The Arkansas Court of Appeals has upheld the 35-year prison sentence of Rickey Lee Whitley, who was convicted of two counts of rape and one count of first-degree terroristic threatening. The decision, delivered on November 4, 2026, affirms the Pulaski County Circuit Court's ruling, which found Whitley guilty based on the evidence presented during a jury trial. This ruling is significant as it reinforces the court's stance on the sufficiency of evidence in sexual assault cases.

Whitley, who was sentenced as a habitual offender, will serve 20 years for each rape conviction and an additional 15 years for the terroristic threatening charge. The case has drawn attention due to its serious nature and the implications for victims of sexual violence.

Background

The case centers around Rickey Whitley and the State of Arkansas, with the primary victim being Treasure Forte. The charges stem from an incident that occurred on July 26, 2022, when Whitley allegedly assaulted Forte after meeting her at a bus stop in Little Rock. Forte, who was homeless at the time, accepted Whitley's offer to help her find a place to stay. However, the situation escalated when they reached a secluded area.

During the trial, Forte testified that Whitley became aggressive when she attempted to leave the area. She described being physically assaulted, choked, and threatened with death if she did not comply with his demands. The evidence presented included her testimony, which was corroborated by physical evidence collected during a sexual assault examination, including DNA matching Whitley.

The Ruling

The Arkansas Court of Appeals, led by Judge Wendy Scholtens Wood, ruled that there was sufficient evidence to support the jury's verdict. The court stated, "A rape victim’s testimony, standing alone, can constitute substantial evidence to support a rape conviction." The court emphasized that the jury found Forte's testimony credible, despite Whitley's claims of consensual sex.

Whitley argued that the evidence was insufficient to support his convictions, claiming that Forte's testimony contained contradictions and that she did not attempt to escape when she had the chance. However, the court maintained that the evidence, viewed in the light most favorable to the State, sufficiently demonstrated that Whitley committed the crimes. The court noted that the jury had the responsibility to assess witness credibility, and it found that Forte's account of the events was compelling.

Impact

This ruling has significant implications for similar cases in Arkansas and beyond. It reinforces the principle that a victim's testimony can be powerful enough to support a conviction, even in the absence of corroborating evidence. The court's decision may encourage other victims to come forward, knowing that their accounts can lead to convictions when supported by credible testimony.

The ruling also highlights the importance of jury discretion in evaluating evidence and witness credibility. The court affirmed that it would not reweigh the evidence or second-guess the jury's findings, which is a crucial aspect of the judicial process. This case sets a precedent for how courts may handle similar appeals in the future, particularly in sexual assault cases where victim testimony is central to the prosecution.

What's Next

Whitley has the option to appeal this decision to the Arkansas Supreme Court, although the court filing did not indicate whether he plans to do so. There are no related cases pending that were mentioned in the court's opinion. The outcome of this case may influence future legal strategies for defendants in similar situations.