Springdale, Arkansas – Tyson Foods CFO John R. Tyson faced legal troubles once again as he was arrested for alleged drunk driving, leading to his suspension by the company. This incident marked the latest in a series of legal challenges for the scion of the meat-processing company.
The 34-year-old Tyson was reportedly arrested at 1:32 a.m. in Washington County, Arkansas, and charged with driving while intoxicated, careless driving, and making an improper turn or U-turn. Following his arrest, Tyson was released about nine hours later and is scheduled to appear in court on Friday.
Tyson Foods released a statement acknowledging the arrest of John Randal Tyson and announced his immediate suspension from his duties as CFO. In his absence, Curt Calaway was named interim Chief Financial Officer.
A scion of the Tyson family, John Tyson took on the role of CFO in late 2022 with the potential to succeed as chairman and CEO, positions previously held by his grandfather and father. A former JPMorgan investment banker with degrees from Harvard and Stanford, Tyson’s previous arrest in November 2022 for public intoxication and trespassing had already garnered public attention.
During the previous incident, Tyson was found half-naked in a college-aged woman’s home, prompting a call to the police to report a potential burglary after discovering an unknown male asleep in her bed. The episode, captured on police bodycam footage, showed signs of intoxication and led to charges to which Tyson later pleaded guilty.
Following his previous arrest, Tyson expressed remorse for his actions, apologized to shareholders, and committed to seeking treatment for alcohol abuse. The CFO’s repeated legal issues have drawn scrutiny and placed a shadow over his potential succession as a key figure within Tyson Foods.