A Drew County jury on Tuesday convicted Jimmie L. Foster of being a felon in possession of a firearm following a 2024 traffic stop and investigation conducted by the Arkansas State Police.
According to court information, the incident began on May 17, 2024, at approximately 11:30 a.m. when Arkansas State Police Trooper David Menotti conducted a traffic stop on Highway 35 East in Drew County.
Authorities identified the driver as Foster, of Dermott. Two passengers, Larry Woods and Jessica Hardie, were also inside the vehicle.
During the stop, Trooper Menotti determined Foster was driving with a suspended license. After asking the occupants to exit the vehicle, officers conducted a search and discovered a loaded SAR Arms 9mm handgun beneath the driver’s seat, according to testimony presented during the trial.
Foster was arrested and transported to the Drew County Detention Facility. Woods and Hardie were released at the scene.
Investigators later said Foster admitted ownership of the firearm during an interview with Arkansas State Police Agent David Tumey. According to prosecutors, Foster told investigators he carried the weapon for protection because of safety concerns in Dermott.
The State was represented during trial by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Daniel Wigley, while Foster was represented by defense attorney Eugene Clifford.
Following the guilty verdict, jurors heard evidence regarding Foster’s prior criminal history during the sentencing phase of the trial. Prosecutors presented previous felony convictions from Pulaski, Chicot and Faulkner counties, including convictions for aggravated assault, second-degree battery, criminal use of a prohibited weapon and a prior felon in possession of a firearm conviction.
Circuit Judge Crews Puryear followed the jury’s recommendation and sentenced Foster to eight years in the Arkansas Department of Correction and imposed a $500 fine.
Under Arkansas law, prosecutors said individuals convicted of violent felony offenses who are later convicted of felon in possession of a firearm are not eligible for parole. Judge Puryear ordered Foster remanded into custody following sentencing.
Foster also faces additional pending charges in Pulaski County, including simultaneous possession of drugs and a firearm, possession of a controlled substance with purpose to deliver, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is scheduled to appear in court on those charges May 26.
Prosecuting Attorney Frank Spain said the conviction reflects ongoing efforts to remove illegally possessed firearms from communities and hold repeat offenders accountable.
