Sentencing in Arkansas Child Abuse Case
A man in Arkansas has avoided prison time after a plea agreement related to the abuse of a 15-year-old. Mason Lee Gipson, 23, received a year’s probation for child risk on July 17 in Craighead County. He was also ordered to pay the victim $690 in restitution. Initially, Gipson faced charges of fourth-degree sexual assault.
It seems Gipson has a troubling history, with prior child support cases filed against him by two different women before this incident. In a police affidavit, it’s reported that Gipson acknowledged having sexual relations with a minor while under the influence after a gathering at his parents’ house. He expressed awareness of the wrongdoing and admitted he wasn’t in a sound state of mind during the encounter.
Prosecutor Charlene Henry reduced the charges from sexual assault to a misdemeanor related to child endangerment, mentioning discussions with the victim’s parents influenced this decision. Following his guilty plea, Gipson is required to attend parenting classes and undergo a mental health evaluation, in addition to the financial compensation.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders of Arkansas had previously campaigned on a tough-on-crime platform, enacting laws this year that removed parole eligibility for serious offenses like rape and murder. However, the governor’s office, along with Attorney General Tim Griffin’s office, has not commented on this specific case.
