A Jonesboro couple has been sentenced to probation and anger management classes after pleading guilty to charges related to the assault of a man in Craighead County.
Second Judicial Circuit Judge Randy Philhours sentenced 21-year-old Tristyn Johnson to 48 months of probation after he pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, according to court records. Additional charges of first-degree assault and second-degree sexual assault were dismissed, per the sentencing order. His co-defendant, Abigail Johnson, also 21, pleaded guilty to illegal use of a communications device and received 24 months of probation. Charges of first-degree assault and aggravated assault against her were likewise dropped.
As part of their sentencing, both defendants are required to complete anger management classes, pay court costs and fines in $50 monthly installments, and have no contact with the victim. They were credited with 30 days of jail time already served.
The charges stem from an incident that occurred on Sept. 7, 2024, on a rural county road. Court documents state that Tristyn Johnson physically assaulted the victim, striking him with a belt and forcing him onto his knees. The affidavit reports that Johnson also inserted a handgun into the victim’s mouth and forced him to perform degrading acts, including kissing his groin area. Abigail Johnson allegedly participated by kicking the victim in the throat. The couple then left the victim stranded without transportation on the isolated road, according to investigators.
The victim was eventually found by a passerby, who transported him to a convenience store and called his father. He was later taken to a hospital for treatment of his injuries.
Sheriff’s investigators reported that the incident began when Abigail Johnson called the victim and invited him to ride around with her. After picking him up, she drove to a secluded dirt road, stating it was where she and Tristyn Johnson rode four-wheelers. According to the victim’s account, Tristyn Johnson subsequently arrived in another vehicle, blocked the road, and began the assault.
The case concluded with both defendants admitting guilt to their respective charges while denying responsibility for the more serious accusations that were later dismissed.