Former Sunday School Teacher Sentenced

— A former Sunday School teacher was sentenced Wednesday to six years in prison for sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl.

Robert Perkins, 68, of Rogers previously admitted to sexually assaulting the girl and pleaded guilty to second-degree sexual assault, a Class B felony punishable with a prison sentence ranging from five to 20 years in prison.

His punishment was in the hands of Circuit Judge Robin Green because Perkins pleaded guilty to the court without the benefit of a plea agreement.

Perkins was arrested Dec. 1 for sexually assaulting two girls, but prosecutors only filed formal charges involving one of the girls.

Perkins was the girl’s Sunday school teacher. She had gone to his home a few years ago to help him clean.

The girl reported Perkins sexually assaulted her. She also said Perkins attempted to hypnotize her by waving a pocket watch in her face, according to court documents. An affidavit states Perkins believed the girl was under hypnosis and he then sexually assaulted her.

The incident was reported to police years later, when the victim was 14.

Green had some issues to consider when it came to Perkins’ punishment.

Perkins has cerebral palsy and is confined to a wheelchair. He lives in a nursing home because he can no longer take care of himself.

A pre-sentencing report recommended Perkins be placed on unsupervised probation for 20 years. Public Defender Scott McElveen urged the court to follow the report’s probation recommendation.

Perkins apologized for his actions, but much of his statement could not be heard. “I hope God forgives me” and “I wish I never did it” are two of the understandable things Perkins said.

“Am I to understand you were the Sunday school teacher?” Green asked.

Green also wanted to know if the girl came to help Perkins clean his home.

Perkins replied, “Yes.”

Another of Green’s questions concerned the hypnosis.

“I should have never done that,” Perkins said sitting in his wheelchair in front of the judge’s bench.

Green was concerned the hypnosis issue showed Perkins’ actions were premeditated.

Deputy Prosecutor Bonnie Atchison told the court neither the victim nor her parents wanted to be present at the proceedings.

Green noted Perkins, who was in a wheelchair at the time of the assault, was still able to victimize the girl.

Green sentenced Perkins to six years in the Arkansas Department of Correction. He must abide by a suspended sentence agreement for 14 years.

Perkins also must enroll and complete the prison’s sex offender treatment program, register as a sex offender and pay $2,120 in court costs.

Green allowed Perkins to remain free until he is moved to the Arkansas Department of Correction. He must remain at the nursing facility under house arrest and he cannot have any contact with children.

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