McLeese Sentenced to Two Years, Placed on Sex Offender Registry

PARIS (September 26) — Former Paris-Henry County Chamber of Commerce Director Travis McLeese was sentenced today to serve two years in jail and be placed on the sex offender registry on the charges of sexual battery and purchasing alcohol or beer for a minor.

Circuit Court Judge Bruce Griffey sentenced McLeese to serve two years each at 100 percent time served on the two charges of sexual battery and sentenced him to serve 11 months, 29 days on the count of purchasing alcohol for a minor. They are to be served concurrently.

He also was placed on the sex offender registry and was given credit for time served. He is currently being jailed at the Benton County Jail.

In July, he had entered a ‘blind plea’ of guilty to all three charges, which was entered by a defendant without a plea agreement, leaving the sentencing decision entirely up to the judge. McLeese was indicted on the charges in March and according to the indictment, the offenses occurred May 27, 2024.

Appearing for the state was Assistant District Attorney Morgan Greer. Jackson Attorney Daniel Taylor represented McLeese.

McLeese also was arrested on a DUI charge in June and that case is still pending in General Sessions Court.