BENTONVILLE -- A Hiwasse man was sentenced to 40 years in prison for sexually assaulting a 7-year-old girl.
Nathan Alan Wiese, 31, pleaded guilty June 17 to two counts of sexual assault in the first degree, a Class A felony punishable from six to 30 years in prison. The plea agreement was reached by attorney Rachel McKay with Carly Marshall, deputy prosecutor. Wiese was arrested Jan. 8.
Bentonville police began an investigation after the girl talked to her mother about Wiese.
The girl was interviewed at the Children's Advocacy Center of Benton County where she spoke about being abused by Wiese. The girl said the abuse began when she was 5 or 6 years old, according to court documents.
Wiese denied the allegations when questioned by police, but he later admitted to sexually abusing the girl.
Circuit Judge Brad Karren read a short statement from the girl that said Wiese had hurt her, her mother and stepfather. Wiese declined an opportunity to address the court when Karren gave him the chance.
Wiese was sentenced to 40 years in the Arkansas Department of Correction. He will have to serve at least 10 years before he's eligible for parole.
He received 161 days of jail credit for the time he spent in the Benton County Jail awaiting trial. Wiese will be required to register as a sex offender.
General News on 06/25/2014