JONESBORO, Ark. — A 21-year-old male faces a rape charge after Jonesboro police said he had sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 14.
Jamarion Antwun Franklin was arrested without incident Tuesday, Aug. 11, after investigators obtained an arrest warrant, according to a probable cause affidavit.
The investigation began Saturday, Aug. 8, when Jonesboro police received a report that an adult had discovered the child with an adult male.
During an interview at the Crimes Against Children Division, the child said a friend had introduced them to Franklin. The two communicated through Snapchat, and the child reportedly believed Franklin was 17, according to the affidavit.
Investigators said Franklin picked up the child in a neighborhood before the two drove around and stopped along a road, where the alleged sexual contact occurred.
The child identified Franklin from a photograph, the affidavit said.
An investigator presented an arrest warrant application to District Judge David Boling, who found probable cause for Franklin’s arrest on suspicion of rape involving a person under 14.
Franklin appeared Wednesday, Aug. 12, before District Judge Tommy Fowler. His bond was set at $150,000 cash or surety, and a no-contact order was issued. The public defender’s office was appointed to represent him.
Franklin is charged with rape, a Class Y felony punishable by 10 to 40 years or life in prison. His next court appearance is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Sept. 30 at the Craighead County Courthouse.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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