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News Release

Benton County Man Convicted Of Multiple Counts Of Sexual Penetration And Abuse Of Child Under 12 - 02/10/26

Following a one week jury trial, defendant Joshua Paul Tallman was convicted of four counts of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree and two counts of Unlawful Sexual Penetration.  The case was prosecuted by Benton County Senior Deputy District Attorney Matt Ipson and investigated by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.

 

The nightmare began when M.T. was only six years old, and continued until she was nine.  Months before telling any adults about the ongoing abuse, M.T. confided in two young grade school friends.  Finally, when a teacher taught a lesson on unsafe touching, M.T. raised her hand to ask a question.  This led to an investigation, and Tallman was prevented from any further contact with M.T. and the abuse came to an end.

 

At trial M.T. bravely took the stand to face Tallman, testifying that she felt "disgusted" by the abuse at his hands.  Her young friends, her teacher, an ABC House forensic interviewer and a doctor, all testified for the State.  

 

A memory expert testified for the defendant, suggesting the abuse was the product of a false memory.  Family members also testified they never saw Tallman being sexually inappropriate toward children. The jury rejected all defense arguments, siding unanimously with M.T.  

 

After the verdict, Tallman was released pending sentencing over the State’s objection.  Sentencing will take place before the Honorable Matthew J. Donohue, on February 18, 2026 at 3:30 p.m.  Defendant faces a minimum sentence of 25 years in prison but has the potential to receive more than 50 years.

 

The Benton County District attorney’s office would like to thank the Benton County Sheriff’s Office and ABC House for their tireless efforts to protect children.  We also would like to thank the local school districts for teaching children what to do when someone touches them inappropriately.  Our teachers are often on the front-line in the fight to keep children safe.  We would encourage everyone to talk to their children about being safe, understanding that abuse can happen, even at the hands of a trusted adult, in any situation, and even when others are around. 

 

The Benton County District Attorney’s Office wants the community to know that Justice is not just a word, it is a promise.  Today the jury delivered on that promise for M.T.  

Benton County Man Convicted Of Multiple Counts Of Sexual Penetration And Abuse Of Child Under 12 - 02/10/26

Following a one week jury trial, defendant Joshua Paul Tallman was convicted of four counts of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree and two counts of Unlawful Sexual Penetration.  The case was prosecuted by Benton County Senior Deputy District Attorney Matt Ipson and investigated by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.

 

The nightmare began when M.T. was only six years old, and continued until she was nine.  Months before telling any adults about the ongoing abuse, M.T. confided in two young grade school friends.  Finally, when a teacher taught a lesson on unsafe touching, M.T. raised her hand to ask a question.  This led to an investigation, and Tallman was prevented from any further contact with M.T. and the abuse came to an end.

 

At trial M.T. bravely took the stand to face Tallman, testifying that she felt "disgusted" by the abuse at his hands.  Her young friends, her teacher, an ABC House forensic interviewer and a doctor, all testified for the State.  

 

A memory expert testified for the defendant, suggesting the abuse was the product of a false memory.  Family members also testified they never saw Tallman being sexually inappropriate toward children. The jury rejected all defense arguments, siding unanimously with M.T.  

 

After the verdict, Tallman was released pending sentencing over the State’s objection.  Sentencing will take place before the Honorable Matthew J. Donohue, on February 18, 2026 at 3:30 p.m.  Defendant faces a minimum sentence of 25 years in prison but has the potential to receive more than 50 years.

 

The Benton County District attorney’s office would like to thank the Benton County Sheriff’s Office and ABC House for their tireless efforts to protect children.  We also would like to thank the local school districts for teaching children what to do when someone touches them inappropriately.  Our teachers are often on the front-line in the fight to keep children safe.  We would encourage everyone to talk to their children about being safe, understanding that abuse can happen, even at the hands of a trusted adult, in any situation, and even when others are around. 

 

The Benton County District Attorney’s Office wants the community to know that Justice is not just a word, it is a promise.  Today the jury delivered on that promise for M.T.