ASH FLAT, Ark. – A Sharp County jury has sentenced 64-year-old Terry Woodstock Long of Ash Flat to 560 years in prison after finding him guilty on 14 counts of rape. The conviction and sentencing, reported by the Spring River Chronicle, reflect the community’s determination to hold individuals accountable for child sex crimes.
Long, convicted of multiple counts of rape—a Class Y felony in Arkansas carrying a minimum sentence of 25 years per count—received a 40-year sentence for each charge, with each term to be served consecutively. The jury required just one hour to deliberate on Long’s guilt and an additional 20 minutes to issue the maximum sentence for each count.
Third Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Devon Holder advocated for the maximum penalty, arguing it demonstrated the community’s commitment to prosecuting child sex offenders. Judge Rob Ratton upheld the jury’s decision, ordering the sentences to run consecutively, resulting in a 560-year prison term for Long.
