On Thursday, February 7, 2013, JOHN LINDSAY FAULKNER, d/o/b 9-30-1974, of Branson, was sentenced to twelve (12) years in prison for domestic assault in the second degree, twelve (12) years in prison for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and seven (7) years for stealing, by Circuit Court Judge Mark Orr. Thursday’s sentencing was the result of Faulkner’s guilty plea on November 15, 2012, made without a plea agreement. His sentences will run concurrently with one another.

Faulkner’s domestic assault sentence stemmed from an October 4, 2012, assault of his former girlfriend, which was investigated by the Taney County Sheriff’s Office. Faulkner entered his ex-girlfriend’s residence and beat her while she had been sleeping in her bed. The victim of the assault suffered a broken nose. Faulkner was being sought by officers until he was arrested by Branson Police on October 8, 2012, in possession a stolen 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada and other items of personal property, including a bank card. During the investigation, officers found a large quantity of marijuana, along with over $1,000.00 in cash. Branson Police discovered that Faulkner was using the street name “Jesus” to describe himself to drug buyers in the area.

The Taney County Prosecutor’s Office had charged Faulkner as a prior and persistent felony offender, because of his two (2) prior drug-related felony convictions from Washington County, Arkansas.