Camden, Tenn. — Benton County Commissioner Stephen Stokes has pleaded guilty to one count of sexual battery and was sentenced today in Benton County Circuit Court.

After waiving his hearing, Stokes was sentenced to the maximum of two years. He will be a registered sex offender.

Stokes was originally indicted by a Benton County grand jury on June 3 on one count of sexual battery involving a minor, stemming from an offense that allegedly occurred in 2022. As part of his guilty plea, Stokes did not receive a plea bargain, and sentencing will be determined solely by the judge.

In August 2025, Stokes was taken into custody at his home after failing to appear for a scheduled court date related to the charge.

Following sentencing, the Benton County Commission will be authorized to appoint a successor to fill the now-vacant seat on the county commission.