Man Found Guilty of Rape, Sexual Assault, Sexual Indecency
with a Child, and Incest receives Two Life Sentences
Plus an additional 108 Years
Jonesboro, Arkansas. Second Judicial District
Prosecuting Attorney Sonia F. Hagood announced
that a Craighead County jury found Justin Totty
guilty of two counts of rape with enhancement in
the presence of a child, two counts of sexual assault
with enhancement in the presence of a child, three
counts of sexual indecency with a child, and one
count of incest.
Following the guilty verdicts, the jury sentenced
Totty to two life sentences with additional enhancements and consecutive terms
totaling an additional 108 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections. The jury
recommended, and the Court ordered, that all sentences run consecutively.
The case was prosecuted by Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jessica Thomason
and Managing Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Gina Knight-Nelson. Circuit Judge
Randy Philhours presided over the case.
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
Clay · Craighead · Crittenden· Greene· Mississippi· Poinsett 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.
On March 29, 2024, agents with the Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children
Division interviewed the victims at the Northeast Arkansas Child Advocacy Center.
The disclosures made by the children were later substantiated through investigation.
A subsequent search warrant resulted in the recovery of evidence consistent with the
victims’ accounts.
This conviction follows the earlier prosecution of the victims’ mother, who was
sentenced by Circuit Judge Randy Philhours to life imprisonment for her
participation in the rape and sexual abuse of these same children.
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.”