Second Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Sonia F. Hagood announced Michael Dewayne Key, 52, of Leachville, was found guilty of sexual assault in the second degree on Friday, Dec. 20. Following the recommendation of a Mississippi County jury, Circuit Judge Skip Mooney sentenced Key to 20 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections and imposed a $15,000 fine.
The case was prosecuted by Hagood and Mississippi County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Dustin Jones.
The case originated in June 2022 when the Arkansas State Police received a report of sexual abuse involving a 12-year-old girl, who accused Key of assaulting her.
At trial, Key’s four step-daughters testified he had also subjected them to sexual abuse. Key plead guilty to sexually assaulting his ex-wife’s daughters in April of 2003.
Deputy Prosecutor Jones praised the bravery of the young survivors, stating: “The step-daughters displayed extraordinary courage by coming forward and testifying. This verdict is a direct result of their remarkable strength.”
Jones added that the jury’s decision sends a strong message: “Mississippi County juries will protect their children and deliver justice for victims of sexual violence. We will never stop fighting to safeguard the vulnerable in our community.”
Prosecuting Attorney Hagood expressed gratitude for the jury’s commitment to justice: “I want to thank our jurors for their service and dedication to this important case. Jurors take time out of their lives to keep the wheels of justice turning. Their sacrifice does not go unnoticed.”
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