BENTONVILLE -- An 82-year-old Gentry man was sentenced to 12 years in prison after he admitted he sexually abused a girl.
Robert William Eaton previously pleaded guilty to sexual assault in the second degree, a Class B felony punishable with a prison sentence ranging from five to 20 years. His plea was to the court, so Eaton's punishment was up to Circuit Judge Brad Karren.
Karren sentenced Eaton on Wednesday morning. Eaton was arrested April 5, 2013. An investigation began with a hotline report to the Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Division. The report concerned a 5-year-old girl being touched inappropriately. The girl was interviewed at the Children's Advocacy Center of Benton County where she gave details of abuse by Eaton, according to court documents.
Mike Lira, a Benton County Sheriff's Office detective, interviewed Eaton, who said he had sexual contact with the girl. Eaton admitted to "playing doctor" with the girl.
Eaton also said he talked about "the birds and bees" with the girl.
Eaton was sentenced to 12 years in the Arkansas Department of Correction. He must abide by a suspended-sentence agreement for eight years after his release from prison.
He will be required to register as a sex offender, must not have any contact with the girl and must pay $1,670 in court costs.
General News on 09/17/2014