Arkansas judge sentences ‘pedophile’ to 6 life sentences

CRAWFORD COUNTY, Ark. ( KNWA/KFTA ) — A jury convicted a Van Buren man of six counts of rape of a child.

Milton Beltran, 49, has been sentenced to six consecutive life sentences in the Arkansas Department of Corrections, according to a news release from Crawford County prosecuting attorney.

“We are proud to bring justice for our victim who testified with courage and strength to put this pedophile where he belongs,” Prosecuting Attorney Kevin Holmes said.

Holmes originally asked for 25 counts of rape charges and two counts of witness bribery against Beltran. Court papers say that he had first sexually assaulted the victim when they were 10 and began raping them from age 13 until they turned 17.

On August 22, Holmes re-filed for five counts of rape under the age of 14 and one count of rape of a minor.

It took three days of “intense testimony” from the victim, the release states. They stood and told their story with two victim witness coordinators who assisted them.

The Crawford County judicial system has sentenced three rape or sexual assault convictions in the past 21 days, dubbing it “ Pedophile Conviction Month. “

Beltran still faces bribery charges. The trial date has not been updated.

Court documents state he paid a witness $200-$300 in cash, as well as some clothes, along with some brand-new school supplies. Court documents state someone involved with the witness bribery was paid $200.

Chief Deputy Will Cosner and Deputy Prosecutor Lena Pinkerton presented the case against Beltran for the state. Judge Marc McCune sentenced him.

Holmes praised the work of the Van Buren Police Department, Officer Chase Decroo, the Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Division, the Hamilton Child Safety Center, and Bikers Against Child Abuse. Holmes said that the effort of all these departments and people helped play a role in securing the conviction.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.