Suspect Arrested On Rape Charge Involving 14-Year-Old

JONESBORO, Ark. — A Paragould suspect was arrested this week on a Class Y felony rape charge involving a 14-year-old girl.

John Daniel Pagan, 42, of Paragould, was arrested May 28 by the Jonesboro Police Department. His next court date is July 30. Bond was set by Judge Barbara Halsey at $750,000 cash or surety. Upon release, an ankle monitor is required. A no-contact order was put in place for anyone under 21.

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If convicted, Pagan could face up to life in prison.

According to a probable cause affidavit, the alleged victim went to the police department with her mother on May 26 to report that she had been sexually assaulted in Jonesboro. Police said the girl later completed a forensic interview at the Child Advocacy Center.

An arrest warrant was obtained on the rape charge after probable cause was found by a judge, according to the affidavit.

Pagan was arrested at his residence May 28 and transported to Jonesboro, where police said he was interviewed and confessed to “some” of the allegations. He was then taken to the Craighead County Detention Center.

During video court, Pagan stared down and shook his head throughout the proceeding.

Pagan is a registered sex offender in Missouri. He was found guilty of sexual solicitation of a child (a 13-year-old when he was age 17).

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

Note: We are not publishing details from the probable cause affidavit to protect the victim