Several individuals pled guilty to felony crimes ranging from physical assault, sexual assault, video voyeurism, and drug offenses in Independence County Circuit Court on Feb. 25, according to a release from the 16th Judicial District.
Michael Shane Midkiff, 31, was sentenced to 40 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections for three felony offenses: rape, theft and aggravated residential burglary. His sentencing was enhanced because of his history as a habitual offender due to previous felony convictions for burglary, theft and breaking and entering. Midkiff will also be required to register as a sex offender.
In November, 2018, deputies with the Independence County Sheriff Department were dispatched to the residence of a woman in Southside. The victim advised deputies that she had been robbed at gunpoint and had been restrained and forced to perform oral sex on the intruder, who she identified as Midkiff, her neighbor. Midkiff also stole items from the victim’s home.
Crimes against minor children earned two offenders time in the ADC in two separate cases.
In one case, Johnathan Rossiter, 21, pled guilty to sexual assault and was sentenced to 20 years in ADC and is required to register as a sex offender. Rossiter was 19 at the time of the offense. He admitted to having a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old victim.
In an unrelated case, Katie Jo Moser, 26, was sentenced to 10 years in ADC after pleading guilty to domestic battery and theft. Charges stemmed from injuries to a 6-year-old-child who had bruising and lacerations. The probable cause affidavit indicated that the injuries were caused by a wooden paddle. Moser’s sentencing was enhanced because of her history as a habitual felon.
Another habitual offender, Christopher Keith Adams, 35, was sentenced to 8 years in ADC followed by 10 years suspended imposition of sentence. Adams pled guilty to possession of methamphetamine and failure to appear. Adams sentencing was enhanced because of his habitual offender status with felony charges dating as far back as 2007. His prior felonies included battery, forgery, theft and illegal possession of a firearm by a felon.
Christopher G. Holder, 42, pled guilty to aggravated assault and was sentenced to 10 years in ADC. His sentence was enhanced because of his history as a habitual offender.
In a video voyeurism charge, Thao Nguyen, 27, pled guilty and received six years probation and is required to register as a sex offender. Nguyen had no prior criminal history.
A total of 23 individuals pled guilty before Circuit Court Judge Tim Weaver. Prosecuting Attorney Eric Hance and Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kellye Barber represented the state.
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