PARAGOULD, Ark. — A 44-year-old man has been sentenced to 60 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to sex trafficking and rape charges involving a 14-year-old victim, prosecutors announced.
Second Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Sonia F. Hagood said Mario Terrell Brown pleaded guilty in multiple state cases and also pleaded guilty to federal drug charges, where he is awaiting sentencing. His federal sentence will run consecutive to his state sentences, creating what prosecutors described as an effective life sentence.
Brown and co-defendant Allen Oliver were accused of sex trafficking and repeatedly raping a 14-year-old victim while also trafficking illegal drugs, according to prosecutors.
The victim disclosed the abuse, came forward, and testified in court. Prosecutors praised her bravery.
On Aug. 20, Circuit Judge Randy Philhours accepted Brown’s plea agreement and imposed a 30-year sentence for sex trafficking and rape. Prosecutors said the case was handled by Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys Adam Butler and Bradley McBride.
Brown also appeared before Circuit Judge Pam Honeycutt on March 6 for a petition to revoke his suspended sentence from a 2021 conviction for felon in possession of a firearm and aggravated assault. Honeycutt revoked the suspended sentence and imposed the maximum 30-year sentence allowed by law.
“Sex trafficking and rape are among the most devastating crimes we see,” Hagood said. “The victim in this case showed extraordinary courage. At only 14 years old, she not only came forward to stop the abuse, but also, later, bravely testified in open court. Her strength directly led to the sentences Mr. Brown received, and we are deeply grateful for her bravery. This plea is the result of the hard work of our law enforcement partners, including Sgt. Bill Brown of the Jonesboro Police Department, and the diligence of our prosecuting attorneys in bringing these cases forward. But again, we cannot do it without the courage of victims coming forward to face their abusers. We are glad that this victim did not have to testify, again, and that she was pleased with the results we were able to achieve with her assistance.”
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Adam Butler said the victim’s testimony earlier this year was critical in holding Brown accountable.
“In March, the child faced her trafficker in court and testified about the horrific abuse she endured,” Butler said. “That testimony, and the fact that she stood ready to face him, again, at trial this week, was critical in holding Mr. Brown accountable. Her courage made this outcome possible, and it sends a powerful message that victims who come forward will be protected.”
The case against Oliver remains pending. Prosecutors said they could not comment further because of the ongoing case.
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