Jonesboro Suspect With “Long History of Violence Against Others” Arrested in Kidnapping Case

JONESBORO, Ark. — A Jonesboro suspect was arrested after authorities said a woman reported being held against her will, beaten, tied up and sexually assaulted.

Jonathan Poynor, 45, of Jonesboro, was arrested on suspicion of first-degree kidnapping/false imprisonment/risk of serious injury, a Class Y felony; second-degree sexual assault, a Class D felony; aggravated assault on a family or household member, a Class D felony; and terroristic threatening, a Class D felony.

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According to a probable cause affidavit, the alleged victim went to the sheriff’s office May 21 and reported that she had been held against her will and sexually assaulted by Poynor one day earlier. She told deputies she had not reported it sooner because she was afraid Poynor would kill her.

The woman told deputies she had gone to visit Poynor, described in the affidavit as an ex-boyfriend, at a residence on County Road 379. She said the two were talking on a bed when Poynor said he was going to kill her and one of her friends.

The affidavit said Poynor briefly left the room, then returned with a rope. The victim reported that Poynor pushed her onto the bed, got on top of her, forced her hands into the rope, and tied her hands behind her back. She said he then hit her in the face, dragged her into the bathroom, and forced her head into a sink.

The victim told deputies Poynor dragged her back into the bedroom, struck her in the face, and stood on her throat until she lost consciousness. She said she later woke up on the shower floor with water running over her while she was still tied up.

The affidavit said the woman reported she was eventually moved back to the bed, where she agreed to have sex with Poynor because she was scared he would kill her. She told deputies Poynor’s phone later rang, and he said it was his probation officer asking him to come see him.

The victim said she asked Poynor to leave, and he initially refused because he was worried she would tell others what happened. She said he eventually agreed to let her go after she told him she had gotten into a fight with a female.

Deputies observed and photographed numerous injuries to the victim’s face and arms, according to the affidavit. The injuries included a broken nose, bruising on both arms, a black eye, a busted blood vessel in her left eye, and bruising on her neck. Authorities said the injuries were consistent with her account.

In court on Wednesday, Poynor was represented by Randel Miller, who argued for a $50,000 bond. Prosecutors requested a $125,000 cash or surety bond.

Judge David Boling granted the state’s request, noting what he called a “long history of violence against others,” including cases from 2004, 2005, 2006, 2016 and 2017. The court also noted Poynor had been on federal probation since 2017.

Poynor’s next court date is July 30.

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