JONESBORO, Ark. — A suspect accused of sexually assaulting a resident in an assisted living facility was found guilty and sentenced to 20 years in prison today.
Mark M. Laureano, 49, was convicted of second-degree sexual assault, a Class B felony, by a jury on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison, the maximum for a B felony, according to the prosecutor’s office.
The victim, who is 86 years old, requires basic needs assistance throughout the day and suffers from dementia. A facility director told K8 News that Laureano was hired directly by a resident and was not employed by Liberty Park Senior Living..
On May 15, 2024, JPD was dispatched to Liberty Park Senior Living, an assisted living facility where the victim resides, according to the probable cause affidavit. The director of the facility and the victim’s daughter met with police. Officers were shown security footage taken from the victim’s room.
In this video, Laureano, the victim’s health aid, is seen asking inappropriate sexual questions to the elderly victim. He then sexually assaulted her.
Judge David Boling signed an arrest warrant, leading to Laureano’s arrest on May 16.
During an interview with Laureano, police say he confirmed that he was working at the facility at the time of this incident. But when officers told him what they observed on camera, the affidavit says he started hyperventilating and requested his lawyer.
He appeared before Judge Fowler on Friday, May 17, 2024, where bail was set at $100,000 cash or surety, and a no-contact order was issued for the facility.
The State of Arkansas was represented by Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys, Gina Nelson and Bryce Cook.
“This verdict serves as a powerful reminder that our community will not tolerate sexual violence, especially against the most vulnerable among us,” said Nelson. “The jury’s decision reflects a commitment to justice, including those who may not be able to advocate for themselves, such as individuals living with Alzheimer’s. We will continue to stand firm in our pursuit of accountability for those who harm others.”
Deputy Prosecutor Cook praised his co-counsel, Nelson, as dedicated and said it was a great honor to present the case with her.
“Only through the tireless efforts of those who worked behind the scenes to prepare this case, and the bravery of our victim’s family, were we able to give this jury the tools necessary to send the message that this community will not tolerate the abuse of our most vulnerable,” Cook said.
“I am very grateful for the hard work of our prosecutors and the time and attention of this jury. It is never easy to hear evidence of abuse, and it is more difficult when the victim is one of our most vulnerable citizens who cannot defend herself. I have also been in communication with our federal partners regarding this defendant’s immigration status. We hope that, once he serves his sentence, deportation proceedings will ensure he is never able to victimize anyone in our community again.
– Prosecuting Attorney Sonia F. Hagood
Graphic details have been omitted from this story to protect the victim and their family
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