A Gravette man was sentenced to 24 years in prison for sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl.
Zachary Allen Campbell, 21, was charged with rape, a Class Y felony. He agreed to plead guilty Tuesday to a lesser charge which resolved the criminal case.
He pleaded guilty to sexual assault in the first degree, a Class A felony. The plea was under an agreement his attorney, Bryan Powell, reached with Stuart Cearley, chief deputy prosecutor.
Campbell was arrested Dec. 14, 2013.
His arrest stems from a report that Centerton police received concerning a 12-year-old girl staying the night with Campbell, according to a probable cause affidavit.
The girl was interviewed at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Benton County where she reported that she and Campbell were involved in a sexual relationship, the affidavit states.
Campbell was questioned by police and he admitted to having sex with the girl, according to the affidavit. Campbell also told police that he knew the girl was 12 years old, the affidavit states.
Circuit Judge Robin Green accepted the plea agreement and Campbell’s guilty plea.
Campbell was sentenced to 24 years in the Arkansas Department of Correction. He must abide by a suspended sentence agreement for 6 years after his release from prison.
He will be required to register as a sex offender. He must also complete the prison’s sex offender treatment program or a similar one after his release from prison.