LIFE IN PRISON: Jury Convicts Man on All Counts in Bay Child Rape, Incest Case

BAY, Ark. — A Craighead County jury found Justin Lynn Totty guilty Wednesday on all counts in a child sexual abuse case involving three children.

Totty, 37 at the time of his arrest, was convicted of two counts of rape, two counts of second-degree sexual assault, one count of incest, and three counts of sexual indecency with a child.

The jury began deliberating Totty’s sentence after returning the guilty verdicts.

Totty received the maximum sentence possible on every count, according to the prosecutor’s office. He was sentenced to two consecutive life terms for the rape convictions, with an additional 10-year enhancement attached to each. He received 20 years on each second-degree sexual assault conviction, also with an additional 10-year enhancement on each count, 10 years for incest, and six years on each of the three sexual indecency with a child convictions. All sentences must be served consecutively.

The state was represented by DPAs Jessica Thomason and Gina Knight-Nelson. Judge Randy Philhours presided.

Thomason stated, “We are grateful to the jury for their careful consideration of the evidence and their commitment to justice. We also extend our appreciation to the Bay Police Department, the Jonesboro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Division, the Northeast Arkansas Child Advocacy Center, and all investigators and advocates whose dedication helped bring this case to resolution.”

Knight-Nelson added, “Most importantly, we recognize the extraordinary courage demonstrated by these young girls. They were asked to do something no child should ever have to do—publicly recount some of the most traumatic experiences of their lives. Not once, but twice, they took the witness stand, faced their abuser, and told the truth. Their strength, honesty, and resilience made justice possible in this case.”

---

On March 19, 2024, the Bay Police Department was contacted regarding allegations of child abuse and sexual assault. During the investigation, the victims’ guardian disclosed that between January 1, 2024, and March 19, 2024, the defendant and the victims’ mother had initiated what they described as a “game” that required the children to be naked and perform sexual acts.

According to the probable cause affidavit, a guardian reported that three children had disclosed allegations involving Totty and their mother, Jacqueline Michelle Holland.

Agents with the Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Division interviewed the three children at the Northeast Arkansas Child Advocacy Center. Authorities said the allegations were substantiated following the interviews.

Investigators later executed a search warrant at the residence and reported finding several items the children had described during their interviews. Totty was arrested and taken to the Craighead County Detention Center.

Holland, 32, previously pleaded guilty to two counts of rape and numerous other felony charges stemming from the same investigation. She was sentenced to life in the Arkansas Department of Corrections.

---

Prosecuting Attorney Sonia F. Hagood emphasized that while the verdict and sentence hold the offender accountable, the true story of the case is the courage of the victims.

“No sentence can erase what these children endured,” Hagood said. “The true story of this case is the remarkable courage shown by these young girls. Despite unimaginable circumstances, they found the strength to come forward, testify, and seek justice. They did so knowing they would have to relive painful memories and face difficult questions. Their bravery is nothing short of extraordinary.”

Hagood continued, “These girls testified not once, but twice. They faced the individuals who abused them and told the truth, even when doing so required tremendous courage. Because of their willingness to speak out, both adults responsible for these horrific crimes have now been held accountable.”

“Children should be protected by the adults in their lives, not victimized by them. These girls were failed by the very people who were supposed to love, protect, and care for them. Yet they refused to let that define them. We hope today’s verdict sends a message that when children find the courage to come forward, law enforcement will investigate, prosecutors will pursue justice, and this community will stand beside them.”

Hagood also expressed appreciation to the jurors and all law enforcement officers, victim advocates, and professionals who assisted throughout the investigation and prosecution. “This outcome was the result of countless hours of work by dedicated professionals, but above all, it was made possible by the extraordinary bravery of two young girls who refused to let their voices be silenced.”

**Editor’s note:** Graphic details contained in the public records have been withheld because of the sensitive nature of the case and the ages of the victims.