57 year-old Frank Elvin Wheeler, of Harrison, has been convicted of rape and second degree sexual assault. Wheeler's victim was a minor female.
The assaults occurred between August and September 2019. The crime was reported to Crimes Against Children Division (CACD), Arkansas State Police on approximately September 27, 2019.
The conviction was decided by a jury trial held in Boone County in late May, 2024. Wheeler has been sentenced to 600 months for the offense of rape and 360 months for the offense of second degree sexual assault, for a total of 960 months (80 years) — both sentences to be served in the Arkansas Department of Corrections. Wheeler will receive 1,365 days of credit for time already spent in jail. He was charged and sentenced as a habitual offender — having been previously convicted of multiple felony offenses.
Judge John Putman presided over the trial which was prosecuted by 14th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney David Ethredge and Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Wes Bradford.
“This type of case is difficult for everyone involved,” said Bradford. “I commend the victim for having the strength and courage to testify, the investigators and other witnesses for their dedication to justice, and the jurors for being a voice of our community and saying this reprehensible behavior will not be tolerated.”
Frank Wheeler is also being charged with sexual assault and rape in another case that is scheduled to go to trial on July 22, in Boone County court.