Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Sept. 11, 2025 – A Craighead County jury found a Jonesboro man guilty of sexual assault in the second degree, Second Judicial Prosecuting Attorney Sonia Hagood announced Thursday.

The jury sentenced Mark Laureano to 20 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections, which is the maximum punishment allowed by law, according to a news release from the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney.

Jonesboro police officers responded to a report of sexual assault at an assisted living facility on May 15, 2024. Officers were provided with security footage from the 86-year-old victim’s room, which showed Laureano, who was the victim’s health aid, forcing the victim to perform an indecent act. The victim suffers from dementia, according to a JPD Facebook post announcing Laureano’s 2024 arrest.

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“The verdict serves as a powerful reminder that our community will not tolerate sexual violence, especially against the most vulnerable among us. The jury’s decision reflects a commitment to justice, including those who may not be able to advocate for themselves, such as individuals with Alzheimer’s. We will continue to stand firm in our pursuit of accountability for those who harm others,” said Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Gina Nelson in the release.

Circuit Judge Randy Philhours presided over the case. Nelson and Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Bryce Cook represented the State of Arkansas.

“I am very grateful for the hard work of our prosecutors and the time and attention of this jury. It is never easy to hear evidence of abuse, and it is more difficult when the victim is one of our most vulnerable citizens who cannot defend herself. I have also been in communication with our federal partners regarding this defendant’s immigration status. We hope that, once he serves his sentence, deportation proceedings will ensure he is never able to victimize anyone in our community again,” Hagood said in the release.