Man gets 20 years in prison for sexual assault of 7-year-old

Carter
Carter

A local man was sentenced to 20 years in prison Tuesday after pleading guilty in Garland County Circuit Court to second-degree sexual assault involving a 7-year-old girl in 2014.

Charles Lee Carter, 26, who lists a North Shore Drive address, was originally charged with rape, punishable by up to life in prison, but pleaded guilty to the lesser offense of sexual assault and was sentenced to the maximum of 20 years.

Carter was also barred from any future contact with the victim, now 10, and ordered to pay $670 in court costs.

Chief Deputy Prosecutor Joe Graham said Wednesday the victim had alleged penetration, which Carter denied when interviewed by Garland County Sheriff's investigators. Carter did admit to sexual contact with the victim which qualified it as second-degree sexual assault.

Graham said the victim's guardian was consulted on the plea agreement and approved of it.

According to the affidavit, on June 19, 2016, sheriff's investigators received a report from the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline in reference to the rape of a now 9-year-old female by a known suspect, identified as Carter.

On June 22, the juvenile was interviewed at Children's Advocacy Alliance in Conway and reportedly stated Carter had raped her when she was 7 years old. It was determined the sexual assault occurred at a residence in Hot Springs.

When questioned, Carter admitted to rubbing his privates on the juvenile's privates, but denied any penetration.

Carter was arrested June 23, 2016, and later released on $25,000 bond. He pleaded not guilty to the charge on Sept. 6, 2016, and was set to stand trial this month on the original rape charge.

Carter was represented by attorney Gregory Karl Crain of Malvern at Tuesday's hearing.

Local on 07/13/2017

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