BENTONVILLE — A Decatur man pleaded not guilty to raping a 16-year-old girl Monday.
Donald Willard Ferrell is charged with rape, a Class Y felony punishable with a prison sentence ranging from 10 to 40 years or life imprisonment.
Ferrell, 53, pleaded not guilty at an arraignment before Circuit Judge David Clinger.
Ferrell was arrested June 17. The girl reported to Barry County, Mo., sheriff’s deputies that Ferrell raped her two years earlier at his Decatur residence, according to court documents. The teen also claimed Ferrell raped her on different occasions at her Missouri home.
Ferrell was a friend of the girl’s father, and they also worked for the same business, according to court documents.
Ferrell was released several days after his arrest after posting a $50,000 bond. An omnibus hearing is slated for 8:30 a.m. Aug. 30.