Staff Report
A Marion County couple faces veritable life sentences after they were charged with the rape of a young girl, the incidents ongoing for over six months before they were charged.
The suspects, William Joe Beene III, 48, and Brandon (Brandy) Sloan Hawkins, 43, are charged with multiple counts of rape of a child which is a Class A Felony that carries 15 to 25 years per count. Also, under state law, since the crime involved the molestation of a child under the age of 13, they could be sentenced to serve 100 percent of their sentences if convicted.
According to prosecutors, the incidents involving the young girl, who is under the age of 10, happened from December of last year until August of this year. Beene is charged with actually committing the molestations of the little girl while Hawkins is charged with observing and allowing the acts. Lawmen say the incidents happened on at least five occasions.
The couple was to appear for a bond hearing Sept. 20. Their arrests came following a joint investigation by the Marion County Sheriff’s Department, Sequatchie County Sheriff’s office, and the 12th Judicial District Drug and Violent Crime Task Force.
The Marion Tribune – September 21, 2023
