District Attorney talks sentencing for rape suspect who violated probation
GIBSON COUNTY, Tenn. — A Gibson County man arrested for multiple charges, including rape, appeared in court Wednesday morning regarding a violation of probation.
Anothony Aaron Hogue is a 64-year-old man who was arrested for three counts of aggravated rape, sexual exploitation of of an elderly adult, and six counts of theft of property.
District Attorney General Frederick Agee’s Office gave Hogue a 20 year suspended sentence. We spoke with Agee more about the case.
“This is a case where there were allegations of a forcible rape,” Agee said. “The victim in this case also gave statements that she had been in a consensual sexual relationship with Mr. Hogue. Our office had concerns about presenting that to a jury.”
Agee also told us that the victim was in poor health, and they were not sure they would be able to have her appear at the trial.
Now, she has recently passed away due to circumstances unrelated to the situation.
Agee told us the results of Hogue appearing in court.
“Ultimately, Mr. Hogue has violated his terms,” said Agee. “Judge Peeples has revoked his sentence to serve, and he will now serve his 20 year sentence with the Tennessee Department of Correction.”
Agee also talked to us about why they sometimes make decisions like this one.
“Our goal is to efficiently close out cases,” Agee explained. “We don’t want victims having to wait four and five and six years to be able to get their case closed out. So we have to make a lot of decisions in Gibson, Crockett, and Haywood counties and we only have one judge. So there are only so many trial dates per year. In this case we made a decision to give Mr. Hogue a 20 year suspended sentence.”
Hogue’s violation of probation stems from being unsuccessfully discharged from the sex offender treatment due to hostile and aggressive behavior.
Hogue’s representation requested a reduction in how long he will have to serve. Judge Peeples denied this request.
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