FORT SMITH - A Van Buren store clerk who just won 100 grand in the Arkansas lottery faced a felony drug charge today and pleaded guilty to sex charges last week.
Joseph Pierce was on top of the world after winning 100 thousand dollars in the lottery. But today, news broke of his august arrest and his subsequent conviction. Add to that, the fact that he was arrested and convicted on similar charges just three years ago.
"On August 22nd Joe Pierce of Van Buren was arrested by our street crimes unit while they were conducting undercover operations at Fort Smith park and walking trails."
Pierce was arrested almost two months ago and pleaded guilty to indecent exposure and loitering last week. The news broke because pierce was scheduled to appear on a felony drug charge Wednesday. An undercover officer with the Fort Smith street crimes unit alleged pierce agreed to let him perform oral sex on him at the walking trails on Clayton Expressway. Pierce reportedly exposed himself. He pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors according to deputy prosecutor Joey Self. Pierce was given a 10 day sentence, and ordered never to return to any of Fort Smith's city parks.
Pierce bought the winning ticket last Sunday while working at a Van Buren convenience store. The regular Joe became a household name the next day when news of his big win spread. He told 5NEWS he planned to buy a house for his family.
"I do have a wife, and I just had a baby 5 days ago so this is perfect timing."
Wednesday, Pierce appeared in court on a felony drug charge related to the August arrest. Prosecutors say pierce had dope on him when he was placed under arrest. Problem is, because of his good fortune, he no longer qualifies for a public defender. The judge continued his appearance to next week so he could secure an attorney.
We called the store where Pierce is employed, but he was not at work. A message for the owners has not been returned.
Pierce's unrelated arrest aside, Representative Rick Green says a store employee winning the lottery raises the question whether or not they should be allowed to play. He tells 5NEWS some constituents have expressed concern, and he will address it.
Joseph Pierce was on top of the world after winning 100 thousand dollars in the lottery. But today, news broke of his august arrest and his subsequent conviction. Add to that, the fact that he was arrested and convicted on similar charges just three years ago.
"On August 22nd Joe Pierce of Van Buren was arrested by our street crimes unit while they were conducting undercover operations at Fort Smith park and walking trails."
Pierce was arrested almost two months ago and pleaded guilty to indecent exposure and loitering last week. The news broke because pierce was scheduled to appear on a felony drug charge Wednesday. An undercover officer with the Fort Smith street crimes unit alleged pierce agreed to let him perform oral sex on him at the walking trails on Clayton Expressway. Pierce reportedly exposed himself. He pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors according to deputy prosecutor Joey Self. Pierce was given a 10 day sentence, and ordered never to return to any of Fort Smith's city parks.
Pierce bought the winning ticket last Sunday while working at a Van Buren convenience store. The regular Joe became a household name the next day when news of his big win spread. He told 5NEWS he planned to buy a house for his family.
"I do have a wife, and I just had a baby 5 days ago so this is perfect timing."
Wednesday, Pierce appeared in court on a felony drug charge related to the August arrest. Prosecutors say pierce had dope on him when he was placed under arrest. Problem is, because of his good fortune, he no longer qualifies for a public defender. The judge continued his appearance to next week so he could secure an attorney.
We called the store where Pierce is employed, but he was not at work. A message for the owners has not been returned.
Pierce's unrelated arrest aside, Representative Rick Green says a store employee winning the lottery raises the question whether or not they should be allowed to play. He tells 5NEWS some constituents have expressed concern, and he will address it.
