Jonesboro, AR – Contributed – Second Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Sonia F. Hagood announced that a Craighead County jury found Justin Totty guilty of two counts of rape with enhancement in the presence of a child, two counts of sexual assault with enhancement in the presence of a child, three counts of sexual indecency with a child, and one count of incest.
Following the guilty verdicts, the jury sentenced Totty to two life sentences with enhancements, resulting in consecutive terms totaling 108 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections. The jury recommended, and the court ordered, that all sentences run consecutively.
The case was prosecuted by Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jessica Thomason and Managing Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Gina Knight-Nelson. Circuit Judge Randy Philhours presided over the case.
Thomason stated, “We are grateful to the jury for their careful consideration of the evidence and their commitment to justice. We also extend our appreciation to the Bay Police Department, the Jonesboro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Division, the Northeast Arkansas Child Advocacy Center, and all investigators and advocates whose dedication helped bring this case to resolution.”
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Knight-Nelson added, “Most importantly, we recognize the extraordinary courage demonstrated by these young girls. They were asked to do something no child should ever have to do—publicly recount some of the most traumatic experiences of their lives. Not once, but twice, they took the witness stand, faced their abuser, and told the truth. Their strength, honesty, and resilience made justice possible in this case.”
On March 19, 2024, the Bay Police Department was contacted regarding allegations of child abuse and sexual assault. During the investigation, the victims’ guardian disclosed that between January 1, 2024, and March 19, 2024, the defendant and the victims’ mother had initiated what they described as a “game” that required the children to be naked and perform sexual acts.
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On March 29, 2024, agents with the Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Division interviewed the victims at the Northeast Arkansas Child Advocacy Center. The children’s disclosures were later substantiated through investigation. A subsequent search warrant resulted in the recovery of evidence consistent with the victims’ accounts.
This conviction follows the earlier prosecution of the victims’ mother, who was sentenced by Circuit Judge Randy Philhours to life imprisonment for her participation in the rape and sexual abuse of these same children.
Prosecuting Attorney Sonia F. Hagood emphasized that while the verdict and sentence hold the offender accountable, the true story of the case is the courage of the victims.
“No sentence can erase what these children endured,” Hagood said. “The true story of this case is the remarkable courage shown by these young girls. Despite unimaginable circumstances, they found the strength to come forward, testify, and seek justice. They did so knowing they would have to relive painful memories and face difficult questions. Their bravery is nothing short of extraordinary.”
Hagood continued, “These girls testified not once, but twice. They faced the individuals who abused them and told the truth, even when doing so required tremendous courage. Because of their willingness to speak out, both adults responsible for these horrific crimes have now been held accountable.”
“Children should be protected by the adults in their lives, not victimized by them. These girls were failed by the very people who were supposed to love, protect, and care for them. Yet they refused to let that define them. We hope today’s verdict sends a message that when children find the courage to come forward, law enforcement will investigate, prosecutors will pursue justice, and this community will stand beside them.”
Hagood also expressed appreciation to the jurors and all law enforcement officers, victim advocates, and professionals who assisted throughout the investigation and prosecution. “This outcome was the result of countless hours of work by dedicated professionals, but above all, it was made possible by the extraordinary bravery of two young girls who refused to let their voices be silenced.”
Justin Totty’s was initially arrested with his wife, Jacqueline Michelle Holland-Totty. In December, Holland was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of rape, according to NEA Report. In his conviction, Totty received the maximum sentence possible.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated to include information about the original arrest.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic/sexual violence, call 800-656-HOPE (4673) to reach the National Sexual Assault Hotline.
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