On June 17, 2025, Brian Tanksley of Crossett pleaded guilty to charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance (Morphine) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Subsequent Offense.
These charges arose from a parole compliance check on March 14, 2024, conducted at Tanksley’s residence by parole officers and Ashley County Sheriff’s Department investigators. During this check, officers found morphine and several glass pipes associated with methamphetamine use.
Given Tanksley’s extensive criminal record, he was sentenced as a habitual offender.
His prior Arkansas felony convictions include a 2003 conviction for Sexual Assault in the Fourth Degree, two 2019 convictions for Delivery of Methamphetamine or Cocaine and Maintaining a Drug Premises, and two 2020 convictions for Possession of Methamphetamine or Cocaine and Drug Paraphernalia, as well as Possession of Methamphetamine, Drug Paraphernalia, and Marijuana. Additionally, in North Dakota, Tanksley had convictions in 2013 for Felony Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Driving While Intoxicated, and a 2015 conviction for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
Judge Robert B. Gibson III sentenced Tanksley to a total of 216 months (18 years) in the Arkansas Department of Corrections.
