Hiwasse man sentenced for sexual assault

A Hiwasse man was sentenced to 40 years in prison for sexually assaulting a 7-year-old girl.

Nathan Alan Wiese, 31, pleaded guilty Tuesday to two counts of sexual assault in the first degree, a Class A felony, which is punishable from six to 30 years in prison. The agreement was reached by Wiese's attorney, Rachel McKay, with Carly Marshall, deputy prosecutor.

He was arrested Jan. 8.

Bentonville police began an investigation after the girl talked to her mother about Wiese , according to court documents.

The girl was interviewed at the Children's Advocacy Center of Benton County where she gave details of being abused by Wiese , according to court documents. The girl said the abuse began when she was 5 or 6 years old, according to court documents.

Wiese denied the allegations first questioned by police but he later admitted to sexually abusing the girl.

Circuit Judge Brad Karren read the short statement from the girl which said that Wiese had hurt her, her mother and stepfather.

The judge accepted the plea agreement and Wiese's guilty pleas.

Wiese decline an opportunity to address the court when the judge gave him the chance.

Wiese was sentenced to 40 years in the Arkansas Department of Correction. He will have to serve at least 10 years before he is eligible for parole.

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