A Level 3 sex offender who raped a 14-year-old girl last year in a pool at a residence in Jessieville was sentenced to 20 years in prison Monday after pleading guilty in Garland County Circuit Court.
Clyde Ernest Wallace, 58, who has remained in custody in lieu of $75,000 bond since his arrest July 12, 2017, was originally charged with rape, punishable by up to life in prison, and was set to stand trial Thursday.
He pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of second-degree sexual assault and was sentenced to 20 years. A court order permanently barring him from any future contact with the victim was also issued.
According to the affidavit, Garland County sheriff's investigators received a report on July 6, 2017, referencing sexual contact of a 14-year-old female by a known suspect, later identified as Wallace.
On July 10, the victim was interviewed by forensic interviewer, Brandi Cannon, at the Cooper-Anthony Mercy Child Advocacy Center. The interview was observed by sheriff's investigators Jennifer Tonseth and Tara Williams and advocate Lauren Walker.
The victim reportedly stated she was raped and fondled by the suspect in the pool of a residence in Jessieville on July 3. When interviewed later by Tonseth and Williams, Wallace reportedly denied the allegations and requested a lawyer.
The affidavit also stated that Wallace is a registered sex offender assessed at a Level 3.
According to court records, Wallace was convicted on Feb. 2, 2002, of first-degree sexual abuse and sentenced to 10 years in prison. Typically those offenders classified as Level 3 have a history of repeat sexual offending, and strong anti-social, violent or predatory personality characteristics.
Level 3 offenders are required to register for life.
Local on 01/31/2018