Man convicted of raping a minor was sentenced to 35 years in prison

PARAGOULD, Ark. (KAIT/Edited News Release) – Second Judicial District Attorney Sonia F. Hagood announced on Tuesday, November 19, that John Paul Barron, 72, pleaded guilty to four counts of rape and was sentenced to 35 years in prison. Arkansas Department of Corrections on all matters.

Circuit Judge Barbara Halsey agreed, following the terms of the negotiated guilty plea, and imposed a 35-year sentence. Acting Greene County Prosecuting Attorneys Adam Butler, Wesley Watts and Bradley McBride prosecuted the case.

The plea came after the Greene County jury was empaneled but before Barron’s trial began.

“This decision should once again send a message that we will never stop fighting to protect rape victims in Greene County and the entire Second Judicial District,” Butler said. “The plea effectively results in a life sentence given the Defendant’s age.”

This case, stemming from Barron’s arrest by the Greene County Sheriff’s Office on March 4, exemplifies the importance of meticulous investigations.

“The courage shown by the victims in disclosing the abuse they suffered speaks volumes, and this verdict is a direct result of their courage,” said Deputy Prosecutor Adam Butler.

On January 12, Greene County Sheriff’s Office detectives received a rape report from a minor victim. The victim said John Barron sexually assaulted her multiple times over the course of six years, starting when she was 11 years old.

Following Barron’s arrest, another victim came forward and detailed similar actions Barron had committed against them under similar circumstances.

“I want to thank our law enforcement partners, especially Sgt. “We thank Ashten Jackson and the Greene County Sheriff’s Department for their investigation and support during this hearing,” Butler said. “Their commitment to seeking justice for victims of sexual abuse is commendable.”

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