BENTONVILLE -- A 15-year-old West Virginia boy will be prosecuted as an adult in connection with the rape of two girls.
Christopher Plybon Jr. of Kenova, W.Va., is charged as an adult with three counts of rape, a Class Y felony; and aggravated assault on a family or household member, a Class D felony.
Plybon was arrested by Bentonville police on Tuesday in connection with the rape of two girls, ages 7 and 11.
Plybon was brought to Circuit Judge Brad Karren's court for a bond hearing Thursday afternoon.
Brynna Barnica, deputy prosecutor, requested Plybon's bond be set at $50,000.
Lora Noschese, deputy public defender, requested a lower bond. She told the judge Plybon was visiting the area at the time of his arrest. The teen's family will bring him to future court appearances, Noschese said.
Plybon's family made arrangements for him to be supervised if he's released on bond, Noschese said.
The teen didn't have any prior criminal cases, Barnica said.
Karren set bond at $50,000. Plybon can return to West Virginia with his family if he's released from custody on bond.
The teen will be held at the Benton County Juvenile Detention Center instead of the jail if he remains in custody.
Plybon is scheduled for arraignment at 8 a.m. July 28 in Karren's court.
The 7-year-old girl told a family member about the abuse, according to court documents.
Bentonville police became involved Monday after they received information from the Arkansas State Police.
Plybon was questioned by police and admitted to sexually abusing the girls, police said. He admitted to using a knife to threaten the older girl before raping her.
Rape is normally punishable with a prison sentence ranging for 10 to 40 years or life imprisonment. However, a conviction for raping a child 13 or younger carries a minimum sentence of 25 years.
NW News on 06/21/2014