A Newark man has been sentenced to probation after pleading guilty to impregnating a 14-year-old girl, according to court documents.
TJ Mears, 21, was sentenced to six years of probation by Sixteenth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Tim Weaver after negotiating a guilty plea to one count of fourth-degree sexual assault. In addition to probation, Mears must register as a sex offender, pay all court costs and fines, and have no contact with the victim, per the sentencing order.
Independence County sheriff’s deputies arrested Mears earlier this year after a report was filed on Feb. 16. The report concerned a 14-year-old girl who was 13 weeks pregnant at the time. According to Lt. Zach Rawlins, investigators from the Independence County Sheriff’s Office and the Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Division interviewed the victim multiple times and collected evidence, including cellphone communications between her and Mears.
Court documents detailed conversations between Mears and the victim. Rawlins noted that messages initially showed the two discussing the pregnancy in a positive light but later revealed Mears asking the girl to “do something to get rid of the baby.” According to the affidavit, Mears suggested actions such as punching herself in the stomach.
On Feb. 25, Mears admitted during an interview with Rawlins that he had engaged in a "dating relationship" with the minor and that they had sexual encounters. He reportedly acknowledged that it was inappropriate for a 20-year-old to engage in such acts with a 14-year-old.
Following an investigation, a judge issued a bench warrant, and Mears was taken into custody on March 2. He was released the next day.
Mears’ conviction of fourth-degree sexual assault and sentencing to probation means he will face significant legal restrictions, including registering as a sex offender, while avoiding jail time. According to Arkansas law, fourth-degree sexual assault involves an adult engaging in sexual conduct with a minor under certain circumstances.
Anyone with information about potential abuse involving minors is encouraged to contact law enforcement or the Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Division.