Lowell Employee Arrested In Connection With Sexual Assault

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Eric Seyfried, Lowell information systems director, was arrested Friday morning by Benton County Sheriff’s Office deputies in connection with a charge of second-degree sexual assault, a Class B felony.

The charge is punishable by five to 20 years in prison.

Seyfried, 38, of 122 Center Drive in Lowell was being held Friday afternoon in the Benton County Jail. No bond was set.

Details regarding the case weren't available Friday afternoon.

Lowell Mayor Eldon Long said he briefly talked to Seyfried on Friday.

“We haven’t taken any steps with regard to Eric,” Long said. “We don’t have enough information at this time to make a decision. We will stand by him until we know more about the case.”

Seyfried has about 3 1/2 weeks of vacation, Long said.

“He alluded that he might take some vacation time. We may put him on paid administrative leave when we have a better understanding of the situation,” Long said.

“Seyfried is innocent until proven guilty, and that’s for a court to decide,” Long said.

A court appearance is set for March 17.