A Chicot County jury has convicted a Dermott man with a long criminal history on multiple felony charges, following a 2024 drug raid that uncovered methamphetamine and evidence of unregistered sex offender residency.
Zelma Johnson, a native of Dermott, was found guilty on July 31, 2025, after a two-day trial in Chicot County Circuit Court. The conviction stems from a coordinated investigation by the Tenth Judicial District Drug Task Force (DTF), the Dermott Police Department, and the McGehee Police Department.
The investigation came to a head on July 8, 2024, when officers executed a search warrant at Johnson’s home located at905 North Knox Street in Dermott. Inside, they discovered approximately 12.77 grams of methamphetamine, digital scales, and other drug paraphernalia. Johnson, who is a registered sex offender, was also found to be residing at the address without having properly notified law enforcement, a legal requirement under Arkansas law.
During the sentencing phase, the jury was presented with details of Johnson’s extensive criminal record, which spans more than 30 years and includes multiple drug convictions across multiple counties. In 1991, Johnson was convicted of possession of crack cocaine in Chicot County. He was convicted again in 1997 in Pulaski County for manufacturing and delivering a controlled substance. He faced additional convictions in 2003 for drug possession with intent to deliver and, most notably, a 2011 conviction for rape—a Class Y felony—for which he served a 10-year sentence.
After deliberation, the jury returned the following sentencing recommendations:
-
Possession of Methamphetamine with Purpose to Deliver (Class A Felony): 17 years in the Arkansas Department of Correction and a $1,500 fine.
-
Failure to Register as a Sex Offender (Class C Felony): 17 years in the Arkansas Department of Correction and a $1,500 fine.
-
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Class D Felony): 3 years in the Arkansas Department of Correction and a $1,000 fine.
The jury recommended that all sentences run concurrently, and Circuit Judge Quincey Ross followed that guidance, sentencing Johnson to a total of 17 years in prison and $4,000 in fines.
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney William Bridewell, who tried the case for the State, expressed satisfaction with the outcome.
“I’m pleased with the jury’s verdict and sentence,” said Bridewell. “Cases involving habitual offenders like Mr. Johnson are typical of the types of jury trials we conduct in the Tenth Judicial District.”
Bridewell added that under Arkansas law, Johnson could be eligible for parole after serving one-fourth of his sentence—about 4.25 years—if he earns the maximum allowable good time credits. However, despite the conviction, Johnson was released temporarily due to a lack of available jail space, pending a bed assignment from the Arkansas Department of Correction.
