PARAGOULD, Ark. — A Greene County suspect was arrested on a Class Y felony rape charge after authorities said a 17-year-old reported being assaulted at a home where alcohol had been provided to minors.
Joshua Daniel Cross, 46, was arrested for rape, a Class Y felony. Judge Curtis Hitt set bond at $1 million cash or surety, with a no-contact order, a no-weapons provision and a required ankle monitor.
According to a probable cause affidavit from the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded March 15, 2026, to Arkansas Methodist Medical Center after a 17-year-old female reported she had been raped.
The alleged victim was interviewed through the ChildFirst forensic interview protocol. During the interview, she said Cross bought alcohol for her and another minor before the group went to his home, according to the affidavit.
The alleged victim told authorities she and the other minor drank alcohol at the residence. After the other minor went to sleep, Cross allegedly assaulted the victim, according to the affidavit.
A sexual assault exam was later performed at the Northeast Arkansas Children’s Advocacy Center, where evidence was collected. Investigators also served a search warrant March 15 at Cross’ residence and seized evidence described by the alleged victim, including clothing and alcohol containers, according to the affidavit.
On April 2, investigators obtained video from a retailer where the alcohol was reportedly purchased. Authorities said the video showed Cross buying alcohol described by the alleged victim.
The Greene County Sheriff’s Office received a crime lab report May 26 stating that a partial male DNA profile had been located on evidence collected in the case, according to the affidavit.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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