A Clarkston man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession. Loyal Otis Dickson, III, 40, received the sentence from United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice and will also serve five years of supervised release.
According to court documents, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Dickson’s residence on November 6, 2024. The search followed previous observations of drug distribution and possession of large quantities of methamphetamine. Officers found about two pounds of methamphetamine shards and several firearms at the home. Among the weapons was an AR-style semiautomatic rifle described as a “ghost gun,” which had no markings or serial number.
After his initial arrest and release on state charges, Dickson was federally indicted. Local law enforcement later attempted to contact him in Clarkston, but he fled into Idaho before being apprehended following a brief foot pursuit.
United States Attorney Pete Serrano commented on the case: “We are working tirelessly to combat the plague of controlled substances. We appreciate the work of our law enforcement partners who work to arrest and prosecute those, like Mr. Dickson, who are introducing these deadly substances into our communities.”
Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the Salt Lake City FBI said: “Loyal Dickson helped fuel the addiction crisis and violence that has devastated too many lives. When meth traffickers arm themselves with illegal firearms and try to run from law enforcement, they put everyone in danger. This sentence underscores the FBI and our partners’ commitment to keeping our communities safe.”
The investigation was conducted by the FBI along with the Quad Cities Drug Task Force—a multi-jurisdictional team that includes agencies such as the Lewiston Idaho Police Department, Clarkston Washington Police Department, and Whitman County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca R. Perez prosecuted the case.
