A man on probation in Jonesboro, Arkansas was arrested after a traffic stop led officers to allegedly discover drugs and several other violations.
According to the Jonesboro Police Department, Officer Adam Butler conducted a traffic stop on March 9, 2026, after spotting a silver Nissan Altima traveling more than 55 mph in a 35 mph zone during rainfall. Police also observed that the vehicle had expired temporary tags dated Feb. 28, 2026.
Officers identified the driver as Jessee Washington Jr., 54. Authorities reported Washington appeared extremely nervous and initially denied driving the vehicle, despite being the only occupant and having the car key clipped to his belt.
Investigators later determined Washington was on probation with a search waiver, had a suspended driver’s license, and had an outstanding failure-to-appear warrant. Officers also said they smelled intoxicants coming from him.
During a search of the vehicle, police reported finding a brown bag containing 35.5 grams of suspected marijuana, another bag with 4.7 grams of suspected marijuana, and a separate bag containing 4.2 grams of suspected methamphetamine. A water bottle containing liquor was also reportedly found inside the vehicle.
Washington was taken to the Craighead County Detention Center, where officers requested that he perform field sobriety and breath tests. Authorities said he refused both tests.
Washington now faces multiple charges, including possession of methamphetamine greater than 2 grams but less than 10 grams, a Class C felony, possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance, driving while intoxicated, driving with a suspended license, possession of an open container of alcohol, expired vehicle registration, refusal to submit to a chemical test, and driving too fast for conditions.
Tommy Fowler, a judge in Craighead County, Arkansas, set Washington’s bond at $50,000 cash or surety and ordered him to wear a GPS monitor, citing his lengthy criminal history and prior failures to appear in court.
Authorities noted that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
