Circuit Judge Andrew Bailey has paused the criminal case against Steven Lawrence Manson Sr., 57, ordering a mental fitness evaluation after the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) reportedly concluded that Manson has dementia. The order, issued following an Oct. 13 status hearing in Marion County Circuit Court, halts proceedings in the case, which charges Manson with conspiracy to commit rape.
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney John Russo requested the evaluation, according to the court order. Judge Bailey noted "reasonable suspicion" about Manson's fitness to stand trial, referencing DHS findings that Manson is unable to care for himself and requires 24-hour assistance for dressing, feeding, and bathing. The order directs DHS's Division of Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health Services to appoint a psychiatrist or psychologist to assess whether Manson can understand the charges, assist in his defense, and participate in court proceedings. The evaluator has 60 days to complete the report, unless more time is granted.
Documents do not clarify how or when DHS provided its findings to the State, or which arm of the agency was involved. Manson remains in custody at the Marion County Jail.
Manson's defense attorney, Jack Lofton, had filed a motion on Oct. 11 to reduce Manson's $15,000 cash bond to between $3,000 and $5,000, citing his client's need to tend to his property after a house fire and recover seized farm animals to support his legal defense. However, Lofton did not attend the October 13 hearing, reportedly due to car trouble, and the bond motion was not addressed. Judge Bailey signed the fitness order without defense representation in court.
The accusations against Manson stem from an alleged March incident at his property on County Road 8054. An 18-year-old woman told investigators she was raped by Manson's son, Steven Michael Manson Jr., and his stepdaughter, Dezarae Manson, while Manson Sr. remained outside. She also reported overhearing Manson Sr. and another man discuss sexually assaulting her and plotting to stab her to prevent her from reporting the attack. Manson Sr. was charged as a habitual offender, with at least four prior felony convictions in Illinois.
The bond motion filed by Lofton cites additional health issues Manson allegedly disclosed, including neurological concerns and untreated pain. It mentions a brain growth that doctors reportedly recommended for biopsy, along with knee and shoulder issues under ongoing orthopedic care. However, no medical records or statements were appended to the filing, which does not refer to dementia or related symptoms.
This case has seen numerous delays. In addition to the conspiracy charge, Manson is accused of first-degree terroristic threatening and coercion. He also faces earlier drug and firearm-related charges. In August, Manson’s bail was revoked after prosecutors claimed he violated bond conditions by traveling out of state to Missouri and Illinois. During an Aug. 18 hearing, Judge Bailey reset bail at $15,000 with an ankle monitor requirement. Manson has remained jailed since declining to post the bond.
If the DHS examiner determines Manson unfit for trial, proceedings will stay suspended and could lead to his commitment for treatment. Arkansas law mandates efforts to restore a defendant’s competency to stand trial, but dementia, as a progressive condition, may complicate such efforts. The examiner is also required to assess whether Manson poses a danger to himself or others. Results of the evaluation are due by mid-December.
Manson’s son, Steven Manson Jr., and Dezarae Manson are charged in separate cases. Manson Jr. also faces several unrelated charges, including child rape, and is scheduled for trial in 2027. Court officials have not yet set a new hearing date for Steven Manson Sr. pending the outcome of the evaluation.