Kenneth Poore Sentenced to Three Consecutive Life Terms in Greene County Child Rape Case

PARAGOULD, Ark. — A child rapist was sentenced to three life sentences in prison today in Paragould after being found guilty on multiple counts.

Kenneth Poore, 43, has been sentenced to three consecutive life terms after being found guilty of raping a child on three separate occasions, according to the Second Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Circuit Judge Randy Philhours imposed the sentences following a Greene County jury’s recommendation.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Prosecuting Attorney Sonia F. Hagood said the case began in November 2023 when a minor female disclosed during a forensic interview with CACD Investigator Lesley Faulkner that Poore, a close family member, had raped her. Hagood said investigators later conducted a one-party consent call during which Poore admitted to the abuse, acknowledged that he would “go away for a long time” if anyone found out, and pleaded with the victim not to tell.

“This case represents one of the most disturbing and heartbreaking instances of abuse we see in our community,” Hagood said. “We are deeply grateful to the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, specifically Captain Rhonda Thomas, for her tireless investigation and dedication to uncovering the truth. Without these brave victims coming forward and testifying in front of a group of strangers about the worst trauma in their lives, we cannot achieve these results. This verdict is a testament to their courage. They chose to speak the truth, not just for themselves, but to protect other children from suffering the same harm.”

During the trial, two of Poore’s prior victims also testified. One survivor traveled seven hours on her birthday to appear in court, prosecutors said.

Deputy Prosecutor Adam Butler, who tried the case alongside Deputy Prosecutor Bradley McBride, said, “This verdict reflects the community’s demand for justice. The Greene County Sheriff’s Office worked tirelessly to uncover the truth, and the bravery of every survivor who testified helped us achieve this result. The jury’s careful attention to the evidence ensured that the defendant can never harm another child. This verdict sends a clear message — our office will prosecute these depraved predators to the fullest extent of the law.”

McBride added, “This was an incredibly difficult case for everyone involved, especially the victims. Their strength and determination to come forward — even after years of carrying this trauma — made this outcome possible. We are grateful to the survivors, the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, and the jury for delivering justice.”

Poore has a prior conviction for first-degree sexual assault from 2011. He was paroled in 2020 and committed the recent offenses less than three years later.

“Our office remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community,” Hagood said. “This verdict ensures that Kenneth Poore will never harm another child again.”