Mississippi Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Raping Two Minors in Garland County

Dan Charles Cochran, 48, was sentenced to 30 years in prison Tuesday after pleading guilty to two counts of rape in Garland County. According to Chief Deputy Prosecutor Caitlin Bornhoft, Cochran will not be eligible for parole until he serves at least 21 years of his sentence under old parole laws.

Cochran, who listed a Kiln, Mississippi, address at the time of his arrest, appeared in Garland County Circuit Court for a review hearing. He opted to plead guilty to the two rape charges, each of which carried a potential sentence of life in prison. The judge sentenced him to 30 years on each count, to run concurrently.

Why was Dan Charles Cochran sentenced to 30 years?

The sentencing follows a series of investigations into the sexual abuse of two female minors who were under Cochran’s care. According to Chief Deputy Prosecutor Caitlin Bornhoft, some of the criminal conduct occurred in Garland County, though the victims moved across several states.

Probable cause affidavits reveal one victim was abused starting at age 8 and became pregnant at age 14, giving birth in 2021. A paternity test conducted in January 2023 determined a 99.999991% probability that Cochran was the father of the child.

A second victim reported abuse beginning at age 7. According to the affidavit, she stated Cochran raped her in his pickup truck while she was living in Garland County between November 2020 and August 2021.

Did You Know? A paternity test conducted on January 26, 2023, confirmed a 99.999991% probability that Cochran was the father of one of the victims’ children.

What evidence led to the conviction?

Investigators from the Hancock County sheriff’s office in Mississippi and the Garland County sheriff’s office coordinated the probe. Investigator James Zugg interviewed the victims at the Hope Haven Child Advocacy Center in Waveland, Mississippi, in early 2023.

During a January 13, 2023, interview with Investigator Zugg, Cochran denied all sexual allegations. He also denied knowing that a victim believed he was the father of her child and initially denied being the father before agreeing to a DNA test.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the application of “old parole laws” significantly impacts this case, as the 70% minimum service requirement ensures Cochran remains incarcerated until he is approximately 69 or 70 years old.

What happens next for the defendant?

Cochran’s legal issues extend beyond Arkansas. Chief Deputy Prosecutor Caitlin Bornhoft stated that Cochran has charges still pending in Louisiana related to the same investigation.

He is currently awaiting extradition to Calcasieu Parish to face those charges. He has remained in the Garland County Detention Center on a $750,000 bond since his arrest on Feb. 24, 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Dan Charles Cochran be eligible for parole?

Cochran must serve at least 21 years, or 70%, of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole, according to Chief Deputy Prosecutor Caitlin Bornhoft.

Does Cochran face charges in other states?

Yes, he has pending charges in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, and is awaiting extradition.

When was the original warrant issued for his arrest?

The original warrant was issued on Nov. 22, 2023, followed by a governor’s warrant on Dec. 15, 2023.

How should jurisdictions better coordinate across state lines to protect minors in care?