JONESBORO, Ark. — A Bono man accused of stealing cash and debit cards from a woman pleaded guilty to felony theft and received a 48-month suspended imposition of sentence.
James Brian Ferguson, 42, entered a negotiated guilty plea Aug. 14 in Craighead County Circuit Court to theft of property involving a credit or debit card or account number, a Class D felony. He was sentenced to 48 months suspended sentence.
Under the agreement, prosecutors dropped misdemeanor charges of fraudulent use of a credit or debit card and theft of property valued at $1,000 or less.
Circuit Judge Randy Philhours imposed no jail or prison sentence in the case. Ferguson was ordered to pay $815 in restitution and $590 in fines, fees and court costs.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Jonesboro police took a report May 10 from a woman who said Ferguson visited her home before stealing $800 from her purse and taking several debit cards.
The woman later sent Ferguson a message asking for the money back, but Ferguson allegedly did not respond.
On May 11, the woman continued receiving notifications that her Cash App card was being used. Police said two attempted Uber transactions were made shortly after 1:45 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. Both were declined because of insufficient funds.
Investigators obtained information from Uber and identified Ferguson as the person who allegedly attempted to use the card. Police said Ferguson did not appear for multiple scheduled interviews.
Arkansas State Police arrested Ferguson in Paragould on June 14. His bond was set at $35,000 cash or surety, with a GPS ankle monitor required as a condition of release.
The sentencing order states Ferguson was on parole when the offense occurred. Earlier court records also showed a parole hold.
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