The tearful mothers of two girls had the opportunity Monday to face the man who sexually assaulted their daughters.
Steven Ray James, 26, of Rogers pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault in the second degree under an agreement attorney Scott McElveen reached with Stephanie McLemore, deputy prosecutor. James was sentenced to 20 years in the Arkansas Department of Correction. He also must abide by a suspended-sentence agreement for 20 years after his release from prison. McLemore said the victims’ parents agreed with the plea to resolve the case.
James was arrested Jan. 22.
McLemore told Circuit Judge Robin Green that James engaged in sexual contact with an 8-year-old girl and 3-year-old girl.
James’ arrest came as the result of an amnesty discussion he had with his wife, according to court documents. The couple would confess things to each other without the other person getting angry, the affidavit states. James confessed to having six affairs and named four women, but did not disclose two others, according to court documents. James later admitted to molesting the two girls, according to court documents.
Green accepted the agreement and James’ guilty plea.
“Do you have anything to say?” Green asked James after she accepted the plea. James shook his head no.
The mothers of James’ victims did address the court.