A Drew County jury has convicted a Louisiana man on multiple felony charges following a traffic stop in Monticello that led to the discovery of drugs and firearms.
According to court records, Johnathon Paul Smith of Rayne, Louisiana, was found guilty of possession of more than 10 grams of methamphetamine with the purpose to deliver, simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, and possession of firearms by certain persons. The charges stem from a traffic stop that occurred Sept. 15, 2024.
Testimony during the trial showed Monticello Police Officer Evan Ferguson stopped a Chevrolet truck on U.S. Highway 425 South after the vehicle was clocked traveling 73 miles per hour in a 50 mph zone. When Officer Ferguson approached the truck, he detected a strong odor of marijuana, prompting a search of the vehicle.
Smith, who was driving, and his passenger, identified as Cassie Carvalho, were asked to exit the vehicle.
During the search, officers recovered digital scales, a derringer handgun and a purse containing approximately 99 grams of a crystal substance later confirmed to be methamphetamine. Investigators also located a 9mm handgun inside a Family Dollar bag on the passenger-side floorboard, a glass pipe in the overhead sunglasses compartment and a small amount of methamphetamine inside a clear bag in the passenger-side door.
Agents James Slaughter and Ben Michel of the Tenth Judicial District Drug Task Force assisted in the investigation. Prosecutors said a receipt found inside the Family Dollar bag showed the items had been purchased shortly before the traffic stop.
During the sentencing phase, jurors heard evidence of Smith’s prior felony convictions in Louisiana, including violent offenses.
The jury recommended sentences of 30 years in the Arkansas Department of Correction for the methamphetamine charge, 30 years for simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms and 10 years for possession of firearms by certain persons. The jury also recommended the sentences be served concurrently. Drew County Circuit Judge Bynum Gibson accepted the recommendation and sentenced Smith accordingly.
“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,” Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kelley Fortenberry said.
Officials said the conviction reflects the ongoing efforts of the Tenth Judicial District Drug Task Force and Prosecuting Attorney Frank Spain to combat illegal drug activity and hold offenders accountable in Drew County and throughout the 10th Judicial District.
