HARRISBURG, Ark. – Following a two-day jury trial that concluded on June 21, 2023, Christopher McDermott was found guilty by a Poinsett County Jury of two counts of Rape, four counts of Sexual Assault in the Second Degree, and one count of Sexual Indecency with a Child. The verdict was delivered by the jury, and McDermott has been sentenced to forty years for each count of Rape, twenty years for each count of Sexual Assault in the Second Degree, and six years for Sexual Indecency with a Child.
The prosecution, led by Managing Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jimmy Turnbow and Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Adam Holman, presented compelling evidence and testimony that led to the conviction. The jury’s verdict sends a clear message that child abuse will not be tolerated in Poinsett County.
Second Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Sonia F. Hagood expressed her appreciation for the hard work and dedication of Deputy Turnbow and Deputy Holman in seeking justice for the young victim. She also commended the jurors for their commitment to serving on the case. The Second Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office remains resolute in its efforts to combat child abuse and hold child predators accountable, a release emphasized.
The criminal investigation into McDermott’s actions was initiated in January 2021 after a report was made to the Harrisburg Police Department. The victim alleged that McDermott, who was 38 years old at the time, sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions from fifth grade through seventh grade. The Harrisburg Police Department conducted the investigation, which included a forensic interview and a sexual assault exam conducted at the Child Advocacy Center in Jonesboro.
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