A former jailer in Arkansas was sentenced to 4 years in prison for 2 counts of 3rd degree sexual assault after pleading guilty Wednesday, February 10. Sebastian County Detention Center ex-guard Leon Wilson Wood, 65, was convicted of coercing 2 women inmates into sex acts on his shift, June 15, 2009. After his shift ended, the victims notified other officers about the attack. They told authorities that they felt trapped because Wood was in a position of authority over them.
Wood was given a four-year prison term plus six years suspended on one count, and 10 years suspended on the second count, meaning he’ll be on a suspended sentence for 16 years once he’s released from prison.
Wood, who worked at the detention center for about a year, was a battalion chief for the Fort Smith Fire Department and had served there from 1968 to 2000, according to a fire department official.
His son, 40 year old Timothy Wood, is also a former Ft. Smith firefighter and convicted sex offender. Police arrested Tim for trying to solicit a detective posing as a 13 year old girl for sex. Officials found child pornography, and is serving a federal prison sentence.
Showing posts with label AR. Show all posts
Showing posts with label AR. Show all posts
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Monday, November 16, 2009
Anchorwoman's killer, rapist sentenced to life without parole
Jury chooses life sentence in TV anchor killing
By CHUCK BARTELS (AP) – 3 days ago
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A jury sentenced a man to life in prison Thursday for the beating death of a popular Arkansas television personality, sparing him the death penalty after hearing testimony about his rocky upbringing by an abusive, drug-addicted mother.
Jurors deliberated less than three hours before recommending that Curtis Lavelle Vance, 29, be sentenced to life in prison without parole for the death of Anne Pressly. They also handed down a life sentence for rape, 20 years for burglary and 10 years for theft.
Pressly, 26, was an anchor on KATV's "Daybreak" program and had a bit part in the President George W. Bush biopic "W." She died Oct. 25, 2008, five days after a brutal assault that crushed her face and left her gasping for air.
Vance's mother testified Thursday that she was abusive, and a doctor said Vance showed signs of paranoia. Pressly's mother, Patti Cannady, told jurors Wednesday what it was like to lose an only child.
After the verdict was read, Cannady mouthed "It's OK" to prosecutor Larry Jegley, nodded, and tucked her hands over her heart. But as she left the courtroom, Cannady stopped and turned at the door. She leaned toward the defense attorneys and said, "You protected someone who should have never been protected."
Vance, who had appeared uncomfortable during much of his mother's testimony, showed no emotion as the sentence was read.
Jacqueline Vance Burnett had told jurors she was an abusive mother who had a number of crack-fueled run-ins with the law.
Burnett said she worked as a prostitute to earn money for drugs and once snapped after a "date" fell through. She said Vance had been left in charge of a younger brother and that when she returned, the brother was smearing feces on a wall. Burnett said she threw Vance into a brick wall several times until he nearly passed out.
She also told jurors she would buy drugs with money her children received from Social Security after their fathers died and that she had spent time in prison for burglary, forgery and theft.
Burnett said she has since gone through rehab and she apologized to Vance from the witness stand for throwing him against the wall. He mumbled something, then said "I love you, momma."
During closing arguments, prosecutor Larry Jegley called Vance's upbringing "an American tragedy," but he noted that siblings and other family members have led successful lives and said Vance's situation was a result of his own choices.
"Do I like it? No," Jegley said after the sentence was read. "But they can consider all of them. That's the law."
Defense lawyer Katherine Streett had urged jurors — who had convicted Vance a day earlier of capital murder, rape, burglary and theft of property — to have the "courage" to not impose the death penalty.
"The decision you're about to make may speak as much about you as it does about Curtis Vance," Streett said. If mitigation in this case ... has any meaning to you in a significant way, you do not have to kill him," Streett said.
Vance's attorneys did not comment after the sentence.
Another brother, B.J. Montgomery of Little Rock, testified that Vance played with him, made sure he did his homework and protected him from their mother. At times Vance would cook for the rest of the family, Montgomery said. "That's my brother, and I love him," he said.
Vance's girlfriend, Sheanika Cooper, said he often spoiled their three children, two girls and a boy.
A psychiatrist had told jurors Vance showed signs of paranoia and compared the man's brain to a car with bad wiring.
"Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn't," said Dr. Shawn Agharkar, who teaches at Morehouse and Emory universities.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
By CHUCK BARTELS (AP) – 3 days ago
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A jury sentenced a man to life in prison Thursday for the beating death of a popular Arkansas television personality, sparing him the death penalty after hearing testimony about his rocky upbringing by an abusive, drug-addicted mother.
Jurors deliberated less than three hours before recommending that Curtis Lavelle Vance, 29, be sentenced to life in prison without parole for the death of Anne Pressly. They also handed down a life sentence for rape, 20 years for burglary and 10 years for theft.
Pressly, 26, was an anchor on KATV's "Daybreak" program and had a bit part in the President George W. Bush biopic "W." She died Oct. 25, 2008, five days after a brutal assault that crushed her face and left her gasping for air.
Vance's mother testified Thursday that she was abusive, and a doctor said Vance showed signs of paranoia. Pressly's mother, Patti Cannady, told jurors Wednesday what it was like to lose an only child.
After the verdict was read, Cannady mouthed "It's OK" to prosecutor Larry Jegley, nodded, and tucked her hands over her heart. But as she left the courtroom, Cannady stopped and turned at the door. She leaned toward the defense attorneys and said, "You protected someone who should have never been protected."
Vance, who had appeared uncomfortable during much of his mother's testimony, showed no emotion as the sentence was read.
Jacqueline Vance Burnett had told jurors she was an abusive mother who had a number of crack-fueled run-ins with the law.
Burnett said she worked as a prostitute to earn money for drugs and once snapped after a "date" fell through. She said Vance had been left in charge of a younger brother and that when she returned, the brother was smearing feces on a wall. Burnett said she threw Vance into a brick wall several times until he nearly passed out.
She also told jurors she would buy drugs with money her children received from Social Security after their fathers died and that she had spent time in prison for burglary, forgery and theft.
Burnett said she has since gone through rehab and she apologized to Vance from the witness stand for throwing him against the wall. He mumbled something, then said "I love you, momma."
During closing arguments, prosecutor Larry Jegley called Vance's upbringing "an American tragedy," but he noted that siblings and other family members have led successful lives and said Vance's situation was a result of his own choices.
"Do I like it? No," Jegley said after the sentence was read. "But they can consider all of them. That's the law."
Defense lawyer Katherine Streett had urged jurors — who had convicted Vance a day earlier of capital murder, rape, burglary and theft of property — to have the "courage" to not impose the death penalty.
"The decision you're about to make may speak as much about you as it does about Curtis Vance," Streett said. If mitigation in this case ... has any meaning to you in a significant way, you do not have to kill him," Streett said.
Vance's attorneys did not comment after the sentence.
Another brother, B.J. Montgomery of Little Rock, testified that Vance played with him, made sure he did his homework and protected him from their mother. At times Vance would cook for the rest of the family, Montgomery said. "That's my brother, and I love him," he said.
Vance's girlfriend, Sheanika Cooper, said he often spoiled their three children, two girls and a boy.
A psychiatrist had told jurors Vance showed signs of paranoia and compared the man's brain to a car with bad wiring.
"Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn't," said Dr. Shawn Agharkar, who teaches at Morehouse and Emory universities.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Arkansas teacher charged with sexual assault of 18 year old student sentenced to 5 years probation, 120 days jail
(Originally Posted 4-1-08)
The arraignment for a Arkansas teacher charged with having sex with an 18 year student and giving him alcohol 4 times was arraigned yesterday. Melissa Gail Monroe, 32 was charged with 2nd degree sexual assault, a Class B felony, and furnishing alcohol to a minor, a Class C misdemeanor.
According to court documents, Monroe invited the young man to her house on a January evening when her husband was out of town. The student later told police they had sex and he stayed the night. The boy had just turned 18.
It is illegal in Arkansas for teachers, law enforcement officers and others in a position of trust or authority over a minor (under age 21) to engage in sexual conduct with the minor. [If there is a fiduciary relationship between two people, then it should be illegal in all cases, not just when victims are people under drinking age]. Statements made by Monroe to a fellow teacher indicate she may not have known the act was illegal.
Monroe sent a text message [to] a fellow teacher at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14 that read, "Help! I've made the worst decision of my life. And I don't know what to do." Monroe said that January night she was drinking and texting with a student, court documents say. She said the student wanted to come over but she told him no. Eventually, he came over and they had sex three times, according to a probable cause affidavit submitted by Detective Mark Jordan of the Bentonville Police Department.
Later that evening, Monroe texted, "You don't hate me do you?" and "At least he was legal. Haha."
On Feb. 19, the fellow teacher went to Principal Steve Jacoby and said Monroe told her she had sex with the student. Police were summoned, and the student was interviewed.Monroe initially denied allegations to police but later admitted having sex with the student, the affidavit states. Police asked her if the boy forced himself on her, and she said no. Monroe worked in the Bentonville School District for seven and a half years.
Class B felonies in Arkansas are punishable by between 5 and 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $15,000.
(Update 5-18-08) Monroe is appealing, stating through her lawyer that she'll appral the portion of the law which states that sexual contact with 18 year old students is unconstitutional.
(Update 9-14-08) Benton County Circuit Judge David Clinger rejected Monroe's argument that the statute violated the rights of consenting adults to "engage in private, consensual, noncommercial acts of sexual intimacy." Lawyer Allan Lane cited Lawrence vs. Texas.
The state, led by Deputy Prosecutor Joni Rose, countered the law is rational because the state had a right to promote a safe environment in schools.
(Update 6-20-09) Monroe and her attorneys were scheduled to introduce arguments Thursday, June 18, that would have let them introduce the sexual history of the student she was charged with victimizing in preparation for the trial on June 23. However, she pled guilty as charged to a count of 2nd degree sexual assault and furnishing alcohol to a minor.
Monroe's attorney, Alan Lane, and Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Joni Rose were able to resolve the case with a plea agreement that requires Monroe to serve a jail sentence and be placed on state-supervised probation.
Rose told Circuit Judge David Clinger that Monroe's case is unusual because she is charged with having sex with an adult, but her actions are a crime. Rose said the victim and law enforcement supported the plea agreement. Lane told Clinger that Monroe is already seeing a counselor and that she and her husband are also involved with marriage counseling.
Clinger did not object to the lack of jail time because he was "satisfied you suffered in this regard -You lost your job." Rose stated that "From what the state understands, Mrs. Monroe will never teach again."
Besides 5 years probation, Monroe was sentenced to 120 days in the Benton County Jail, $1670 in court costs, and sex offender registration. Monroe has to report to jail by 7 PM August 23.
The arraignment for a Arkansas teacher charged with having sex with an 18 year student and giving him alcohol 4 times was arraigned yesterday. Melissa Gail Monroe, 32 was charged with 2nd degree sexual assault, a Class B felony, and furnishing alcohol to a minor, a Class C misdemeanor.
According to court documents, Monroe invited the young man to her house on a January evening when her husband was out of town. The student later told police they had sex and he stayed the night. The boy had just turned 18.
It is illegal in Arkansas for teachers, law enforcement officers and others in a position of trust or authority over a minor (under age 21) to engage in sexual conduct with the minor. [If there is a fiduciary relationship between two people, then it should be illegal in all cases, not just when victims are people under drinking age]. Statements made by Monroe to a fellow teacher indicate she may not have known the act was illegal.
Monroe sent a text message [to] a fellow teacher at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14 that read, "Help! I've made the worst decision of my life. And I don't know what to do." Monroe said that January night she was drinking and texting with a student, court documents say. She said the student wanted to come over but she told him no. Eventually, he came over and they had sex three times, according to a probable cause affidavit submitted by Detective Mark Jordan of the Bentonville Police Department.
Later that evening, Monroe texted, "You don't hate me do you?" and "At least he was legal. Haha."
On Feb. 19, the fellow teacher went to Principal Steve Jacoby and said Monroe told her she had sex with the student. Police were summoned, and the student was interviewed.Monroe initially denied allegations to police but later admitted having sex with the student, the affidavit states. Police asked her if the boy forced himself on her, and she said no. Monroe worked in the Bentonville School District for seven and a half years.
Class B felonies in Arkansas are punishable by between 5 and 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $15,000.
(Update 5-18-08) Monroe is appealing, stating through her lawyer that she'll appral the portion of the law which states that sexual contact with 18 year old students is unconstitutional.
(Update 9-14-08) Benton County Circuit Judge David Clinger rejected Monroe's argument that the statute violated the rights of consenting adults to "engage in private, consensual, noncommercial acts of sexual intimacy." Lawyer Allan Lane cited Lawrence vs. Texas.
The state, led by Deputy Prosecutor Joni Rose, countered the law is rational because the state had a right to promote a safe environment in schools.
(Update 6-20-09) Monroe and her attorneys were scheduled to introduce arguments Thursday, June 18, that would have let them introduce the sexual history of the student she was charged with victimizing in preparation for the trial on June 23. However, she pled guilty as charged to a count of 2nd degree sexual assault and furnishing alcohol to a minor.
Monroe's attorney, Alan Lane, and Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Joni Rose were able to resolve the case with a plea agreement that requires Monroe to serve a jail sentence and be placed on state-supervised probation.
Rose told Circuit Judge David Clinger that Monroe's case is unusual because she is charged with having sex with an adult, but her actions are a crime. Rose said the victim and law enforcement supported the plea agreement. Lane told Clinger that Monroe is already seeing a counselor and that she and her husband are also involved with marriage counseling.
Clinger did not object to the lack of jail time because he was "satisfied you suffered in this regard -You lost your job." Rose stated that "From what the state understands, Mrs. Monroe will never teach again."
Besides 5 years probation, Monroe was sentenced to 120 days in the Benton County Jail, $1670 in court costs, and sex offender registration. Monroe has to report to jail by 7 PM August 23.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Arkansas man gets 45 years with 24 to serve for wife rape, kidnapping
A Siloam Springs, AR man was sentenced to 45 years Thursday for kidnapping and raping his wife, then holding their 5 year old son as a human shield when police arrived back in April 20, 2007.
Ciro Jimenez was found guilty Thursday, April 30, of rape and kidnapping, Class Y felonies in Arkansas, and the Class D felonies of aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of a minor in the first degree. The assault charge was enhanced because it was done in the presence of their 5 year old son.
The jury recommended that Jimenez serve 15 years for rape; 20 years for kidnapping; five years for aggravated assault; five years for the enhancement; and five years for endangering the welfare of a minor.
The panel did not recommend whether Jimenez would serve the sentences concurrently or consecutively, but [Benton County Circuit Court Judge] Clinger ordered Jimenez to serve five years each for the aggravated assault and the endangering convictions. The judge sentenced Jimenez to five years for the enhancement charge. Clinger sentenced Jimenez to 15 years for rape and 20 years for kidnapping. He ordered the sentences to be served consecutively.
His wife testified that Jimenez forcibly held her in their home for about 20 hours. She testified he attacked her and tied, taped and gagged her. He also raped her on two occasions, she testified. She was able to call 911, and a Benton County Sheriff's Office deputy responded to the scene.
The deputy was met by an armed Jimenez, who pointed a .45-caliber gun toward the deputy. Jimenez was holding his 5-year-old son as a shield. The deputy retreated behind his vehicle for cover and drew his weapon.
After several minutes, Jimenez dropped his weapon and was arrested. After Jimenez was placed in the patrol car, he was recorded telling his nephew to have his (Jimenez's) wife killed. Jurors listened to and watched the recording.
Due to the above account of the attack, Deputy Prosecutor Carrie Dobbs asked all sentences to be run consecutively. "'I will get out one day and get my revenge," Jimenez said before the attack.
The judge presiding over the trial was Benton County Circuit Judge David Clinger, who described the crimes of conviction as violent crimes leaving a woman and her son victims. While the gun was not discharged during the standoff according to Clinger, "the deputy sheriff had to respond. It's his job. He walked into the face of death."
Ciro Jimenez was found guilty Thursday, April 30, of rape and kidnapping, Class Y felonies in Arkansas, and the Class D felonies of aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of a minor in the first degree. The assault charge was enhanced because it was done in the presence of their 5 year old son.
The jury recommended that Jimenez serve 15 years for rape; 20 years for kidnapping; five years for aggravated assault; five years for the enhancement; and five years for endangering the welfare of a minor.
The panel did not recommend whether Jimenez would serve the sentences concurrently or consecutively, but [Benton County Circuit Court Judge] Clinger ordered Jimenez to serve five years each for the aggravated assault and the endangering convictions. The judge sentenced Jimenez to five years for the enhancement charge. Clinger sentenced Jimenez to 15 years for rape and 20 years for kidnapping. He ordered the sentences to be served consecutively.
His wife testified that Jimenez forcibly held her in their home for about 20 hours. She testified he attacked her and tied, taped and gagged her. He also raped her on two occasions, she testified. She was able to call 911, and a Benton County Sheriff's Office deputy responded to the scene.
The deputy was met by an armed Jimenez, who pointed a .45-caliber gun toward the deputy. Jimenez was holding his 5-year-old son as a shield. The deputy retreated behind his vehicle for cover and drew his weapon.
After several minutes, Jimenez dropped his weapon and was arrested. After Jimenez was placed in the patrol car, he was recorded telling his nephew to have his (Jimenez's) wife killed. Jurors listened to and watched the recording.
Due to the above account of the attack, Deputy Prosecutor Carrie Dobbs asked all sentences to be run consecutively. "'I will get out one day and get my revenge," Jimenez said before the attack.
The judge presiding over the trial was Benton County Circuit Judge David Clinger, who described the crimes of conviction as violent crimes leaving a woman and her son victims. While the gun was not discharged during the standoff according to Clinger, "the deputy sheriff had to respond. It's his job. He walked into the face of death."
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Arkansas judicial comittee approves lifting rape statute of limitations
LITTLE ROCK (AP) — An Arkansas legislative committee has approved eliminating the statute of limitations for certain rape cases that now can only be prosecuted within 15 years of the attack.
The House Judiciary Committee on Thursday approved the bill by Rep. Dawn Creekmore, D-Hensley, that eliminates the limitations on when prosecutors can file charges on rape cases where DNA evidence has been collected.
Creekmore's bill originally would have removed the statute of limitations for all rape cases, regardless of whether DNA evidence was found. But Creekmore amended the bill to limit it to only cases with DNA after some lawmakers questioned whether it could lead to unfounded accusations from decades ago.
The House Judiciary Committee on Thursday approved the bill by Rep. Dawn Creekmore, D-Hensley, that eliminates the limitations on when prosecutors can file charges on rape cases where DNA evidence has been collected.
Creekmore's bill originally would have removed the statute of limitations for all rape cases, regardless of whether DNA evidence was found. But Creekmore amended the bill to limit it to only cases with DNA after some lawmakers questioned whether it could lead to unfounded accusations from decades ago.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Arkansas man sentenced to life without parole for murder of ex-wife, kidnapping of son
Green County, AR Circuit Court Judge David Laser formally sentenced Kristopher Parker on August 13, 2008 for the June 2007 attacks after pleading guilty to a count of 1st degree murder and a count of 1st degree kidnapping. The rape charge was dismissed as part of Parker’s guilty plea.
In June 2007, Parker was accused of beating his ex-wife, Tiffany "Raines" Parker (also a Kennett native), to death, raping her, and then kidnapping their toddler son, Carson, from Raines' home in Paragould, Ark., before turning himself into Green County authorities the following morning.
On Wednesday [August 13], Parker told Laser that he did, in fact, beat his ex-wife to death with a tool carpenters typically use to install carpet and other types of flooring.
According to information reported by the Paragould Daily Press on Friday, Parker also admitted to kidnapping his and Tiffany's child, and apologized to the Raines family for their loss, and for his actions that tragic day.
Parker took full responsibility for his ex-wife’s death and his son’s kidnapping, stating that they did not deserve what had happened to them.
"You all have been through more in this past year than anyone should have to go through. I hope God gives you all peace. And I beg you for forgiveness."
Life sentences in Arkansas are always without parole.
In June 2007, Parker was accused of beating his ex-wife, Tiffany "Raines" Parker (also a Kennett native), to death, raping her, and then kidnapping their toddler son, Carson, from Raines' home in Paragould, Ark., before turning himself into Green County authorities the following morning.
On Wednesday [August 13], Parker told Laser that he did, in fact, beat his ex-wife to death with a tool carpenters typically use to install carpet and other types of flooring.
According to information reported by the Paragould Daily Press on Friday, Parker also admitted to kidnapping his and Tiffany's child, and apologized to the Raines family for their loss, and for his actions that tragic day.
Parker took full responsibility for his ex-wife’s death and his son’s kidnapping, stating that they did not deserve what had happened to them.
"You all have been through more in this past year than anyone should have to go through. I hope God gives you all peace. And I beg you for forgiveness."
Life sentences in Arkansas are always without parole.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Suspected rapist ordered to prison on drug charges, then sentenced to 35 years for rape
(Originally Posted 1-10-08)
James Clayton Solomon, a physical fitness instructor whose training business goes by the ironically named Bodies For Christ, was ordered to report back to prison on or before April 2nd to serve a 5 year term in a federal prison facility after a hearing Monday (January 7) in the U.S. District Court in Fort Smith .
Solomon, convicted in federal court of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance in 1999, was placed on supervised release back in 2005. One condition of supervised relase is not to break any other laws, state or federal.
The Ft. Smith (AR) Times-Record's Accused Sex Offender Must Return To Prison has more:
However, Solomon ran into trouble last summer in connection with allegations that he raped or sexually assaulted several women at his personal training business, Bodies for Christ.
Solomon was charged June 12 in Washington County with two counts of rape after two women said they were attacked at his gym in Springdale. On a petition to revoke his release, he was arrested and set for a federal detention hearing nine days later in Fort Smith. On June 21, the same day he was released on $50,000 signature bond, a warrant was issued for his arrest in Crawford County on suspicion of two incidents of second-degree sexual assault alleged to have occurred at his Van Buren gym. Federal probation officers filed a supplemental petition to revoke, adding the new allegations to the previous ones listed.
Solomon was placed on home electonic monitoring after his release on bond. At the hearing, three of four accusers, federal probation officers, detectives and several defense character witnesses testified.
In the Washington County incidents, one woman said she was raped Feb. 11, when she went to interview for a job at Solomon’s gym. The other said she was raped Nov. 14, 2006, when she went to his gym to discuss her fitness goals with him.
In the Crawford County incidents, Van Buren policedetective Steve Weaver said a Hackett woman, who madeher report over the phone and was never available afterward, said Solomon touched her inappropriately at his Van Buren gym in January 2007. Weaver said a Fort Smith woman reported a similar incident as occurring in February 2007.The latter woman testified, but was unclear on the stand as to whether she was assaulted in February 2006 or 2007. She said the incident occurred when she went to see Solomon about buying a cheap car he had offered to help her obtain.
Federal Prosecutor Kyra Jenner stated witness tampering may have occured after one of the alleged victims stated she was promised a car in exchange for not testifying.
District Judge Robert T. Dawson declined to consider the question, but at the end of the hearing, he expressed concern about witness tampering. In revoking Solomon’s release, Dawson found the defendant guilty of the both new law violations alleged — the June 12 rape charges and the June 21 warrant on sexual assault charges.
Solomon will be credited with time served on electronic monitoring.
(Update 5-12-08) Soloman ran from Arkansas to the Los Angeles area, where he started a new job as a fitness trainer. He was arrested there in April, and returned to Oklahoma. The trial for the rape charges will be in July. He's being held in the Washington County Jail.
(Update 7-13-08) Soloman was sentenced to 35 years in prison for the rape of the 25 year old fitness trainer that the charges were for, and 15 years for the failure to appear charge. The rape charge and 10 years of the failure to appear charge will run consecutively, so that means Soloman will spend a total of 45 years in prison, barring early release. More details about how Soloman groomed the victim were aired - the rape occured after he met the victim, a fellow fitness instructor, at a Wal-Mart, and he set up a "job interview," where he then held her down on the floor and raped her.
Circuit Judge Kim Smith sentenced Soloman immediately. The rape sentence and 10 years of the failure to appear sentence will run consecutively. The remaining five years will run concurrently."I think, under the circumstances, 35 years is an appropriate sentence," Smith said.
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Charles Duell said running the sentences concurrently would have provided no punishment for Soloman fleeing justice."The bottom line is the jury did the right thing," Duell said.
Soloman was somewhat argumentative with the judge during sentencing. Afterward, Soloman spoke with his mother and daughter as he was escorted by deputies out of the courtroom."I love you, baby," he told the daughter. She sat in the hallway floor sobbing after he was gone.
According to Duell, Soloman targheted vulnerable women, and faces federal charges for violating his federal probation. Charges are pending in other Arkansas counties, and other women who were raped declined to press charges.
James Clayton Solomon, a physical fitness instructor whose training business goes by the ironically named Bodies For Christ, was ordered to report back to prison on or before April 2nd to serve a 5 year term in a federal prison facility after a hearing Monday (January 7) in the U.S. District Court in Fort Smith .
Solomon, convicted in federal court of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance in 1999, was placed on supervised release back in 2005. One condition of supervised relase is not to break any other laws, state or federal.
The Ft. Smith (AR) Times-Record's Accused Sex Offender Must Return To Prison has more:
However, Solomon ran into trouble last summer in connection with allegations that he raped or sexually assaulted several women at his personal training business, Bodies for Christ.
Solomon was charged June 12 in Washington County with two counts of rape after two women said they were attacked at his gym in Springdale. On a petition to revoke his release, he was arrested and set for a federal detention hearing nine days later in Fort Smith. On June 21, the same day he was released on $50,000 signature bond, a warrant was issued for his arrest in Crawford County on suspicion of two incidents of second-degree sexual assault alleged to have occurred at his Van Buren gym. Federal probation officers filed a supplemental petition to revoke, adding the new allegations to the previous ones listed.
Solomon was placed on home electonic monitoring after his release on bond. At the hearing, three of four accusers, federal probation officers, detectives and several defense character witnesses testified.
In the Washington County incidents, one woman said she was raped Feb. 11, when she went to interview for a job at Solomon’s gym. The other said she was raped Nov. 14, 2006, when she went to his gym to discuss her fitness goals with him.
In the Crawford County incidents, Van Buren policedetective Steve Weaver said a Hackett woman, who madeher report over the phone and was never available afterward, said Solomon touched her inappropriately at his Van Buren gym in January 2007. Weaver said a Fort Smith woman reported a similar incident as occurring in February 2007.The latter woman testified, but was unclear on the stand as to whether she was assaulted in February 2006 or 2007. She said the incident occurred when she went to see Solomon about buying a cheap car he had offered to help her obtain.
Federal Prosecutor Kyra Jenner stated witness tampering may have occured after one of the alleged victims stated she was promised a car in exchange for not testifying.
District Judge Robert T. Dawson declined to consider the question, but at the end of the hearing, he expressed concern about witness tampering. In revoking Solomon’s release, Dawson found the defendant guilty of the both new law violations alleged — the June 12 rape charges and the June 21 warrant on sexual assault charges.
Solomon will be credited with time served on electronic monitoring.
(Update 5-12-08) Soloman ran from Arkansas to the Los Angeles area, where he started a new job as a fitness trainer. He was arrested there in April, and returned to Oklahoma. The trial for the rape charges will be in July. He's being held in the Washington County Jail.
(Update 7-13-08) Soloman was sentenced to 35 years in prison for the rape of the 25 year old fitness trainer that the charges were for, and 15 years for the failure to appear charge. The rape charge and 10 years of the failure to appear charge will run consecutively, so that means Soloman will spend a total of 45 years in prison, barring early release. More details about how Soloman groomed the victim were aired - the rape occured after he met the victim, a fellow fitness instructor, at a Wal-Mart, and he set up a "job interview," where he then held her down on the floor and raped her.
Circuit Judge Kim Smith sentenced Soloman immediately. The rape sentence and 10 years of the failure to appear sentence will run consecutively. The remaining five years will run concurrently."I think, under the circumstances, 35 years is an appropriate sentence," Smith said.
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Charles Duell said running the sentences concurrently would have provided no punishment for Soloman fleeing justice."The bottom line is the jury did the right thing," Duell said.
Soloman was somewhat argumentative with the judge during sentencing. Afterward, Soloman spoke with his mother and daughter as he was escorted by deputies out of the courtroom."I love you, baby," he told the daughter. She sat in the hallway floor sobbing after he was gone.
According to Duell, Soloman targheted vulnerable women, and faces federal charges for violating his federal probation. Charges are pending in other Arkansas counties, and other women who were raped declined to press charges.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Arkansas doctor faces sex charges involving at least 2 patients
Dr. Clarence Jay Arendall, a doctor who practices in Alma, AR, is a fugitive, wanted for two counts of 2nd degree sexual assault of women patients at his clinic. The warrant for his arrest went out two days ago. His clinic has a sign posted stating "Closed For Spring Break," which ended a week ago.
The doctor, who according to reports is married with several kids, reportedly took on patients who could not afford monetary payment, and worked them into his schedule. [Perhaps this is how he allegedly was able to take advantage of vulnerable women - by payment in sexual favors instead of cash?]
Meanwhile, Jennifer Porter who works next door says Arendall has taken several mission trips with his church. She says that patients have come in repeatedly over the last week looking for the physician.
"They just want know where he is if we've heard anything seen anything," Porter explained. "They're just really concerned about how they're going to get their records and what to do a lot of them needed follow up care. He's had a lot of them on medications they had questions about. It's sad because they don't know what to do."
Dr. Arendall graduated from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2003. He was issued a license by the Arkansas State Medical Board in December 2002. It expires in May of this year. Any potential actions taken against his license would have to come from the board.
Detective Hartley stated that there were two women victims, and the investigation, and there was joint effort between the Alma and Arkansas State police forces in the investigation.
(Update 4-3-08) The number of women allegedly abused by Arendall has grown from 2 to 4, and he was captured Tuesday, along with money from a Ft. Smith deposit box and records which contained patient information. The accounts at his bank are frozen due to a pending divorce. On Wednesday, April 2, Arendall pled not guilty to two counts of 2nd degree sexual assault. Sexual assault in Arkansas carries a 5 to 20 year prison sentence and a $15,000 fine. Arendall was released on $25,000 bail under conditions including no contact with alleged victims and surrendering his passport.
(Update 6-11-08) Dr. Arendall was brought before the Arkansas State Medical Board Thursday, June 5.
Dr. William Clarence Jay Arendall is accused of fondling two patients who visited him at his Alma clinic in mid-February. Arendall is charged with two counts of second-degree sexual abuse in Crawford County Circuit Court. The board issued an emergency order to suspend his medical license April 17.
Arendall, who has been licensed to practice medicine since 2002, denies the women’s charges. The board delayed action on his case until its Aug. 7-8 meeting to allow him to have an attorney present, and so the board can summon other women to testify.
During Thursday’s hearing, a 25-year-old Lavaca woman testified Arendall touched her inappropriately when she went to see him about back pain on Feb. 13. She said he pulled down her pants and underwear, touched her inappropriately and made sexual comments about her body. The woman reported the incident to the Alma Police Department that day.
A 45-year-old woman testified that Arendall removed her pants, rubbed her genitals and made sexually suggestive comments. The woman said she was in shock after it happened. She said she had been a patient of Arendall’s for six years, and he had never acted inappropriately before.
“Dr. Arendall I considered my friend, not only my doctor,” she said crying. “It was really hard for me to [report him].”
Arendall said he didn’t do “unclothed” exams on either woman.
“I always had a chaperone present when there would have been any type of unclothed physical,” he said.
His wife, Karla Arendall, testified that she was working in the office the days the women came in. Her desk is only about 10 feet from the exam rooms, and she would have heard if anything inappropriate were said, she said.
“The walls are thin,” Karla Arendall said. “It’s a small clinic and you can hear just about anything.” Both women have filed lawsuits against Arendall in Crawford County Circuit Court.
According to Brett Hartley of the Alma Police Department, 14 women have brought complaints against him, and there are now 2 lawsuits against him.
The doctor, who according to reports is married with several kids, reportedly took on patients who could not afford monetary payment, and worked them into his schedule. [Perhaps this is how he allegedly was able to take advantage of vulnerable women - by payment in sexual favors instead of cash?]
Meanwhile, Jennifer Porter who works next door says Arendall has taken several mission trips with his church. She says that patients have come in repeatedly over the last week looking for the physician.
"They just want know where he is if we've heard anything seen anything," Porter explained. "They're just really concerned about how they're going to get their records and what to do a lot of them needed follow up care. He's had a lot of them on medications they had questions about. It's sad because they don't know what to do."
Dr. Arendall graduated from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2003. He was issued a license by the Arkansas State Medical Board in December 2002. It expires in May of this year. Any potential actions taken against his license would have to come from the board.
Detective Hartley stated that there were two women victims, and the investigation, and there was joint effort between the Alma and Arkansas State police forces in the investigation.
(Update 4-3-08) The number of women allegedly abused by Arendall has grown from 2 to 4, and he was captured Tuesday, along with money from a Ft. Smith deposit box and records which contained patient information. The accounts at his bank are frozen due to a pending divorce. On Wednesday, April 2, Arendall pled not guilty to two counts of 2nd degree sexual assault. Sexual assault in Arkansas carries a 5 to 20 year prison sentence and a $15,000 fine. Arendall was released on $25,000 bail under conditions including no contact with alleged victims and surrendering his passport.
(Update 6-11-08) Dr. Arendall was brought before the Arkansas State Medical Board Thursday, June 5.
Dr. William Clarence Jay Arendall is accused of fondling two patients who visited him at his Alma clinic in mid-February. Arendall is charged with two counts of second-degree sexual abuse in Crawford County Circuit Court. The board issued an emergency order to suspend his medical license April 17.
Arendall, who has been licensed to practice medicine since 2002, denies the women’s charges. The board delayed action on his case until its Aug. 7-8 meeting to allow him to have an attorney present, and so the board can summon other women to testify.
During Thursday’s hearing, a 25-year-old Lavaca woman testified Arendall touched her inappropriately when she went to see him about back pain on Feb. 13. She said he pulled down her pants and underwear, touched her inappropriately and made sexual comments about her body. The woman reported the incident to the Alma Police Department that day.
A 45-year-old woman testified that Arendall removed her pants, rubbed her genitals and made sexually suggestive comments. The woman said she was in shock after it happened. She said she had been a patient of Arendall’s for six years, and he had never acted inappropriately before.
“Dr. Arendall I considered my friend, not only my doctor,” she said crying. “It was really hard for me to [report him].”
Arendall said he didn’t do “unclothed” exams on either woman.
“I always had a chaperone present when there would have been any type of unclothed physical,” he said.
His wife, Karla Arendall, testified that she was working in the office the days the women came in. Her desk is only about 10 feet from the exam rooms, and she would have heard if anything inappropriate were said, she said.
“The walls are thin,” Karla Arendall said. “It’s a small clinic and you can hear just about anything.” Both women have filed lawsuits against Arendall in Crawford County Circuit Court.
According to Brett Hartley of the Alma Police Department, 14 women have brought complaints against him, and there are now 2 lawsuits against him.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Woman prison guard charged with sexual assault of inmate
Questions about cell phone use by a teenage inmate at an Arkansas juvenile detention facility have led to charges of 3rd degree sexual assault against a nurse who started work at the center in February. Krista Moser, 38, was arrested after officials at the Alexander youth center in Bryant, AR discovered an alleged sexual relationship.
Any professional or custodial sexual relationship between a professional and an adult patient is defined as 3rd degree sexual assault in Arkansas. (If the victim is a minor, the crime rises to 1st degree sexual assault.)
"This is a very serious crime. These inmates are out there being rehabilitated. Then you throw something like this on top of it. It causes more issues with the inmates," said Sgt. Harold Edmonson with the Bryant Police Department.
According to the police report, the center started an investigation when the inmate was found with a cell phone. The inmate told investigators Moser gave it to him. During that interview he also told him the two had a relationship that started back in March."They had bonded. She had been having problems at home apparently and she was exchanging that with him and they became close friends," said Edmonson.
According to the inmate, the activity led to “consensual” sexual activity between himself and Moser on May 4th. Because no force was used, Moser isn’t being charged with rape. 3rd degree sexual assault in Arkansas carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in jail and a $10,000 fine.
Last year, an Arkansas prison psychologist who had violated rules against being overly familiar with patients was sentenced to three years in prison and a $10,000 fine for sex with an inmate.
5-14-126. Sexual assault in the third degree.
(a)(1) A person commits sexual assault in the third degree if the person engages in sexual intercourse or deviate sexual activity with another person, not the person's spouse, and the person:
(A) Is employed with the Department of Correction, Department of Community Correction, Department of Human Services, or any city or county jail, and the victim is in the custody of the Department of Correction, Department of Community Correction, Department of Health and Human Services, or any city or county jail; or
(B) Is a professional under § 12-12-507(b) or a member of the clergy and is in a position of trust or authority over the victim and uses the position to engage in sexual intercourse or deviate sexual activity.
(2)(A) A person commits sexual assault in the third degree if the person being under eighteen (18) years of age engages in sexual intercourse or deviate sexual activity with another person not the person's spouse who is less than fourteen (14) years of age.
(B) It is an affirmative defense under subdivision (a)(2) of this section that the person was not more than three (3) years older than the victim.
(b) It is no defense to prosecution under this section that the victim consented to the conduct.
(c) Sexual assault in the third degree is a Class C felony.
History. Acts 2001, No. 1738, § 4; 2003, No. 1324, § 1.
Any professional or custodial sexual relationship between a professional and an adult patient is defined as 3rd degree sexual assault in Arkansas. (If the victim is a minor, the crime rises to 1st degree sexual assault.)
"This is a very serious crime. These inmates are out there being rehabilitated. Then you throw something like this on top of it. It causes more issues with the inmates," said Sgt. Harold Edmonson with the Bryant Police Department.
According to the police report, the center started an investigation when the inmate was found with a cell phone. The inmate told investigators Moser gave it to him. During that interview he also told him the two had a relationship that started back in March."They had bonded. She had been having problems at home apparently and she was exchanging that with him and they became close friends," said Edmonson.
According to the inmate, the activity led to “consensual” sexual activity between himself and Moser on May 4th. Because no force was used, Moser isn’t being charged with rape. 3rd degree sexual assault in Arkansas carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in jail and a $10,000 fine.
Last year, an Arkansas prison psychologist who had violated rules against being overly familiar with patients was sentenced to three years in prison and a $10,000 fine for sex with an inmate.
5-14-126. Sexual assault in the third degree.
(a)(1) A person commits sexual assault in the third degree if the person engages in sexual intercourse or deviate sexual activity with another person, not the person's spouse, and the person:
(A) Is employed with the Department of Correction, Department of Community Correction, Department of Human Services, or any city or county jail, and the victim is in the custody of the Department of Correction, Department of Community Correction, Department of Health and Human Services, or any city or county jail; or
(B) Is a professional under § 12-12-507(b) or a member of the clergy and is in a position of trust or authority over the victim and uses the position to engage in sexual intercourse or deviate sexual activity.
(2)(A) A person commits sexual assault in the third degree if the person being under eighteen (18) years of age engages in sexual intercourse or deviate sexual activity with another person not the person's spouse who is less than fourteen (14) years of age.
(B) It is an affirmative defense under subdivision (a)(2) of this section that the person was not more than three (3) years older than the victim.
(b) It is no defense to prosecution under this section that the victim consented to the conduct.
(c) Sexual assault in the third degree is a Class C felony.
History. Acts 2001, No. 1738, § 4; 2003, No. 1324, § 1.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Serial criminal sentenced to life for rape
Alvin McCullogh, a Fayetteville, Arkansas criminal with an extensive history starting when he was 18, was sentenced to life for the rape of a 22 year old woman in the fall of 2006 plus 40 years and a $15,000 fine for kidnapping and burglary charges. The victim was walking home from a bar and McCullough attacked and raped her at her house.
Fourth Circuit Judge William Storey stacked the life sentence for Alvin McCullough on top of 47 years he received after a jury trial in May, when he was found guilty of two residential burglary charges and an attempted residential burglary charge for home invasions in December 2006 in Fayetteville.
McCullough has a criminal history that goes back to age 18, when he solicited a 14-year-old girl to have sexual relations. He also has a battery conviction for hitting a police officer. He went to prison on both charges.
Washington County Prosecutor John Threet on Wednesday argued for a life sentence after the jurors found McCullough guilty of the rape, kidnapping and residential burglary charges related to the Oct. 29, 2006, incident.
"He cannot get back out. He's shown what he does when he's out and he's free."
The defense lawyers, Bruce Schlegel and Scott Parks, argued for leniency while acknowledging his client's previous criminal history.
"People at 22 aren't the same people at 32," Schlegel said.
"All of them have been out of this court," Parks said.
He added that the penitentiary "killed my client's soul"before he began committing more crimes, including the rape in October 2006 and the home invasions in December 2006.
Storey went ahead and imposed the jury-recommended sentences.
Those sentences were 40 years plus a $15,000 fine for the kidnapping and burglary charges McCullough also faced.
"What mercy was shown to the victim in this case "Storey asked. "There is no compelling reason to show mercy at this point."
He told McCullough," You're without a doubt a habitual offender," and said that he has become "a menace to society."
The rape charges were laid after a DNA match from Arkansas' state crime lab.
Fourth Circuit Judge William Storey stacked the life sentence for Alvin McCullough on top of 47 years he received after a jury trial in May, when he was found guilty of two residential burglary charges and an attempted residential burglary charge for home invasions in December 2006 in Fayetteville.
McCullough has a criminal history that goes back to age 18, when he solicited a 14-year-old girl to have sexual relations. He also has a battery conviction for hitting a police officer. He went to prison on both charges.
Washington County Prosecutor John Threet on Wednesday argued for a life sentence after the jurors found McCullough guilty of the rape, kidnapping and residential burglary charges related to the Oct. 29, 2006, incident.
"He cannot get back out. He's shown what he does when he's out and he's free."
The defense lawyers, Bruce Schlegel and Scott Parks, argued for leniency while acknowledging his client's previous criminal history.
"People at 22 aren't the same people at 32," Schlegel said.
"All of them have been out of this court," Parks said.
He added that the penitentiary "killed my client's soul"before he began committing more crimes, including the rape in October 2006 and the home invasions in December 2006.
Storey went ahead and imposed the jury-recommended sentences.
Those sentences were 40 years plus a $15,000 fine for the kidnapping and burglary charges McCullough also faced.
"What mercy was shown to the victim in this case "Storey asked. "There is no compelling reason to show mercy at this point."
He told McCullough," You're without a doubt a habitual offender," and said that he has become "a menace to society."
The rape charges were laid after a DNA match from Arkansas' state crime lab.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
School nurse charged with sexual assault, providing alcohol to minors
Jennifer Cisco, 30, a school nurse at Green Forest High School in Carroll County, Arkansas, has been arrested and charged with 1st degree sexual assault and furnishing alcohol to a minor. She was investigated after a school resource officer heard rumors about the situation with the two 17 year old alleged victims. Arkansas' age of consent is normally 16, but does not apply to school employees and students in their schools. Cisco admitted to having sex with a student on two occasions and purchasing alcohol two students. It isn't known whether the alleged victim of the sexual encounter was furnished alcohol.
Reference:
School Nurse Faces Charges Involving Students
Reference:
School Nurse Faces Charges Involving Students
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Ex-boyfriend arrested for rape
Taken from the Russellville (AR) Courier:
At a bond hearing Friday morning, District Judge Don Bourne issued a $75,000 bond to a Russellville man arrested Thursday night for rape. An Atkins woman accused Derek Winston Byrd, 24, of forcibly raping her at his home Thursday, according to a Russellville Police Department report.
The woman told officers Byrd was an ex-boyfriend. She said she had gone to the residence to pick up the rest of her things when Byrd allegedly raped her, according to the report.
Officers met the woman at Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center, where the woman underwent a rape examination, according to the report. The rape examination kit and the clothes the woman was wearing were then taken as evidence. Byrd was later arrested at his home, according to the report. If charged, Byrd will make his first appearance Nov. 19 in Pope County Circuit Court.
Reference:
Russelville man arrested for rape
At a bond hearing Friday morning, District Judge Don Bourne issued a $75,000 bond to a Russellville man arrested Thursday night for rape. An Atkins woman accused Derek Winston Byrd, 24, of forcibly raping her at his home Thursday, according to a Russellville Police Department report.
The woman told officers Byrd was an ex-boyfriend. She said she had gone to the residence to pick up the rest of her things when Byrd allegedly raped her, according to the report.
Officers met the woman at Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center, where the woman underwent a rape examination, according to the report. The rape examination kit and the clothes the woman was wearing were then taken as evidence. Byrd was later arrested at his home, according to the report. If charged, Byrd will make his first appearance Nov. 19 in Pope County Circuit Court.
Reference:
Russelville man arrested for rape
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