Paragould, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – A Paragould man is behind bars on a $250,000 cash/surety bond after police said he sexually assaulted an underage victim on multiple occasions while living together.
Jonathan Hawkins, 35, was arrested and booked into the Greene County Detention Center on July 31, according to the inmate roster.
The arrest comes as the result of a report received by the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline and Paragould Police Department on July 29 in reference to an underage victim’s disclosure of sexual abuse. The victim was interviewed the same day the report was received.
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The probable cause affidavit stated that on multiple occasions, Hawkins, who had recently moved into the victim’s home, touched them inappropriately underneath their clothing.
Police later interviewed several witnesses, who told officers the victim had relayed a consistent story to them regarding the events. The witnesses added that Hawkins had previously said and done things they considered to be inappropriate. Text messages from Hawkins to the victim and the witnesses were collected, showing Hawkins apologizing, denying the conduct, and stating, “I do not think I groped anyone.”
The affidavit noted that on July 28, Hawkins was confronted through phone calls and texts about the allegations before Paragould police were made aware of them. He had left work in Jonesboro, seemingly shut off his cellphone, and was spotted on Flock cameras in Tipton County, TN. Hawkins was listed as a missing person with Paragould police before his arrest.
In addition to the $250,000 bond, Hawkins is ordered to have no contact with the victim and witnesses in the case. He must also wear a GPS ankle monitor upon release and possess any weapons. He faces two counts of second-degree sexual assault.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic/sexual violence, call 800-656-HOPE (4673) to reach the National Sexual Assault Hotline. You can also call 870-933-9449 to reach the Family Crisis Center’s emergency hotline.
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