Mississippi County Jury Convicts Habitual Offender of Burglary, Threats

OSCEOLA, Ark. — A Mississippi County jury convicted William Allen “Willie” McCullough on Oct. 2, 2025, of two counts of terroristic threatening (Class D felonies), residential burglary (Class B felony), theft of property (Class A misdemeanor), and harassing communications (Class A misdemeanor).

The jury recommended, and Circuit Judge Dan Ritchey imposed, consecutive sentences of 40 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections for residential burglary and 15 years for each count of terroristic threatening, for a total of 70 years in the ADC.

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Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jeremy Thomas, who tried the case, stated:

“I’m very pleased with the jury’s verdict. This sentence sends a strong message that our community won’t tolerate repeated acts of violence and intimidation.”

Prosecuting Attorney Sonia Hagood added:

“We are deeply grateful to the jurors for their time and careful consideration in this case. Their verdict reflects our community’s commitment to safety and accountability. We also appreciate the hard work and collaboration of our law enforcement partners who thoroughly investigated this case and helped ensure justice was served.”

Evidence at trial showed that McCullough and his wife separated in January 2024. Following the separation, during January and February 2024, McCullough made repeated death threats to his wife and to a coworker he believed she was dating. The threats were made through phone calls, text messages, and emails. His wife recorded several of the calls, which were played for the jury.

On Feb. 3, 2024, McCullough broke into the coworker’s apartment in Wilson while both victims were at work and stole multiple items. In several of the recorded phone calls, McCullough admitted to committing the burglary.

At sentencing, the jury heard evidence that McCullough had 11 prior felony convictions and found him to be a habitual offender, enhancing his sentence. The misdemeanor sentences of one year for theft of property and six months for harassing communications will run concurrently.