Greene County Man Convicted of Rape, Again, Sentenced to 80 Years

PARAGOULD, Ark. – A man has been convicted of five counts of rape in Greene County after his previous conviction was overturned on appeal.

Santiago Vasquez, Jr. was sentenced to 40 years in prison on each of the five rape counts he was convicted on, Prosecutor Sonia F. Hagood announced in a press release. The sentence was handed down by Circuit Judge Randy Philhours, following the recommendation of the jury. Two of the counts were sentenced to run consecutively, meaning he will now serve 80 years in prison.

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“This verdict should send a message, once again, that we will never stop fighting to protect the children of Greene County and the entire Second Judicial District,” said Hagood.

The case stems from the 2019 arrest of Vasquez by the Paragould Police Department. At the time, Vasquez was 39 years of age. The investigation began when a report was made to the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline that he had inappropriately touched a child under the age of 11.

At least five different incidents were detailed by the victim to investigators.

“The bravery displayed by the victim in disclosing the abuse she endured speaks volumes, and this verdict is a direct result of her courage,” said Deputy Prosecutor Adam Butler.

In June, 2021, Vasquez was convicted on five counts of rape and sentenced to 25 years in prison. However, the conviction was reversed by the Arkansas Court of Appeals in 2022, and a new trial was ordered.

“While the duration of five years to bring this case to a close is regrettable, its resolution stands as a testament to unwavering perseverance and dedication to seeking justice for victims of child sexual abuse,” Hagood said.

Hagood thanked the work from law enforcement partners including Captain Rhonda Thomas and the Paragould Police Department.

“Lastly, I want to thank the jurors who sat through heartbreaking testimony and evidence. Cases like this are extremely emotional, and I want them to know how much we appreciate their service.”

– Sonia F. Hagood