A Clarkston man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for drug trafficking and illegal possession of firearms. Loyal Otis Dickson, III, age 40, received the sentence from United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice. After his release from prison, Dickson will be subject to 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 residence. Among the weapons was an AR-style semiautomatic rifle that was consistent with a “ghost gun,” lacking both markings and a serial number.
Dickson was initially arrested on state charges and later released. When local law enforcement in Clarkston tried to contact him following his federal indictment, he fled into Idaho. He was apprehended after a short foot chase.
United States Attorney Pete Serrano commented on the importance of addressing drug-related crimes: “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 case was investigated by the FBI and the Quad Cities Drug Task Force—a collaborative group 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.
