Lawsuit Alleges Known Predator Had Access to Kids at Arkansas Daycare

Greenwood, AR – For nearly three decades, Jamie Leon Speaks was widely known in the small community of Greenwood as a danger to children, according to two recently filed civil lawsuits. Despite this, the lawsuits allege he was allowed direct access to children at Miss Tina’s Preschool, where his wife worked.

The lawsuits, filed in late 2023 and early 2024, claim that Speaks, 56, engaged in sexual abuse of children between 2006 and 2011 while at the preschool. The plaintiffs, now adults, allege that the daycare knew or should have known about Speaks’ history but failed to protect them.

A Known Danger

Court records show that Speaks has faced multiple accusations of child sexual abuse dating back to the early 1990s. In 2012, he pleaded guilty to two separate child sex abuse charges but was given probation and a suspended sentence instead of prison time. Despite being a registered sex offender, former employees and members of the community claim he was still regularly present at the preschool.

Greenwood Police Chief Brad Hobbs acknowledged that the department had no prior reports of Speaks being at the daycare. However, he credited witness statements with bringing new allegations to light. “Since the civil case has come out, we’ve relentlessly investigated it and we do anticipate more criminal charges,” Hobbs stated.

The Fight for Justice

Attorney Josh Gillispie of the Gillispie Law Firm represents the survivors in the lawsuits. The first lawsuit, filed on behalf of “Jane Doe,” remains ongoing. A second lawsuit, filed by “Janet Doe” in January 2024, was settled out of court in February.

There exist no payroll records indicating that Jamie Speaks was ever present at the daycare.

More to Come

With one case still active, the fight for justice is far from over. “If you see something that you think’s out of place, let us know. It could be the key thing that we need to pursue charges on somebody,” Chief Hobbs urged.

For more details on this developing case, read the full news story.

If you or someone you love is a survivor of sexual abuse, legal help is available. Contact Gillispie Law Firm today.