Camden, Tenn.–Former Benton County Commissioner Stephen Stokes was sentenced to a two-year prison term during his sentencing hearing this morning in Benton Co. Circuit Court. Stokes had earlier pleaded guilty to sexual battery.
According to District Attorney Neil Thompson’s office, Stokes was sentenced to two years at 100 percent, which is the maximum sentence allowed for the crime for which he was indicted.
Stokes was not present in the courtroom, having waived his appearance at the sentencing.
Stokes was represented by Attorney Mark Donahoe of Jackson. Thompson represented the state.
In August 2025, Stokes was taken into custody at his home after he was a no-show at his scheduled court date on the charge of sexual battery with a minor. Stokes was indicted by a Benton County Grand Jury June 3rd on one count of sexual battery with a minor, which is an offense that dates back to 2022.