Monticello Live

On June 17, 2025, Brian Tanksley of Crossett entered a plea of guilty to the charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance (Morphine) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Subsequent Offense and was sentenced by a jury.

The charges stem from a parole compliance check conducted on March 14, 2024, by parole officers and investigators with the Ashley County Sheriff’s Department at Mr. Tanksley’s residence located at 601 Elm Street in Crossett, just 2 months after he was released from prison. During the visit, officers discovered a quantity of morphine and multiple glass pipes commonly used for ingesting methamphetamine.

Due to his extensive criminal history, Mr. Tanksley was sentenced as a habitual offender. His prior Arkansas felony convictions include: a 2003 conviction for Sexual Assault in the Fourth Degree (Class D Felony); Two 2019 convictions for Delivery of Methamphetamine or Cocaine and Maintaining a Drug Premises; Two 2020 convictions: one for Possession of Methamphetamine or Cocaine and Drug Paraphernalia, and another for Possession of Methamphetamine, Drug Paraphernalia, and Marijuana. Tanksley also had convictions in North Dakota in 2013 for Felony Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Driving While Intoxicated, and a 2015 conviction for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.

The jury recommended to Judge Robert B. Gibson, III, that the sentences run consecutively to each other and sentenced Tanksley accordingly to a total of 216 months (18 years) in the Arkansas Department of Correction.