Jonesboro Man Accused of Sexually Grooming Child

JONESBORO, Ark. — A Jonesboro man is accused of sexually grooming a child, a Class D felony, in a case involving a 13-year-old relative.

The probable cause affidavit says that on May 21, a juvenile victim was forensically interviewed regarding a family member communicating with them in a sexual manner. The family member accused was Kevyn Bowen, 43. The affidavit states that the victim disclosed they have been communicating with each other in a sexual manner since 2024, with Bowen sending pornography to their cell phone. The victim disclosed details about sexual conversations they had with the suspect, the majority of this being through text messages with Bowen asking for photos of the victim. Dates and details of these messages were provided.

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The victim also said that while at Bowen’s residence, he would show them sexual toys and pornography. The victim further said that Bowen purchased sexual toys and alcohol for them as a birthday present in 2024. Police took the sex toy into evidence. The victim said that Bowen also brought another juvenile to the victim’s residence for sexual activity.

Detectives processed the victim’s cell phone and located multiple text messages between Bowen and the victim that were sexual. Messages about the sex toys and the other juvenile who was brought to the victim’s residence for sexual activity were also located.

Detectives determined the victim was 13 years old when the communication was happening.

On May 23, a bench warrant was signed for the arrest of Bowen by Judge Tommy Fowler. That same day, he was arrested. During a Miranda-warned interview, the suspect allegedly admitted to communicating with the victim in a sexual manner via cell phone, and also made other incriminating statements to detectives.

Kevyn Bowen appeared before Circuit Judge Barbara Halsey on Tuesday, May 27, for his probable cause hearing. Bowen had already been released on a temporary bond. Judge Halsey set bail at $25,000 cash or surety. A no-contact order involving minor relatives was also added.

His next court appearance is scheduled for June 27.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.