McGehee, Arkansas — On March 13, 2026, a Desha County jury found John Thompson guilty of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, a Class D felony, following a traffic stop conducted in January 2025 by the Arkansas State Police.
On January 7, 2025, at approximately 7:20 p.m., Arkansas State Trooper Nathan Jynes conducted a traffic stop on Cherry Street in McGehee after observing a vehicle traveling with a non-functioning taillight and failing to signal before turning onto Choctaw Road. The vehicle, a gold Honda Accord, was occupied by Thompson and passenger Adrian Horton.
During the stop, Trooper Jynes observed Thompson’s right hand shaking excessively and learned that Thompson did not possess a valid Arkansas driver’s license. When asked whether anything illegal was inside the vehicle, Thompson admitted there was a gun. Because Thompson did not have a valid license, the vehicle was to be towed, and Trooper Jynes conducted an administrative inventory.
Under the front passenger seat, Trooper Jynes located a black Springfield XD‑40 handgun. Thompson waived his Miranda rights and told Trooper Jynes he was taking the firearm back to an acquaintance. Thompson was not booked at the time of the incident due to the Desha County Jail being unable to accept prisoners.
Thompson was charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm, a Class D felony. During trial, the State presented evidence of Thompson’s prior felony conviction for Property Damage in the First Degree in the State of Missouri, for which Thompson was placed on five years’ probation on February 10, 2017. The State of Arkansas was represented by William Bridewell, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the Tenth Judicial District. Thompson was represented by attorney David Cason.
After deliberation, the jury found Thompson guilty. During sentencing, the jury heard additional evidence regarding Thompson’s criminal history but noted the absence of violent prior offenses. The jury recommended a sentence of three years of supervised probation and a $500 fine. Circuit Judge Quincey Ross followed the jury’s recommendation.
Deputy Prosecutor William Bridewell expressed his appreciation for the jury’s attention and service, stating that he found their verdict “appropriate in light of Thompson’s non‑violent criminal history and the nature of the offense.”
