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Batesville
February 13, 2025
State Crime

Searcy Landlord Sentenced to 20 Years for Sex Trafficking and Drug Distribution

SEARCY, Ark. – A 74-year-old Searcy landlord was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison on Wednesday for sex trafficking and drug distribution at his apartment complex.

Thomas Ray Kelso was convicted in August 2024 on three counts of sex trafficking and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine after a two-day trial, U.S. Attorney Jonathan D. Ross announced.

Exploitation of Vulnerable Tenants

Investigators revealed that Kelso coerced female tenants into performing sex acts in exchange for rent, utilities, or drugs. In one instance, he forcibly removed an electricity meter to cut power when a tenant refused his advances. Evidence also showed that he recruited women through an intermediary to exploit them sexually at the complex he owned.

Kelso was initially indicted on August 1, 2023, following an investigation by the Searcy Police Department and Central Arkansas Drug Task Force. The probe found he frequently distributed methamphetamine at his apartment complex while also exploiting tenants.

Sentencing and Penalties

U.S. District Judge James M. Moody Jr. sentenced Kelso to:

  • 20 years in federal prison
  • $50,000 in fines
  • $50,000 in restitution
  • Five years of supervised release with no possibility of parole

The statutory penalties for sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion carry a minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison per count, while possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine carries a maximum sentence of 20 years.

Prosecutors’ Statement

“This defendant intentionally preyed on vulnerable women, coercing them into sex in exchange for necessities like electricity and shelter,” U.S. Attorney Ross said. “Once they refused or fell behind on payments, he retaliated by cutting their power. The jury’s verdict sends a clear message that these crimes will not be tolerated.”

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristin Bryant and Shelby Shelton prosecuted the case.

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