Walnut Ridge Man Accused of Felony Sexual Indecency With a Child

WALNUT RIDGE, Ark. — A Walnut Ridge man is accused of felony sexual indecency with a child in Lawrence County, according to an arrest warrant served last week.

Michael Duane Pinkston, 67, of Walnut Ridge, was arrested on July 18 for sexual indecency with a child, a Class D felony.

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The probable cause affidavit states that on July 10, a report was made to the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office by a parent of a 12-year-old child. The child reported Pinkston had been sexually abusing them for approximately two years, since the age of 10.

The affidavit says Pinkston exposed himself to the alleged victim on multiple occasions. He also allegedly told them how beautiful they were and that they had beautiful lips while also staring at their body in a way that made the victim feel uncomfortable.

The child was interviewed by a forensic interviewer at the Children’s Advocacy Center in Jonesboro on July 14. The child detailed the disturbing allegations further, describing the behavior as weird and uncomfortable.

On July 15, investigators obtained screenshots of a text conversation between the parent of the victim and Pinkston, where he allegedly apologized and said he did not have an explanation for his behavior. He said he would be starting therapy very soon and acknowledged he had caused the victim pain that would “last for a very long time.”

Bond was set at $15,000 cash or surety. A no-contact order has been issued against Pinkston.

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

Editor’s Note: Certain details have been omitted to protect the victim. No mugshot currently available.

The National Sexual Assault Hotline is confidential and available 24/7. The number is 800.656.4673.

You can also chat online with crisis support at online.rainn.org.

More resources and information about RAINN can be viewed here.

The Family Crisis Center, Inc. is a local resource available to help if you’re in need.