Jonesboro Man Held on $500,000 Bond in Rape and Incest Case

JONESBORO, Ark. — A suspect is being held on a $500,000 bond after being arrested on allegations of rape in Jonesboro.

Lee Arthur Banis, 35, was arrested on two counts of rape, a Class Y felony, and one count of incest, a Class C felony. On Wednesday, October 22, Judge Tommy Fowler set bail at $500,000 cash or surety with a no-contact order issued and a GPS ankle monitor required.

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According to the probable cause affidavit, a complaint was submitted to the Arkansas Department of Human Services Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) regarding inappropriate contact that allegedly occurred between Banis and two juvenile relatives. Authorities began an investigation and interviewed the juvenile victims.

The first juvenile victim told investigators that Banis had been sexually assaulting them for about six years. The juvenile described how Banis would make threats when the victim began to cry, forcing them into the act under fear of physical violence.

The second victim was interviewed and also stated that, while residing with Banis in Mississippi, they were raped twice by him.

Authorities spoke with the wife of Banis. The spouse stated that, while residing with him in Mississippi, she reported an incident of inappropriate sexual contact between Banis and the first juvenile victim.

The wife also said Banis “often forces her to have sex with him.” If she refuses, he will threaten to “beat her ass.” She told police she was not aware she had a right to refuse because she was his wife.

Banis is next due in court on November 25, 2025.

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

Graphic and disturbing details were withheld from this report to protect the victims

The Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline may be reached by calling 1-800-482-5964.

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

More resources and information about RAINN can be viewed here.