Probationer Accused of Possessing Meth, Cocaine During Jonesboro Traffic Stop

JONESBORO, Ark. — A Jonesboro suspect on probation was arrested after a traffic stop allegedly led officers to discover methamphetamine, marijuana and multiple other violations.

According to a probable cause affidavit from the Jonesboro Police Department, Officer Adam Butler conducted a traffic stop March 9, 2026, on a silver Nissan Altima after observing the vehicle traveling more than 55 mph in a 35 mph zone during rainfall.

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Police also noted the vehicle had expired temporary tags dated Feb. 28, 2026.

During the stop, officers identified the driver as Jessee Washington Jr., 54. Officers reported Washington appeared extremely nervous and initially denied he was the one operating the vehicle, though he was the only occupant and had the vehicle key clipped to his belt.

Authorities later determined Washington was on probation with a search waiver on file, had a suspended driver’s license and an outstanding failure-to-appear warrant.

Officers reported smelling intoxicants coming from Washington. During a search, investigators said they found a brown bag containing a baggie with 35.5 grams of suspected marijuana, another baggie with 4.7 grams of suspected marijuana and a separate baggie containing 4.2 grams of suspected methamphetamine.

Police also reported locating a water bottle containing liquor inside the vehicle.

Washington was transported to the Craighead County Detention Center and asked to complete field sobriety testing and a breath test, but authorities said he refused.

Washington faces charges including possession of methamphetamine or cocaine greater than 2 grams but less than 10 grams, a Class C felony; possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance; driving while license canceled, suspended or revoked; driving while intoxicated; possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle; expired vehicle license or failure to pay registration; refusal to submit to a chemical test; and driving too fast for conditions.

Judge Tommy Fowler set Washington’s bond at $50,000 cash or surety and ordered him to wear a GPS monitor, citing a lengthy criminal history and prior failures to appear.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.