Man Guilty of Sex Crimes in Crittenden County Gets 30 Years

MARION, Ark. – A man has pled guilty to multiple sex crimes and will serve 30-years behind bars for his actions. Below is the full release:

On Tuesday May 7, Anthony Darnell Thompson pled guilty to two counts of Sexual Assault Second-Degree in Crittenden County Circuit Court and will serve 30 years total in the Arkansas Department of Corrections. 10 of those years are day-for-day on the enhancement of committing a felony in the presence of a child.  

During jury selection, Mr. Thompson asked to waive his right to a trial and plead guilty. Managing Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Michael Snell represented the People of Arkansas in the case. 

“To provide surety and spare the child victims from testifying, the State agreed to the plea, which includes a significant sentence.” said Snell. 

Thompson was charged in November 2021. His case was set to go to trial in January 2023, when he fled the jurisdiction. He was arrested in March 2024, and within 6-weeks, the State was ready for trial. 

Thompson was sentenced as a dangerous sexual offender, and once released he will be required to register as a sex offender. In addition to standard sex offender registration conditions, Thompson will be prohibited from residing with any children, including any biological children. 

“This plea comes after several successful trials by the 2nd Judicial District’s Crittenden County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The word is out, the 2nd Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office will not tolerate violence in Crittenden County, particularly the abuse of children.” said 2nd Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney, Sonia F. Hagood. “When criminals ask to plea to decades of time, it signals the strength of our local law enforcement and prosecutors. I am proud to work with them every day.” 

“We would like to thank the West Memphis Police Department for the work they did to assist with this conviction,” Snell said. “Particularly, Det. Mallory Manning and Sergeant Blake Forthman. Their commitment to justice for victims is commendable.”  

press release