HS man sentenced to 10 years in prison
A Hot Springs man arrested with drugs and a gun earlier this year following a one-vehicle wreck was sentenced to 10 years in prison Monday after pleading guilty in Garland
County Circuit
Court.
Decente Montrell Johnson, 27, who has remained in custody since his arrest July 8, pleaded guilty to simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms while additional felony charges of first-degree forgery, possession of a controlled substance, marijuana, with purpose to deliver, theft by receiving of a firearm and possession of drug paraphernalia were withdrawn.
His sentence will run concurrently with the revocation of his probation from convictions in 2012 and 2014 on drug charges. Court costs were expunged for time served since his arrest.
Deputy Prosecutor Trent Daniels noted Tuesday Johnson had “a ton of charges” but agreed to plead to the more serious charge of simultaneous possession, which will require him to serve a greater percentage of his sentence before being eligible for parole.
According to the affidavit, on July 8, shortly after 8:30 a.m., Arkansas State Police Cpl. Corey Ray was dispatched to a one-vehicle wreck in the 3900 block of Malvern Road involving a white Chevy S-10 pickup on its side in a ditch. He made contact with the driver and owner, identified as Johnson, who was beside the vehicle with a black bag.
Johnson said he was coming from Hot Springs when he lost control and rolled over in the ditch. Ray noted Johnson was “very nervous” and witnesses noted he had not tried to call police after the wreck.
A revolver was found on the dash of the vehicle and Johnson told Ray “his home boy” had the weapon in his vehicle the night before and must have forgot to take it with him. A computer check revealed the revolver was reported stolen in Hot Springs.
The black bag he had was found to contain digital scales, two baggies of marijuana and a jar of marijuana, with a total of 70 grams, and multiple empty baggies. In searching the vehicle, Ray found three counterfeit $20 bills and a search of Johnson uncovered $1,148 in cash in his possession.
The cash and drugs were confiscated by the 18th Judicial District East Drug Task Force which took over the investigation. It was also determined Johnson had warrants for his arrest from Hot Springs police.