Springdale man who broke into hotel room and tried to sexually assault person inside gets 30 years in prison | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

A Springdale man, Jacobsen Hitchfield, pleaded guilty in Washington County Circuit Court to charges stemming from a hotel room break-in and an attempted sexual assault that occurred on May 11, 2024. The charges included aggravated residential burglary, attempted second-degree sexual assault, third-degree battery, criminal trespass, and obstruction of governmental operations, as reported by the Washington County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.

In a plea agreement with the prosecution, Hitchfield received a recommended sentence of 30 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections, with five years suspended. Circuit Judge Joanna Taylor oversaw the plea hearing and accepted the state’s recommendations.

Details from the court documents revealed that Hitchfield knocked on the victim's hotel room door, and when she answered, he forcibly entered the room. Despite the victim's efforts to resist, Hitchfield overpowered her and attempted to sexually assault her. Fortunately, she managed to free herself and forced him out of the room before alerting hotel staff.

Upon being informed of the incident, hotel personnel swiftly called 911 while ensuring the victim's safety and separation from Hitchfield until law enforcement arrived. It has been stated that the victim had no prior connection to Hitchfield.

Brandon Carter, the Washington County Prosecuting Attorney, expressed gratitude towards the hotel staff and the Springdale Police Department for their prompt response and actions during the case. The investigation was carried out by the Springdale Police Department, and the case was prosecuted by Deputy Prosecutor Dylan Weisenfels.