In 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated there will be 140,977 live births to mothers aged 15 to 19 in the United States. It is never an easy situation when a teen falls pregnant, but it certainly becomes an awful situation when it’s someone far older impregnating a teen. Sadly that is the case for one 15-year-old from Bono, Arkansas, after a man paid her family a visit.
Arkansas man Mason Lee Gipson, 22, was initially arrested on suspicion of sexual assault in 2024, according to 4029 TV News. Taking a plea deal, the man pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of second-degree child endangerment and was sentenced to one year probation.
Second Judicial Circuit Judge Scott Ellington handed down the sentence and also ordered Gipson to pay a total $690 in restitution to the victim in $75 installments, which are to start in September. He also has to take a mental health assessment as well as completing parenting classes.
Gipson admitted to police he had sex with an underage girl while heavily under the influence of alcohol. It resulted in him impregnating the teen. The incident occurred while he was visiting her family home. Gipson is completely avoiding prison time with his “deal.”
“Mason stated that he knew it was wrong and that he wasn’t in the right state of mind,” court documents said.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, the National Sexual Assault Hotline provides confidential 24/7 support. Call 800-656-HOPE (4673) or chat online at RAINN.
