JONESBORO, Ark. — A 44-year-old man faces felony allegations of sexual assault and internet stalking of a child after Jonesboro police said he used social media to communicate with a minor before meeting in person.
Elbert Jackson faces fourth-degree sexual assault, a Class D felony, and internet stalking of a child, a Class B felony, according to first-appearance documents.
Judge Tommy Fowler found probable cause Sept. 23 and set Jackson’s bond at $150,000 cash or surety. The court also ordered no contact with the alleged victim.
The investigation began Sept. 8, when Jonesboro officers responded to a local hospital regarding a reported sexual assault, according to a probable cause affidavit.
The minor told investigators that communication with the suspect began on TikTok about a month before the incident and later moved to Snapchat. The affidavit alleges that the suspect repeatedly made sexual comments and had been told the minor’s age.
During a forensic interview, the minor reported meeting the suspect at a Jonesboro residence, where sexual intercourse occurred, according to the affidavit. A sexual assault examination and forensic evidence collection were conducted at the Child Advocacy Center.
With permission, officers searched the minor’s phone and reviewed Snapchat messages that they said indicated the suspect knew the minor’s age. Investigators also recovered a photograph of the suspect from the conversations.
Police said the messages, photograph, social media usernames and other information led them to identify Jackson. The affidavit states that officers arrested him on a warrant issued Sept. 21; it does not specify the arrest date.
Fowler appointed a public defender to represent Jackson. His next court appearance is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Nov. 23 in Craighead County Circuit Court.
The allegations have not been proven in court, and Jackson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
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