HOPE, Ark. — On May 19, 2026, a Hempstead County jury convicted Tommy J. Cole, 42, of Hope, Arkansas, of Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver within 1,000 feet of a designated school bus stop and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia following a two-day jury trial in Hempstead County Circuit Court.

The charges stemmed from a July 24, 2025 traffic stop conducted in the 3500 block of Highway 67 West in Hope, Arkansas. Following an investigation by the Hope Police Department and the 8th North Drug Task Force, Cole was arrested and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine, more than 10 grams but less than 200 grams, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Trial proceedings began on May 18, 2026, before a jury of Hempstead County residents. In addition to the original charges, prosecutors pursued an enhancement alleging the offenses occurred within 1,000 feet of a designated school bus stop.

After hearing evidence presented by both the State of Arkansas and the defense, the jury retired to deliberate on May 19, 2026, ultimately returning guilty verdicts on all counts.

During the sentencing phase, jurors considered Cole’s criminal history, which included 23 prior felony convictions. The jury sentenced Cole to 18 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections for Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver, 10 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and an additional 10 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections for the school bus stop enhancement.

The case was prosecuted by the 8th North Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jim Burke. The Honorable Duncan Culpepper, Circuit Judge for the 8th North Judicial District, presided over the proceedings.