Pea Ridge Woman Accused Of Sexual Indecency With A Child

Rebekah Jeanne Vandeveer

Rebekah Jeanne Vandeveer

Saturday, March 15, 2014

BENTONVILLE -- A Pea Ridge woman was arrested in connection with sexual indecency with a child after being found with a teen reported as a runaway.

Rebekah Vandeveer, 33, was being held Friday in the Benton County Jail with a $40,000 bond set. She was booked into the jail on Tuesday.

The mother of a 14-year-old girl reported her daughter ran away Feb. 8, according to court documents. The woman told police her daughter had started a friendship with a 33-year-old woman later identified as Vandeveer.

Police found Vandeveer and the teen at a room at the Razorback Inn, according to the affidavit.

Vandeveer denied having a sexual relationship with the girl, and claimed the girl was being abused at home.

Vandeveer said she and the girl kissed and touched each other.

The girl was interviewed at the Children's Advocacy Center of Benton County and denied the abuse allegation. She confirmed what Vandeveer told police.

Vandeveer was arrested in connection with sexual indecency with a child, a Class D felony, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, a Class A misdemeanor. The misdemeanor charge involves Vandeveer being found with the runaway teen, according to court documents.

The Class D felony is punishable with a prison sentence of up to six years, while the misdemeanor charge carries a sentence of up to a year in the county jail.

Prosecutors haven't filed formal charges against Vandeveer.

Vandeveer's arraignment is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. April 21 in Circuit Judge Robin Green's court.

NW News on 03/15/2014