BENTONVILLE — Timothy Sylvester Howell was sentenced to 15 years in prison Wednesday for his role in a 2009 crime.
Howell, 29, pleaded guilty to hindering apprehension or prosecution, a class B felony punishable with a prison sentence ranging from five to 20 years. His plea came under an agreement attorney Casey Copeland reached with Chief Deputy Prosecutor Stuart Cearley.
Howell, of Rogers, admitted last week to helping Clifford Casteel dispose of Billy Ray Buckley’s body. Casteel pleaded guilty to killing Buckley. Casteel was sentenced to 22 years in prison in April.
Buckley’s body was found in August 2009 in the Monte Ne area. Buckley died from blunt force injuries, including skull and rib fractures. The injuries came from a fight with Casteel, according to court documents.
Howell was in Circuit Judge David Clinger’s court last week where the plea agreement was discussed. Howell wanted to remain free after entering his guilty plea, but Clinger delayed hearing the plea to give Howell time to complete some home repairs.
In addition to the prison time, Howell also must serve a 10-year suspended sentence for a previous failure to appear.
Howell will be in the Benton County Jail until he is transferred to the Arkansas Department of Correction.