Hope Man Sentenced to 38 Years on Methamphetamine Charges

A Hope man has been sentenced to 38 years in prison after a Hempstead County jury found him guilty on methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia charges following a two-day trial.

According to the 8th North Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, 42-year-old Tommy J. Cole of Hope was convicted 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.

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

The trial began May 18 in Hempstead County Circuit Court before a jury of county residents. Prosecutors also sought an enhancement alleging the offenses occurred within 1,000 feet of a designated school bus stop. Jurors began deliberations May 19 before returning guilty verdicts on all charges.

During the sentencing phase, jurors reviewed Cole’s criminal history, which included 23 prior felony convictions. The jury ultimately sentenced Cole to 18 years for possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, 10 years for possession of drug paraphernalia, and an additional 10 years for the school bus stop enhancement.

The combined sentences will be served in the Arkansas Department of Corrections for a total of 38 years.

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