Springdale Man Sentenced To 50 Years

BENTONVILLE — A Springdale man was sentenced to 50 years in prison last week after pleading guilty to sexually abusing a 9-year-old girl.

John Wayne Richie, 33, pleaded guilty Thursday to two counts of sexual assault in the first degree. The plea was under an agreement Sergio Barron, Richie’s attorney, reached with Stuart Cearley, chief deputy prosecutor.

Richie was arrested Aug. 28. The arrest came after the girl’s mother found a drawing depicting a sex act with a statement incriminating Richie, according to court documents. The girl later was interviewed at the Children’s Safety Center in Springdale where she gave more details concerning the abuse, the affidavit states.

The girl’s mother provided police with text messages from Richie apologizing for what he had done, according to court documents.

Richie admitted during an interview with police he engaged in sex acts with the girl, according to court documents.

Circuit Judge Brad Karren accepted the plea agreement and Richie’s guilty pleas.

Richie was sentenced to 30 years in the Arkansas Department of Correction for one count of sexual assault and 20 years for the second count. The sentences will be served consecutively.

Richie must serve 12 years before he is eligible for parole. He must abide by a suspended-sentence agreement for 10 years after his release from prison, must register as a sex offender and pay $2,100 in court costs. Richie received 303 days of credit for the time he spent in the Benton County Jail awaiting trial.

Upcoming Events