Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for 2024 Hotel Robbery in Jonesboro

JONESBORO, Ark. — A suspect who robbed a Jonesboro hotel and held a woman at knifepoint in 2024 was sentenced to 35 years in prison this week.

Frank James McHenry, 34, of Marion, was sentenced to 35 years in prison this week for the August 2024 robbery of a hotel in Jonesboro, according to online records filed on Aug. 12, 2025, in Craighead County Circuit Court.

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The probable cause affidavit describes what happened, stating that on August 27, 2024, JPD responded to Ark. Suites on Kazi Street about a robbery. Officers met the victim, who said a man in a mask forced her into the bathroom and took her phone before demanding money. He made off with about $150.

Although he was masked, his eye area and mouth were exposed enough for the victim to report that he had lighter pigment or missing pigment on the visible areas of his skin.

Authorities reviewed surveillance footage, which showed Frank McHenry entering the south stairwell door without a mask and wearing a camouflage hat. A few minutes later, he’s seen on video again wearing the mask.

The video showed him taking the victim by force in a choke hold while bearing a knife with a curved blade. He forced her into the bathroom, forcefully took her phone, and then forced her back to the front desk to get the small amount of money.

An anonymous tip through CrimeStoppers described McHenry as the suspect. He also had an active arrest warrant through the US Marshall Service. After being arrested, police say he admitted to everything and stated he needed money.

After a jury trial, McHenry was convicted of aggravated robbery and kidnapping. The charges of aggravated assault and interference with a communication device were nolle prosequi after the successful conviction on the two most serious crimes.

According to the sentencing order, McHenry was ordered to serve 420 months in the Arkansas Department of Corrections. The same sentence was handed down on each count to be served concurrently. He will receive jail credit for 342 days served, having remained in jail since his arrest.

Circuit Judge Scott Ellington presided over the case, which was prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Charlene Henry. Attorney Joseph Hughes represented the defendant.

McHenry has prior convictions for possession of an instrument of crime and second-degree battery. He has prior arrests for possession of a firearm by certain persons, possession of a defaced firearm, drugs, carrying a weapon, fleeing, and escape.

Jonesboro business owner Naz Kazi praised the work of the judge and Prosecutor Sonia Hagood’s team. Kazi also thanked the 12-person jury for their service.