Police: Bentonville school employee suspected in additional sexual assaults

A former Bentonville school employee has been arrested in connection with sexually abusing two more children.

Ali Matar, 21, of Lowell was recently arrested in connection with raping a 5-year-old girl at R.E. Baker Elementary.

He had worked as an Adventure Club leader for the Bentonville School District since October and was fired Monday.

Bentonville police arrested Matar again on Thursday in connection with complaints involving two more children.

Matar was being held in the Benton County Jail on $75,000 bond. His bond has been increased to $250,000.

His arraignment is set for June 23.

The 5-year-old was interviewed at the Children's Advocacy Center of Benton County. According to court documents, the girl said she was alone in the library with "Mr. Ollie." She was playing on a computer when he "tickled" her, according to the probable cause affidavit.

The girl said everyone else was in the bathroom, and "Mr. Ollie" touched her inappropriately, according to court documents.

The latest arrest involves two 6-year-old female students at R.E. Baker Elementary, according to a press release from the Bentonville Police Department.

Bentonville Police Chief Jon Simpson said the two 6-year-old's parents reported their concern to police.

Simpson had encouraged parents to come forward with information concerning Matar after his arrest.

Matar was arrested Thursday in connection with rape, a Class Y felony and sexual assault in the second degree.

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