DE QUEEN, Ark. A Sevier County jury has convicted a De Queen man on multiple felony charges, leading to a 150-year prison sentence.
Thomas Eugene Whitt, 66, was found guilty Wednesday, June 25, of three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. Circuit Judge Tom Cooper ordered Whitt to serve the sentences consecutively, including 40 years for each rape conviction and 20 years for sexual assault.
The Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division began investigating Whitt in 2023 following reports of sexual abuse. Investigators determined the crimes occurred over a span of nearly seven years, from January 2017 to December 2023. Whitt was arrested in January 2024 after an arrest warrant was issued.
He had been released on a $150,000 bond but was taken into custody immediately after the jury returned its verdict.
“These victims were subjected to years of unspeakable acts of abuse by Whitt,” said ASP Colonel Mike Hagar. “We are grateful to the great work done by our CID Special Agents, the courage of those who came forward, and the Sevier County jurors who ensured this individual was held accountable.”
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