Marshall, AR – A Searcy County man has been sentenced to nine life terms in prison after being found guilty of multiple rape charges, according to the Arkansas State Police.
On September 24, 2025, a Searcy County Circuit Court jury convicted 67-year-old Stephen Phillip Treat on nine counts of rape and additional crimes. Treat was sentenced to nine life sentences to be served in the Arkansas Department of Corrections.
According to investigators, the case began in July 2023 when the Searcy County Sheriff’s Office requested help from the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division. Authorities said a woman came forward, reporting that Treat had allegedly raped her on numerous occasions between 2012 and 2022, beginning when she was still a minor.
Treat was arrested on July 18, 2023. Following a yearlong court process, the jury found him guilty last week. Law enforcement officials said the multiple life sentences reflect the seriousness of the crimes and will ensure Treat remains in custody permanently.
Officials encouraged any victims of sexual assault to come forward and seek help through local law enforcement or victim support services.
