Sevier County Jury Convicts Former DeQueen Man of Multiple Sex Offenses;Sentenced to 150 Years

DEQUEEN, AR – On June 25, 2025, a Sevier County jury found Thomas Eugene Whitt, 66, formerly of DeQueen, guilty of three counts of Rape, one count of Incest, and one count of Sexual Assault in the Second Degree following a multi-day trial held in Sevier County Circuit Court. The jury, composed of five women and seven men, returned a unanimous verdict on all counts.

Following the guilty verdict, the jury reconvened to determine punishment. They returned a sentence of:
• 40 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections on each of the three Rape convictions,
• 20 years and a $15,000 fine for Sexual Assault in the Second Degree, and
• 10 years and a $10,000 fine for Incest.

Sevier County Circuit Judge Tom Cooper pronounced sentence and ordered each term to run consecutively, resulting in a total sentence of 150 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections and $25,000 in fines.

The case was prosecuted by Prosecuting Attorney Jana Bradford and Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Aaron Brasel.

“This verdict and sentence send a clear message that the people of Sevier County will not tolerate the sexual abuse of vulnerable victims,” said Prosecuting Attorney Bradford. “We are grateful for the jury’s careful attention and for the victims’ strength and resolve in coming forward.”

Whitt was immediately remanded to the custody of the Sevier County Sheriff’s Department.