Hope Man Sentenced to 38 Years After Hempstead County Drug Conviction

HOPE, Ark. — A Hempstead County jury has convicted a Hope man on methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia charges and sentenced him to 38 years in prison following a two-day trial.

Tommy J. Cole, 42, of Hope was found guilty May 19 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, according to the 8th North Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

The charges stemmed from a July 24, 2025, traffic stop in the 3500 block of Highway 67 West in Hope. An investigation by the Hope Police Department and the 8th North Drug Task Force led to Cole’s arrest on charges of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver methamphetamine, more than 10 grams but less than 200 grams, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The trial began May 18 in Hempstead County Circuit Court before a jury of county residents. Prosecutors also pursued an enhancement alleging the offenses occurred within 1,000 feet of a designated school bus stop. The jury began deliberating May 19 and returned guilty verdicts on all counts.

During the sentencing phase, jurors considered Cole’s criminal history, which included 23 prior felony convictions. The jury sentenced him to 18 years for possession with intent to deliver, 10 years for possession of drug paraphernalia, and an additional 10 years for the school bus stop enhancement, for a total of 38 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections.

Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jim Burke prosecuted the case for the 8th North Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Circuit Judge Duncan Culpepper of the 8th North Judicial District presided.