Judge’s companion takes plea bargain in drug case

Posting of the information about the plea bargain was delayed by several days. Gibson, who had pleaded not guilty to the charges in May, entered her plea after months of legal wrangling.

An adult escort at the time of her arrest, Gibson/Cannon had reportedly entertained several “friends” during the two day stay at the Extended State motel on Kanis Road in Little Rock. that had been rented by O’Hern.

A spokesperson for the 5th Division of the Sixth Circuit Court called the fine and probation “typical” for a first time offender.

Brandie Gibson, also known as Brandie Cannon, accepted a plea bargain on September 12 in front of Griffen for the first offense drug violation. The room in which Gibson was arrested The room had been rented by O’Hern, who at the time was the newly elected district court judge for Fort Smith.

Gipson, who O’Hern self identified as his “girlfriend” during the investigation, could have faced as much as six years in prison and a $10,000 fine if found guilty.

Reportedly Gipson and O’Hern are still in a personal relationship and she has told a number of people they are “engaged”.

O’Hern, who has remained on the bench since the incident occurred, apparently emerged unscathed from an investigation by the Arkansas Judicial Disciplinary and Disability Commission.

Inside Fort Smith has contacted the JDDC once a month since the investigation was announced in late December. As of September 25 at midnight nothing about any outcome or final decision on that investigation had not been published on the JDDC website.

O’Hern admitted during the initial investigation to having rented the room in his name for Gibson. O’Hern was questioned and released by the Little Rock police in conjunction with Gibson’s arrest.