LITTLE ROCK, AR – Zachary Bradley, 33, of Beebe, Arkansas, will spend the next 35 years of his life behind bars after being sentenced Thursday for a horrific spree of abuse and exploitation. Chief United States District Judge Kristine G. Baker handed down the sentence following Bradley’s guilty plea to seven federal counts including production of child pornography, transfer of obscene material to a minor, and attempted sex trafficking of a minor.
The nightmare began unfolding on October 6, 2021, when the stepfather of a minor victim reported a sexual assault to the Beebe Police Department. The investigation quickly revealed a calculated pattern of grooming and abuse. Bradley allegedly provided the victim with both marijuana and alcohol, incapacitating the child before sexually assaulting him. The depravity didn’t stop there – Bradley attempted to buy the victim’s silence and continued exploitation with the promise of a regular “allowance” in exchange for ongoing sexual acts.
A forensic examination of Bradley’s phone unearthed a disturbing trove of evidence. Investigators discovered multiple videos depicting child pornography involving another minor, believed to be around 13 years old. Even more chilling were FaceTime conversations captured on the device, showing Bradley soliciting and receiving sexually explicit images and videos from the victim, and reciprocally exposing himself to the child. The level of premeditation and callous disregard for the victim’s well-being is staggering.
Bradley was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 8, 2021, facing seven counts: production of child pornography (Counts One, Two, Four, Five, and Six), transfer of obscene material to a minor (Count Three), and attempted sex trafficking of a minor (Count Seven). He ultimately pleaded guilty to all charges on July 27, 2023, acknowledging the full extent of his crimes. Each charge carried a significant potential penalty, ranging from 15 to life in prison.
Judge Baker didn’t hesitate to deliver a severe sentence, reflecting the gravity of Bradley’s actions. In addition to the 35-year prison term, Bradley will also be subject to a lifetime of supervised release, and faces a $250,000 fine. It’s crucial to remember there is no parole in the federal system – Bradley will serve the entirety of his sentence. This is a win for the victim, but the scars of this trauma will undoubtedly last a lifetime.
The investigation was a collaborative effort led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with vital assistance from the Beebe Police Department and the Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Division. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Kristin Bryant, who relentlessly pursued justice in this harrowing case. Anyone with information regarding child exploitation is urged to contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children or their local law enforcement agency.
RELATED: Beebe Predator Gets 35 Years for Exploiting a Child
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: Arkansas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes|Human Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News