STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
Barren County Circuit Court has formally sentenced Mark Hanks to 20 years in prison in connection with a child sex case.
The sentence was imposed during a March 9 hearing that began at 10 a.m., though Hanks pleaded guilty to the charges of first-degree rape of a minor under 12 years old and first-degree sodomy during his Dec. 8 Barren County Circuit Court appearance.
Under the terms outlined in court, Hanks received a 20-year prison term, followed by five years of conditional discharge. In addition, he will have permanent status as a registered sex offender.
Because the offense is classified as violent, Commonwealth’s Attorney John Gardner said Hanks is required to serve 85 percent of his sentence before he becomes eligible to seek parole, meaning he will have to serve most of his 20-year term — 17 years — before a parole board can consider releasing him from prison.
Hanks was arrested by Barren County sheriff’s deputies at T.J. Samson Community Hospital in January 2025 after a 7-year-old claimed during an interview with the Barren River Area Child Advocacy Center that Hanks “exposed her to sexual contact” on Jan. 20 and Jan. 21.
Key Facts
– Mark Hanks sentenced to 20 years in prison in Barren County Circuit Court
– Case stems from charges of first-degree rape of a minor under 12 and first-degree sodomy
– Sentence follows a Dec. 8 plea agreement
– Hanks also receives five years of conditional discharge
– He will be a permanent registered sex offender
– Officials say he must serve 85% of his sentence before parole eligibility
– Sentencing took place March 9 at 10 a.m. in Barren County Circuit Court
