Court Proceedings
John R. Tyson, heir and executive of Tyson Foods, entered a not guilty plea to a charge of driving while intoxicated. The plea was made on Monday in Fayetteville District Court, according to a court spokeswoman. Tyson, 34, is scheduled to appear in court again on August 28.
Arrest Details
Tyson was arrested on June 13 by University of Arkansas police in Fayetteville. The arrest followed observations of careless driving and an illegal turn. He was released the same day on a $1,105 bond.
Company Response
Following his arrest, Tyson Foods, based in Springdale, Arkansas, suspended Tyson from his role as chief financial officer, a position he has held since 2022. The company did not comment on Tyson’s plea on Monday.
Previous Incident
This recent arrest marks the second alcohol-related charge for Tyson in less than two years. In November 2022, he was arrested for public intoxication and criminal trespassing after allegedly entering a stranger’s home and falling asleep in her bed. Tyson later apologized for the incident in a companywide email, citing embarrassment and a commitment to receiving counseling for alcohol abuse. He initially pled not guilty but later settled by pleading guilty and paying fines and court fees.
Background on John R. Tyson
John R. Tyson, a former investment banker, is the son of Tyson Foods Chairman John H. Tyson and the great-grandson of company founder John W. Tyson. His recent legal troubles have cast a spotlight on the challenges he faces both personally and professionally.
