21-Year-Old Arrested After Child Reports Sexual Abuse

PARAGOULD, Ark. — A 21-year-old suspect was arrested after authorities said a child disclosed sexual abuse, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Devin Nothern, 21, was arrested on suspicion of second-degree sexual assault, a Class B felony.

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Bond was set at $250,000 cash or surety. A no-contact order was also issued. If released, Nothern will be required to wear an ankle monitor. He also was ordered to have no weapons.

According to the affidavit, the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline and the Paragould Police Department received a report March 27 involving a child who had disclosed sexual abuse.

The child was later interviewed by an Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Division investigator. During the interview, the child identified Nothern as the alleged offender and disclosed inappropriate sexual contact that reportedly occurred at Nothern’s residence, according to the affidavit.

Investigators also interviewed several people in connection with the case. The affidavit said those interviews indicated the child had given a consistent account of the alleged abuse.

Police said Nothern initially told investigators the child had not stayed at his residence since the middle of last year. He later confirmed the child had stayed there over spring break but said his memory of the night was “foggy,” according to the affidavit.

Investigators said Nothern gave consistent details about events that occurred that evening but denied sexually assaulting the child.

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