A Miller County, Ark., man was sentenced to 25 years in prison Wednesday after pleading guilty to raping a girl to whom he is related.
Mark McCullough, 56, appeared with Texarkana lawyer Derric McFarland for a plea hearing Wednesday morning before Circuit Judge Brent Haltom. McCullough pleaded guilty to rape as part of a plea agreement, which includes a 25-year prison sentence.
Had McCullough taken his case to a jury he faced the possibility of 10 to 40 years or life in prison. Mitchell and Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kristian Robertson were prepared to select a jury and try the case next week.
The victim's mother reported the abuse in October 2015, when the girl was 15.
"The MCSO executed a search warrant on the defendant's phone which revealed text messages between the defendant and the victim which confirmed the history of sexual abuse," Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Connie Mitchell said.
McCullough was taken into custody by Miller County deputies at the close of Wednesday's hearing.
"We are grateful that the defendant took responsibility for his actions, thereby saving this victim the trauma of recounting the sexual abuse she endured at the hands of her (close family member)," Mitchell said. "He will serve at least 70 percent of his 25-year sentence. If and when he makes parole, the victim will be an adult, with a life and family of her own. She can now put this behind her and begin to heal."