Judge gives man 40-year sentence for child rape

BENTONVILLE -- A Bentonville man was sentenced to 40 years in prison for raping one child and breaking another's leg.

Arthur James Lewis, 27, pleaded guilty Thursday to rape and domestic battering.

The rape charge involved a 3-year-old girl who was interviewed at the Children's Advocacy Center of Benton County, according court documents.

Lewis admitted to Mark Jordan, a Bentonville police detective, to having sexual contact with the girl, according to a probable cause affidavit. He later admitted engaging once in a sex act with the child, according to the affidavit.

Lewis was arrested Jan. 12 after Bentonville police were called to Mercy Convenient Care concerning a 10-month-old girl with a broken tibia, according to the affidavit.

He told police he was sleeping when the crying 10-month-old woke him up, according to the affidavit. Lewis said he yanked her out of the crib, but believed her leg got caught, according to the affidavit.

The child's mother noticed her daughter's leg was swollen and she had difficulty standing. The mother took her to the doctor, according to court documents.

Benton County Circuit Judge Brad Karren sentenced Lewis to 40 years in the Arkansas Department of Correction. He must serve 23 years in prison before he will be eligible for parole.

NW News on 11/17/2018

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