BENTONVILLE — A state prisoner who was part of a furlough program is accused of raping a 17-year-old girl while free, according to court records.
John Scott Landingham, 41, was booked into the Benton County Jail at 5:44 p.m. Wednesday. He was arrested on two counts of rape, a Class Y felony.
Landingham, 41, formerly of Lowell, could be sentenced from 10 to 40 years or life imprisonment on each of count of rape.
The girl reported she was raped by Landingham on June 12, 2011.
A DNA sample was found in the girl’s underwear. Dennis Schumacher, an investigator with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, was able get a sample of Landingham’s DNA. A report from the Arkansas Crime Lab state samples collected from the inside and outside of the girl’s underwear contained DNA that matched the DNA from oral swabs collected from Landingham, according to court documents.
Landingham was being held in the Washington County Detention Center and was in a furlough-type program. He was able to check out of jail on weekends and spend the time at his mother’s house, Schumacher said.
Court documents show Landingham pleaded guilty to domestic battery in the third degree, domestic battery in the first degree, two counts of endangering the welfare of a minor in the second degree, and aggravated assault on a family or household member in August 2003. He also was charged as a habitual offender and sentenced to 45 years in prison.
Landingham admitted to striking his wife with a croquet mallet, broom handle and other objects. He also admitted to cutting her with a butcher knife. Court documents state Landingham admitted he threatened to kill his wife if police were called.
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office and the Benton County Prosecutor were notified in November 2007 Landingham was eligible for a meritorious furlough release status for a three-day period twice every six months.
Prosecutor Van Stone objected to Landingham’s being a participant in the furlough program. “John Landingham has a long history of domestic violence,” Stone wrote in a response. “In 2002, he beat the hell out of wife, cutting her with a butcher knife, bruising nearly every part of her body and face.”
Stone wrote Landingham attacked his wife again while he was free on bond. Stone’s comments also claim Landingham had multiple arrests and prior convictions for rape, sexual abuse, residential burglary and battery.
“It is absurd that he would be even considered for a furlough,” Stone wrote. “He is a dangerous, violent, individual who received a 45-year sentence for a reason. I strongly object to his release on furlough or otherwise.”
Stone objected again in March 2011 when he received another notice Landingham was eligible for a meritorious furlough release.
“I object to this one given the nature of this crime and the type of offense,” Stone wrote.
Landingham’s status with the furlough program was unknown Thursday. A woman at the Arkansas Department of Correction said spokeswoman Dina Tyler wouldn’t be available for comment until today.
“Given his history, he should not have been outside of the four walls of prison for any reason,” Stone said.
Landingham was being held in the Benton County Jail on Thursday with no bond set. He’s scheduled to appear Monday before Circuit Judge Robin Green for an arraignment on the rape charges.
Prosecutors haven’t filed formal charges against Landingham. Stephanie McLemore, deputy prosecutor, said she expects to file charges next week.