JONESBORO, Ark. — Craighead County sheriff’s deputies arrested Tim Dwayne Ohler, 60, of Jonesboro on Wednesday on a felony charge of sexually grooming a child under 13.
An investigation began May 26 after the child reported that Ohler had instructed the child on sexual matters, made the child believe certain sexual behavior was acceptable and allowed the child to view pornography on his phone, according to a probable cause affidavit.
The child was later interviewed at a child advocacy center, the affidavit said.
Investigators also reviewed a cellphone recording in which Ohler was confronted about the allegations. The investigator wrote that Ohler denied most of the allegations but corroborated portions of the child’s account. The recording ended with Ohler saying he had a problem and agreeing to seek treatment, according to the affidavit.
Ohler later told the investigator that the allegations were “a big misunderstanding.” He acknowledged having uncomfortable conversations with the child but said the child initiated questions of a sexual nature and that he was unsure how to respond, the affidavit said.
The case was submitted to prosecutors, who approved a charge of sexually grooming a child, a Class D felony. The charge carries a possible sentence of up to six years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. A warrant was issued June 17.
Special Judge Ralph Wilson followed prosecutors’ recommendation Wednesday and set Ohler’s bond at $75,000 cash or surety during a Rule 8.1 hearing.
Court records list Ohler’s next appearance for 8:30 a.m. Sept. 30 in Craighead County Circuit Court.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
SHARE THIS STORY WITH OTHERS:
Discover more from NEA Report
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Make this situation make sense..we just had a KNOWN sex offender volunteer with a childrens program. The charges are dismissed due to a misunderstanding..the lady is a known Child Sex Offender what the hell was the misunderstanding?! Did they take her crime less serious because she is a Women Pedophile?! The backward ass laws in this town is shameful! Hold these worthless ass cowards accountable for their sick behavior or stay your ass at home.