Paragould Suspect Arrested on Three Counts of Sexual Indecency With a Child

PARAGOULD, Ark. — A Paragould suspect was arrested this week on multiple felony charges after a child disclosed alleged sexual abuse, according to an affidavit filed by the Paragould Police Department.

According to the affidavit, the Paragould Police Department was notified of a screened-out Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline report involving a female who had made a disclosure of sexual abuse.

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Investigators said the alleged victim was interviewed the same day by an Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Division investigator. During the interview, the victim reported recurring sexual acts over the previous months and identified 48-year-old Walson Jekkar as the offender.

The affidavit states the victim alleged that on multiple occasions the defendant would have her rub his stomach and then would have her touch his penis.

Investigators also interviewed a friend of the victim who reported the child had disclosed the alleged abuse a few days earlier. Several other children were interviewed as part of the investigation.

According to the affidavit, the victim later reported that after her interview, the defendant asked her about the disclosure and told her she misunderstood what had happened. Two other children reportedly corroborated being present when the defendant asked about the disclosure but could not provide details of the conversation.

Authorities said the defendant was interviewed on Feb. 23 after being advised of his Miranda rights. During that interview, the affidavit states the defendant acknowledged having a conversation about the disclosure but denied the allegations.

Jekkar was arrested and booked on three counts of sexual indecency with a child, a Class D felony.

Judge Curtis Hitt set bail at $250,000 with requirements for an ankle monitor and a no-contact order.

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

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

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.