A 57-year-old Paragould man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting a child under the age of 14.
Second Judicial Circuit Court Judge Pam Honeycutt issued the sentence, equivalent to 480 months in the Arkansas Department of Corrections, on Monday, according to the sentencing order. The defendant, Brian Staton, received credit for 164 days of jail time already served. In addition to the prison term, Staton must pay court costs and fees and register as a sex offender. A no-contact order has also been issued.
Staton was arrested in April 2024 and initially faced four counts of rape. Investigators alleged that he provided self-incriminating statements about his conduct involving a minor. During the investigation, a forensic interview with the victim revealed information about two separate acts constituting rape under Arkansas law, as well as an additional act of second-degree sexual assault, according to the affidavit.
Ultimately, Staton pleaded guilty to three counts of second-degree sexual assault, leading to the reduced 40-year sentence.
Individuals are encouraged to report cases of sexual assault through local law enforcement or child advocacy organizations. Victims and their families can also seek confidential support through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or by visiting online resources.
Authorities refrain from releasing further details to protect the victim’s identity and privacy.