Cerro Gordo County, Iowa – Bobb’e J. Thompson, a former child actor known for his roles in popular television shows, has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for possession of a loaded firearm that was found in his vehicle during a traffic stop. The incident occurred on September 22, 2025, when Thompson was pulled over while driving 104 miles per hour in a 70 mph zone.
Thompson, now 30, plead guilty to the charge of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, a charge commonly referred to as felon in possession. Following his prison term, he will undergo three years of supervised release. However, the judge has ruled that this sentence will run consecutively with any additional sentences handed down from looming cases against him in other states, primarily Washington and Missouri.
U.S. District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand recommended that Thompson serves his time at a federal correctional facility in Oklahoma, Illinois, or Kansas, ideally close to his family. This ruling emphasizes the seriousness of Thompson’s actions and the legal challenges he continues to face.
The events that led to his conviction began with a high-speed chase. When the Iowa State Trooper stopped Thompson’s vehicle, he observed the actor exchanging seats with a passenger, alongside smelling marijuana emanating from inside the car. A subsequent search revealed not only marijuana from a local dispensary but also a .40-caliber pistol with a fully loaded magazine. It was later confirmed that the firearm had been reported stolen from Kansas City, Missouri.
Thompson’s criminal record extends beyond this incident, having previously been convicted for serious offenses in California, which prohibited him from legally carrying a firearm. In January 2020, he faced charges related to battery and assault, and in 2022, he was again convicted for prohibited possession of a firearm. His legal troubles are part of a growing trend among former child actors from Disney channels and other networks facing criminal charges.
Thompson’s entry into the entertainment world began at a young age when he appeared on television in 2002. He gained fame with roles on shows like “My Wife and Kids,” “The Tracy Morgan Show,” and “That’s So Raven,” where he played a memorable antagonist. His on-screen work continued with appearances in films and television projects that kept him in the public eye, including collaborations with Nick Cannon.
Support from his former colleagues appears to remain strong despite his current situation. Kyle Massey, who starred with Thompson on “That’s So Raven,” expressed his desire for his friend’s well-being. He voiced his unwavering support and care for Thompson, encouraging him to stay strong during this difficult time.
As Thompson embarks on his sentence, it stands as a reminder of the struggles many former child actors face as they transition into adulthood. His story reflects broader themes of personal responsibility, the consequences of legal troubles, and the continuing impact of fame.