On Monday, June 16, 2025, 40-year-old Derek Horney pled guilty to rape of a minor in Van Buren County Circuit Court and was sentenced to 50 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections by Judge H.G. Foster.
The conviction stems from a joint investigation between the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office (VBCSO) and the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division. The investigation began in 2024 when the VBCSO received a report of sexual assault and requested assistance from state investigators.
Authorities say the victim was sexually abused over a four-year period between the ages of 10 and 14. The abuse occurred in both Arkansas and Oklahoma.
Horney was arrested on June 12, 2024, following the investigation. His guilty plea and lengthy sentence mark the conclusion of a case that deeply impacted the local community.
Law enforcement officials commended the victim for their courage in coming forward and praised the collaborative efforts that led to justice being served.
