On February 24, 2026, a jury in Cumberland County found John Edward Fitzjarrell guilty of possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell or deliver (in an amount of 300 grams) and criminal impersonation.

The offenses stemmed from an incident on February 27, 2025, when a Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office deputy, identified as Richardson, initiated a traffic stop. Further investigation by deputies led to the discovery of the controlled substance in the vehicle, resulting in Fitzjarrell’s arrest.

Judge McKenzie accepted the jury’s verdict and scheduled a sentencing hearing for a later date. The case was prosecuted at trial by Assistant District Attorneys Allison Null and Philip Hatch.