BENTONVILLE — The assistant systems administrator for Benton County was arrested Tuesday in connection with the rape of a girl.
Shawn Allen Scott, 32, of Bentonville is being held Tuesday in the Benton County Jail on $30,000 bond. He was arrested in connection with rape, a Class Y felony. Prosecutors haven't filed a formal charge against Scott.
Scott was placed on administrative leave with pay Friday after officials learned he was under investigation by Bentonville police. Scott was hired by the county in December 2007, said Barb Ludwig, human resources administrator.
Bentonville police received a report March 17 from the Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Division about a 16-year-old girl who said Scott sexually abused her three years ago, according to court documents.
The girl's mother said her daughter gave her a note saying Scott gave her wine and touched her inappropriately.
The girl provided details of her abuse during an interview at the Children's Advocacy Center.
Police also interviewed one of the girl's friends who said the girl told him about the abuse.
Scott denied touching the girl in a phone call with the girl's mother. The call was recorded by police.
Scott was interviewed by police and admitted massaging the girl's shoulder and feet but denied touching her inappropriately.
County Judge Bob Clinard said Scott will be given the opportunity to resign. If he doesn't resign, he'll be fired, Clinard said. Scott will be fired because of the sensitive nature of his job, Clinard said.
Scott worked on computers and security cameras at the courthouse as part of his job, Clinard said.
"Due to the nature of the charges and the seriousness of the charges, he will be cut off from any access to the county's computer system and the courthouse cameras and security systems," Clinard said. "Because of the termination of that access, he will not be able to perform his duties."
Scott would be eligible to come back to work for the county if the charges are dropped or he's exonerated, Clinard said.
"I would say yes," Clinard said. "He's not being terminated because he's been charged. He's being terminated because he won't be able to function in his normal position for the next several months at least. We can't be without a functioning employee for however long it might be for this to be resolved."
Scott's arraignment is set for 8:30 a.m. April 28 in Circuit Judge Brad Karren's court.
NW News on 03/26/2014