Authorities report that on Thursday, the Sharp County Sheriff’s Office along with the Arkansas State Police, Arkansas Game and Fish, Newton County Sheriff’s Office, 3rd Judicial Drug Task Force, and Jonesboro Police executed a search warrant on an Evening Shade property located on Highway 56.
A months long investigation led to investigators discovering a Moorish group known to defend their ground through violence was linked to violence against law enforcement in the area.
During the search several documents claiming the Moorish National Republic were discovered by authorities.
A suspect identified by authorities as Saleem Yosiyah Yisael was arrested along with several others who refused to identify themselves.
Numerous vehicles were on the property with fictitious license plates linked to the Moorish group according to law enforcement.
Evidence was also discovered of crimes involving transactions across the United States, appearing to be scams through the US Postal Service and the Internet.
Several thousand dollars of Iraqi currency were also located in envelopes.
Authorities are also in contact with the FBI concerning fraudulent documentation and other cyber crimes.
We will continue to monitor developments in this story.
