Former Minister Pleads Not Guilty

BENTONVILLE— A former Siloam Springs minister pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting two teenage girls.

Hank Guilliams, 42, of Rayville, La., is charged with two counts of sexual assault in the second degree, a Class B felony punishable with a prison sentence ranging from five to 20 years on each count. He entered his plea Monday during an arraignment before Circuit Judge Brad Karren.

Guilliams was arrested March 11. He is being held on $35,000 bond in the Benton County Jail.

Siloam Springs police received a report from the Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Division in February about a sexual assault complaint. Police were told Guilliams was in a sex rehabilitation facility in Tennessee and talked about sexual assaults he committed, according to court documents.

Guilliams said the sexual assaults occurred two years ago at Eastgate Church of Christ where he was a pastor, according to a probable cause affidavit. Police also learned another sexual assault incident happened at Guilliams’ Siloam Springs home, according to the affidavit.

A 16-year-old girl was interviewed at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Benton County where she described being inappropriately touched by Guilliams, according to court documents. A 17-year-old girl also reported Guilliams inappropriately touched her, according to court documents.

Guilliams’ next court appearance is set for 8:30 a.m. May 20.

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