expected Today

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SHREVEPORT — The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a forecast for scattered thunderstorms expected to develop this afternoon across parts of the Ark-La-Tex region. Residents are urged to remain weather-aware, as brief heavy downpours and lightning may accompany these storms.

Today’s high temperatures are forecast to reach between 85 and 90 degrees, with southwest winds around 10 mph helping to fuel the unsettled weather conditions. The storms are expected to remain scattered, meaning not all areas will see rainfall, but localized storm activity could be strong at times.

The National Weather Service encourages residents to monitor local updates throughout the day and to take proper precautions if storms approach.

For the latest weather information stay with South Arkansas Now.

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El Dorado Seeks Applicants for Historic District Commission Seat

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EL DORADO — The City of El Dorado is currently seeking applicants to fill an open seat on the Historic District Commission, a vital committee responsible for preserving and promoting the city’s architectural and cultural heritage.

Community members who have an interest in historic preservation and city development are encouraged to apply. The Historic District Commission plays a key role in shaping the visual character of El Dorado’s historic areas and ensuring responsible stewardship of local landmarks.

The deadline to apply is Monday, July 14, 2025, by 5:00 p.m.

Those interested in serving can obtain more information by contacting City Clerk Heather McVay at 870-881-4877 or via email at cityclerk@eldoradoar.org.

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The city welcomes diverse applicants and encourages anyone passionate about El Dorado’s history and community development to step forward and apply.

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Ouachita County Library Announces Summer Reading Program Schedule

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CAMDEN — The Camden/Ouachita County Public Library has kicked off its 2025 Summer Reading Club with a lively lineup of educational and entertaining events aimed at engaging children and families throughout the summer.

Under the theme “Color Our World,” the program offers a wide variety of interactive presentations every Tuesday at 2:00 p.m., showcasing wildlife, storytelling, magic, and more. The schedule is designed to keep young readers inspired and involved during the summer break.

Here’s what’s coming up on the schedule:

  • June 18 @ 2:00 p.m. – Delta Rivers Nature Center will present a program featuring nature and wildlife.
  • June 25 @ 2:00 p.m. – Animalogy will bring a wide variety of animals for an up-close experience.
  • July 2 @ 2:00 p.m. – Marty Boone, also known as the Balloon Man, will perform a fun-filled magic show.
  • July 9 @ 2:00 p.m. – Bar-R Farms returns with a petting zoo that children are sure to enjoy.
  • July 16 @ 2:00 p.m. – Storyteller Cindy Phillips will close out the series with a performance of classic folk tales.

Earlier this month, Logoly State Park kicked off the program on June 11 with a presentation on reptiles.

All events are free and open to the public. The library encourages families across Ouachita County to attend and help foster a love for reading in children of all ages. For more information, contact the Camden/Ouachita County Public Library directly.

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Victim Identified In Highway Seven Fatal Wreck

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EL DORADO – An 81-year-old man from Smackover was killed Tuesday morning in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of State Highway 7 and Pershing Highway, according to the Arkansas State Police.

Huey Lane Green, 81, was pronounced dead at the scene following the collision, which occurred around 10:55 a.m. Green was driving a 2007 Pontiac eastbound and had pulled onto the shoulder at the intersection before attempting to make a left turn across the southbound lane of traffic. His vehicle was struck on the left side by a 2005 Chevrolet, also traveling south on Highway 7.

Two other individuals were injured in the crash. Tristen Dewayne Peebles, 22, of Camden, the driver of the Chevrolet, and Joey Allen Williams, 39, of Ward, a passenger in Green’s vehicle, were transported to South Arkansas Regional Hospital for treatment.

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Conditions at the time of the crash were clear and dry. Green’s body is being held at Young’s Funeral Home. Next of kin have been notified.

The crash remains under investigation by Arkansas State Police Trooper Logan Holmes.

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Missing Senior Found! Silver Alert Cancelled!

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EL DORADO, AR – El Dorado Police had issued a Silver Alert for a 73 year old female, whom family members say, may be suffering from dementia. The woman who was described as African-American, about 5’5″ and 150 lbs was reported missing by family around 8 P.M. on Thursday June, 12th. Officers did find the missing woman about 1:00 A.M. on Friday, June 13th.

According to LT. Trey Phillips with the El Dorado Police Department, the Silver Alert was cancelled and the woman is safe at home with family.

A Silver Alert is a public notification system designed to aid in locating missing seniors or individuals with developmental or cognitive disabilities, particularly those at higher risk. It’s similar to the Amber Alert for missing children, but focuses on vulnerable adults. In Arkansas, the Silver Alert system is administered by the Arkansas State Police, who works in conjunction with local emergency and law enforcement departments to get the message out to the public.

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