A Chicot County jury has convicted Dermott native Zelma Johnson following a July 31, 2025, trial on multiple felony charges, the result of an investigation led by the Tenth Judicial District Drug Task Force, the Dermott Police Department, and the McGehee Police Department.
Authorities executed a search warrant at Johnson’s home on July 8, 2024, at 905 North Knox Street in Dermott. During the search, investigators seized approximately 12.77 grams of methamphetamine, digital scales, and other drug paraphernalia. Johnson, a registered sex offender, was also found to be living at the residence without properly updating his sex offender registration status.
During the penalty phase, jurors heard about Johnson’s lengthy criminal record spanning more than three decades, including prior convictions for drug distribution, possession, and rape. His criminal history dates back to 1991, with convictions in both Chicot and Pulaski counties for drug-related offenses, and a 2011 conviction for rape, for which he served a 10-year prison sentence.
The jury sentenced Johnson to the following:
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17 years in the Arkansas Department of Correction (ADC) and a $1,500 fine for Possession of Methamphetamine with Purpose to Deliver (Class A Felony).
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17 years in the ADC and a $1,500 fine for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender (Class C Felony).
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3 years in the ADC and a $1,000 fine for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Class D Felony).
The jury recommended that all sentences run concurrently, resulting in a total of 17 years in prison and $4,000 in fines. Circuit Judge Quincey Ross accepted the jury’s recommendation.
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney William Bridewell represented the State of Arkansas in the case. “I’m pleased with the jury’s verdict and sentence,” Bridewell said. “Cases involving habitual offenders like Mr. Johnson are typical of the types of jury trials we conduct in the Tenth Judicial District.”
Bridewell noted that with good-time credit, Johnson could be eligible for release after serving about 4.25 years of his sentence. Due to limited space, Johnson was released pending bed space at the request of the Chicot County Sheriff’s Department.
