Son of district representative arrested

BENTONVILLE — The son of 3rd District Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers, was arrested in connection with felony possession of drugs with intent to deliver, according to Benton County Jail booking information.

Bentonville police arrested James Phillip Womack, 31, on Thursday in connection with 11 charges including possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine or cocaine. Other charges include possession of firearms by a certain person, simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, three counts of possession of a controlled substance, parole violation, unauthorized use of property to commit a crime, obstructing governmental operations and two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia.

“Like so many families across this nation, our family has been dealing with a loved one’s addiction,” Congressman Womack stated in a news release from his Washington office. “The most recent arrest of our son adds to that pain. We love him unconditionally; however, as an adult, he is accountable for the choices he’s made. We honor and respect the criminal justice system that will decide his fate. I truly regret that he has put himself and his family in this difficult situation.”

James Phillip Womack has had past trouble with the law.

He pleaded guilty in November 2010 to conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance, a felony. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison with a boot camp recommendation — a 105-day program.

He was arrested for violating parole in November 2011 and April 2012, according to previous newspaper reports. Womack was being held in the county jail on Friday with no bond set. He has a court date of Nov. 5.

J. Womack