Springdale Man Accused Of Rape

SPRINGDALE — A man was arrested Tuesday in connection with having sex with a 15-year-old girl.

Jose Varela-Lopez, 30, of 500 Zachary St. in Springdale was arrested in connection with felony first-degree sexual assault and misdemeanor contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Varela-Lopez began the sexual relationship with the girl in Mexico, according to a news release, then brought her to the United States where he continued to have sex with her. The teen, whom Varela-Lopez described as his girlfriend, never attended school in the United States, according to the release.

Varela-Lopez was in the Washington County Detention Center on Wednesday in lieu of $25,000 bond.

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