Tenth District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office Victim Assistance Unit

06/10/2026

Murderer Sentenced to 60 Years in Deadly McGehee Shooting
McGehee, Arkansas — June 9, 2026 — Prosecuting Attorney Frank Spain announced today that Johntavious Owens has been sentenced to a total of 720 months (60 years) in the Arkansas Department of Corrections following his conviction for the fatal shooting of Kevin Morgan in McGehee.
The case stems from an incident that occurred on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at approximately 12:53 a.m., when McGehee Police Department officers were dispatched to 806 North 3rd Street in response to reports of gunfire. While en route, officers were advised that an individual had been shot.
Upon arrival, officers observed multiple individuals gathered around a white Chevrolet Avalanche parked in the driveway. Inside the vehicle, officers found the victim, later identified as Kevin Morgan, suffering from a gunshot wound to the back of his head. The vehicle displayed multiple bullet holes consistent with gunfire directed into the rear of the vehicle. Morgan was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency medical personnel.
Investigators recovered 20 spent shell casings from the scene. A report from the Arkansas State Crime Lab indicated that all shell casings were fired from the same gun and the Medical Examiner's report indicated that Kevin Morgan was killed by a single gunshot wound to the back of his head.
Video surveillance obtained from a nearby showed Owens and a witness walking towards the residence. The surveillance video also recorded the sounds of shots being fired and screams, and then showed the Defendant running from the scene.

An arrest warrant for Owens was issued on December 14, 2024, Owens was subsequently apprehended on February 19, 2025, in Oklahoma City by the United States Marshals Service following a brief foot pursuit. He waived extradition and was returned to McGehee on March 7, 2025.
Owens made his first court appearance on March 10, 2025, where Judge Crew Puryear set a $750,000 secured bond.
On May 26, 2026, Owens entered a guilty plea to Second Degree Murder and Terroristic Act and requested that a jury determine his sentence.
On June 9, 2026, a sentencing hearing was held before Circuit Judge Robert Gibson. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kelley Fortenberry questioned the witnesses who were present in the vehicle at the time of Mr. Morgan’s murder, as well as members of Kevin Morgan’s family, regarding the impact of his death.
Owens took the stand and testified during the sentencing hearing. After being questioned by Prosecuting Attorney Spain, he admitted that although not trying to kill Kevin Morgan, he was trying to kill another individual in the vehicle. At the conclusion of the presentation of evidence, the defendant's attorney, Eugene Clifford, requested that the jury sentence Owens to 15 years on the murder charge and a minimum sentence on the firearm enhancements.
After deliberation, the jury returned a sentence of 30 years in Arkansas Department of Correction and a $15,000 fine on the count of Murder in the Second Degree, and a consecutive 15-year enhancement for use of a firearm in the commission of the offense, and 20 years in prison and a $15,000 for the count of Terroristic Act, with an additional 15-year enhancement for use of a firearm in the commission of the offense.
Judge Gibson entered a Sentencing Order, a total sentence of 720 months (60 years) in the Arkansas Department of Corrections.
“This sentence holds the defendant accountable for a senseless and violent act that took the life of Kevin Morgan and forever impacted his family and community, The jury's verdict sends a clear message that gun violence will not be tolerated in Desha County.” said Prosecuting Attorney Spain. “We remain committed to seeking justice for victims and ensuring those responsible for violent crimes are held accountable.”
The Tenth Judicial District Prosecutor's Office thanks the jury for their efforts and acknowledges the work of the McGehee Police Department and the Arkansas State Police in bringing this defendant to justice.

05/08/2026

Please join us in welcoming Sara Sexton and Tracie Doshier to the Tenth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office as our new Victim Witness Coordinators.

Sara and Tracie will play an important role in supporting victims throughout the criminal justice process by providing guidance, resources, and communication every step of the way. Their compassion, professionalism, and dedication to serving our communities will be a tremendous asset to our office and the citizens of the Tenth Judicial District.

We are excited to have them on our team and look forward to the positive impact they will make. Welcome, Sara and Tracie!

02/24/2026

JOINT PRESS RELEASE
Monticello Police Department and Tenth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monticello, Arkansas — On August 14, 2025, investigators with the Monticello Police Department arrested Clinton Savage, 41, on charges of r**e of a child; distributing, possessing, or viewing s*xually explicit material involving a child; and possession of a firearm by certain persons. Savage was taken into custody as he was attempting to flee the jurisdiction. During the investigation, officers collected physical evidence, and Savage provided a statement admitting to aspects of his conduct.

Tenth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Frank Spain filed criminal charges against Savage on August 25, 2025, alleging that Savage was subject to enhanced penalties as a habitual offender.

On February 23, 2026, Savage appeared in Drew County Circuit Court before Judge Robert Gibson and entered guilty pleas to two counts of second-degree s*xual assault and one count of possession of a firearm by certain persons. He was sentenced to 35 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections.

This case was investigated with support from child victim advocacy professionals. Child Advocacy Centers provide a safe, child focused setting for forensic interviews, medical referrals, and trauma informed services, helping reduce additional trauma while coordinating the multidisciplinary response.

Prosecuting Attorney Frank Spain stated, “This sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant’s conduct and our office’s commitment to protecting children. I am grateful to the Monticello Police Department, the Arkansas State Police, the Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Division, our child advocacy partners, and Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kelley Fortenberry for their diligent work. Most importantly, we commend the courage of the victim and family. Our office will continue to pursue justice while ensuring support and services they need.”

If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, reports can be made 24 hours a day to the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline at 1‑800‑482‑5964. These hotlines are operated by trained personnel with the Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Division. Community members may also contact local law enforcement; the Monticello Police Department can be reached at (870) 367‑3411. For victims and families needing prosecutorial support, the Tenth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office Victim Assistance Unit is available at (870) 367 9896. These resources are available to assist survivors, ensure safety, and connect families with vital advocacy and support services.

01/25/2026

The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney for the 10th Judicial District will be CLOSED Monday, January 26, 2026, due to inclement weather and hazardous road conditions.

01/10/2026

Jury sentences man to 15 years for s*xual assault conviction

On January 6th, 2026, A Drew County jury found Monticello resident, Derrick Jackson, guilty of Sexual Assault in the Second Degree. In 2025, the Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Hotline received a report that led to an investigation by the Arkansas State Police and the Monticello Police Department, with assistance from the Child Advocacy Center. The investigation revealed that the 10-year-old victim was forced to engage in s*xual contact with Derrick Jackson.

A Drew County jury found Mr. Jackson guilty after hearing the testimony of the victim and other witnesses. After finding Jackson guilty, the jury heard additional evidence regarding sentencing. Specifically, the jury learned that Jackson had previously pled guilty to a misdemeanor s*x offense involving another minor.

After hearing the additional testimony, the jurors deliberated on the sentence and recommended a term of 15 years in the Arkansas Department of Correction. Circuit Judge Crews Puryear followed the jury's recommendation. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Daniel Wigley thanked the jury for their time and efforts on the case.

10th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Frank Spain expressed his admiration for the courage of child victims of s*xual assault to come forward and testify about the deeply personal events that happened to them and extended his gratitude to the law enforcement officers and civil investigators whose duty it is to investigate these criminal acts. “This jury’s sentence delivers a clear and powerful message: those who harm children will be held fully accountable and face serious consequences.”

Spain urges victims of these types of offenses to come forward. The Arkansas Crimes Against Children Hotline is a vital resource for reporting suspected child abuse, neglect, or s*xual assaults. If you believe a child is being harmed, call 1-800-482-5964 or (844) SAVEACHILD. Your call could save a life. Reports can be made 24/7. Protecting children is everyone’s responsibility—don’t hesitate to speak up. If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 911.

01/10/2026

Scammer gets 10-year sentence and $10,000 fine

On January 8, 2026, following a jury trial, Portier Guytan was found guilty of charges related to a financial scam that targeted an elderly victim in Crossett, Arkansas.

Guytan’s case began on May 15, 2025, when Ashley County Sheriff Tommy Sturgeon learned that the 76-year-old victim had been defrauded by individuals claiming the victim had won a Jamaican lottery worth $11 million. The caller instructed the victim to send $50,000 to claim his winnings. Before authorities intervened, the victim had already sent approximately $30,000, and was preparing to deliver the remaining funds to Guytan during an arranged exchange at Brookshire’s in Crossett.

On May 16, 2025, deputies set up to surveil the exchange. After Guytan accepted a bag containing $27,000 in cash from the victim in exchange for a briefcase purportedly holding the prize money, deputies intercepted Guytan. The briefcase was later found to contain only printer paper. Guytan stated he was originally from Trinidad, but was residing in Massachusetts, when he was paid $3,000 to transport the funds and deliver them to Jamaica, that he placed the copy paper into the briefcase, and that he had been involved in a prior exchange before. Guytan testified he could not name the person whom he was allegedly working for.

The jury recommended Guytan serve 10 years in the Arkansas Department of Correction and ordered him to pay a $10,000 fine. Circuit Judge Robert Gibson III followed the jury’s recommendation. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Sandra Bradshaw expressed gratitude to the jury for sending a strong and unmistakable message: criminals in Ashley County will be held accountable for their actions.

This case underscores the commitment of the 10th District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the Ashley County Sheriff's Office to protect vulnerable citizens from financial exploitation. Sheriff Sturgeon reports that these cases are common and difficult to investigate due to the international nature of the scams. Furthermore, individuals who discover that they have been defrauded often do not report these crimes because of embarrassment.

Prosecuting Attorney Frank Spain emphasized, “The Jamaican Lottery or Sweepstakes Scam has plagued the United States for more than 15 years. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission issued a consumer alert about this very type of scam as far back as May 2009. These schemes continue to target vulnerable individuals, and this conviction sends a strong message that such exploitation will not be tolerated.”

Prosecuting Attorney Spain reminds citizens to be vigilant when approached with an offer that sounds too good to be true, as such scams promise victims they will receive a large payment once they have paid the associated taxes or fees to complete the transaction. These fees or taxes will continue until the victim is out of money.

The FBI’s Common Elder Fraud Schemes (https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams/elder-fraud)
Romance scam: Criminals pose as interested romantic partners on social media or dating websites to capitalize on their elderly victims’ desire to find companions.

Tech support scam: Criminals pose as technology support representatives and offer to fix non-existent computer issues. The scammers gain remote access to victims’ devices and sensitive information.

Grandparent scam: A type of confidence scam where criminals pose as a relative—usually a child or grandchild—claiming to be in immediate financial need.

Government impersonation scam: Criminals pose as government employees and threaten to arrest or prosecute victims unless they agree to provide funds or other payments.

Sweepstakes/charity/lottery scam: Criminals claim to work for legitimate charitable organizations to gain victims’ trust. Or they claim their targets have won a foreign lottery or sweepstake, which they can collect for a “fee.”

Home repair scam: Criminals appear in person and charge homeowners in advance for home improvement services that they never provide.

TV/radio scam: Criminals target potential victims using illegitimate advertisements about legitimate services, such as reverse mortgages or credit repair.

Family/caregiver scam: Relatives or acquaintances of the elderly victims take advantage of them or otherwise get their money.

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