The prosecutor praises the young victim's "courage" in obtaining a rape conviction

The prosecutor praises the young victim’s “courage” in obtaining a rape conviction

LAWRENCE COUNTY, Ark. (KAIT) – Prosecutors said a young girl’s “courage” on the witness stand helped a jury convict a man of rape.

On December 10, after a daylong trial, a Lawrence County jury convicted James Sydney Humes of rape.

The jury recommended that Humes be sentenced to 25 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections.

According to 3rd Judicial District Attorney Devon Holder, Humes must serve 17.5 years before he is eligible for parole.

In 2020, the victim’s mother told Lawrence County sheriff’s investigators that Humes had sexually abused her child, who was less than 14 years old at the time.

After the rape, the affidavit stated that Humes told the victim, “Well, that just happened.”

Investigators said Humes then began sending sexually explicit photos to the child via Snapchat and text messages. He also told her that he wanted to have sex with her again.

In Tuesday’s news release, Holder praised Deputy District Attorney Jay Scurlock, the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office and Chief Deputy Eric Cheatham for their assistance in obtaining a verdict.

He also praised the victim’s attorney, Celea VanKirk.

“VanKirk’s assistance was critical as she built a strong bond with the victim and helped her move forward,” Holder said. “The victim did an outstanding job and showed courage during a brutal cross-examination.”

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