A Saline County jury on Thursday found a Benton woman guilty of multiple charges, including simultaneous possession of drugs and a firearm, and recommended she serve 10 years in prison.
Shardria Bogard was convicted February 12, 2026, of simultaneous possession of drugs and a firearm, resisting arrest, possession of marijuana, and having an open container of alcohol in a vehicle, according to the Saline County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The jury recommended a sentence of 10 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections.
The charges stem from an Oct. 21, 2024, traffic stop conducted by Bryant Police Officer Shelbi McCarty.
According to prosecutors, McCarty observed a vehicle traveling 70 mph on Reynolds Road and initiated a traffic stop after activating her emergency lights. The vehicle pulled into a Circle K parking lot.
McCarty approached the vehicle and observed an open can of Coors beer in the cup holder. Authorities said Bogard admitted to having consumed three beers earlier in the evening. McCarty also reported smelling marijuana, and Bogard acknowledged having marijuana in the vehicle.
After asking Bogard to exit the vehicle, McCarty inquired whether she would find anything else during a search. Bogard said no, according to prosecutors.
Authorities said Bogard resisted when McCarty attempted to search her pockets. During the struggle, both women fell to the ground as Bogard allegedly refused to release an item from her hands. McCarty was eventually able to retrieve a small bag, which Bogard admitted contained cocaine, according to court testimony.
Prosecutors said Bogard continued to struggle and head-butted McCarty during the encounter.
Officer Devon Smith later searched the vehicle and located a loaded handgun between the driver’s seat cushion and the center console, authorities said.
Saline County Prosecuting Attorney Chris Walton commended the officers involved in the case.
“Police officers have a difficult job. They are put in dangerous situations every day that the rest of us do not have to experience,” Walton said in a statement. “We are fortunate that Bogard’s reckless behavior didn’t result in the loss of someone’s life.”
Bogard will be sentenced in accordance with the jury’s recommendation. Court records did not immediately indicate whether a sentencing date has been set.
