A Drew County jury has convicted Johnathon Paul Smith, of Rayne, Louisiana, on multiple felony charges stemming from a September 15, 2024, traffic stop in Monticello.
The jury found Smith guilty of:
-
Possession of Over 10 Grams of Methamphetamine with the Purpose to Deliver
-
Simultaneous Possession of Drugs and Firearms
-
Possession of Firearms by Certain Persons
The case began when Officer Evan Ferguson of the Monticello Police Department stopped a Chevy truck for speeding — clocked at 73 mph in a 50 mph zone — on Highway 425 South. Upon approaching the vehicle, Ferguson detected a strong odor of marijuana and initiated a search.
Smith, the driver, and his passenger, Cassie Carvalho, were asked to exit the vehicle. During the search, officers discovered:
-
A set of multicolored digital scales
-
A derringer handgun
-
A purse containing a bag of 99 grams of crystal methamphetamine
-
A 9mm handgun inside a Family Dollar bag on the passenger floor
-
A glass pipe in the overhead sunglass holder
-
A small amount of methamphetamine in a clear bag in the passenger door
Agents James Slaughter and Ben Michel of the Tenth Judicial District Drug Task Force assisted in the investigation. Evidence collected at the scene — including a receipt from Hamburg found inside the Family Dollar bag — confirmed the items had been purchased shortly before the stop.
During sentencing, the jury learned that Smith had multiple prior felony convictions in Louisiana, some classified as violent offenses. The jury recommended that Smith receive:
-
30 years for possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver
-
30 years for simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms
-
10 years for possession of firearms by certain persons
The sentences will run concurrently, and Judge Bynum Gibson sentenced Smith in accordance with the jury’s recommendation.
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kelley Fortenberry emphasized the seriousness of the case, stating:
“Due to Smith’s prior violent felony convictions and his possession of a firearm during the commission of a new offense, he is ineligible for parole on the charge of felony possession of a firearm and will be required to serve that sentence in its entirety, without the possibility of early release.”
The Tenth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the Drug Task Force credited the conviction as part of their ongoing efforts to combat illegal drug distribution and violent crime in Southeast Arkansas.
“This conviction underscores our continued commitment to protecting the citizens of Drew County and the Tenth Judicial District by removing dangerous drugs from our communities and holding offenders accountable,” Fortenberry said.
Officials also encouraged individuals struggling with substance abuse to seek help, noting that confidential assistance is available through the Arkansas Department of Human Services Mental Health & Addiction Support Line at 1-844-763-0198, which operates 24/7 to connect individuals with local treatment providers.
