Years of Abuse End in 150-Year Sentence for Arkansas Man

An Arkansas man in Sevier County will spend the rest of his life behind bars after being convicted on felony charges including three counts of rape and one count of sexual assaut.

Thomas Eugene Whitt Sentenced to 150 Years

Thomas Eugene Whitt, 66 years of age from De Queen, was sentenced to 150 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections when a jury found him guilty on Wednesday, June 25. Circuit Judge Tom Cooper sentenced him to 40 years for each rape charge and 20 for the sexual asault charge. He will serve each sentence one after another.

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Arkansas Investigation Uncovered Years of Abuse

Whitt was originally arrested in early 2024 after an investigation by the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division. Agents started looking into the case back in 2023 when they received reports of sexual abuse. Agents then learned that the abuse started back in January of 2017 and went on for the next six years and finally ended in December of 2023.

According to the press release, Whitt was initially released on a $150,000 bond, but he was taken back into custody after the jury announced its verdict.

Arkansas State Police Commend Victims' Bravery

Colonel Mike Hagar with the Arkansas State Police.said,

These victims were subjected to years of unspeakable acts of abuse by Whitt.  We’re grateful to our CID Special Agents, the bravery of the victims who came forward, and the Sevier County jurors who made sure he was held accountable.

Our healing prayers go out to the victims of these crimes.