Rape case dropped against former Benton County employee

BENTONVILLE — A rape case against a former employee for Benton County was dropped Tuesday.

Shawn Scott, 32, of Bentonville was the assistant systems administrator for Benton County before he was arrested in March in connection with the rape of a girl.

He appeared in court Tuesday for a scheduled arraignment in his criminal case. However, Scott learned that it would be his last appearance in court for the case.

Prosecutors had not filed a formal charge in the case. One will not be filed against Scott.

“We are not filing charges in this case,” Terra Stephenson, a special prosecutor, said to Circuit Judge Brad Karren.

The case was then dropped and the judge told Scott he had no further obligations to appear in court for the case.

“I’m just glad things came out the way the did,” Scott said moments later outside the courtroom.

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.

Scott was later arrested and released on $30,000 bond from the Benton County Jail.

Benton County Judge Bob Clinard described Scott as a good and hardworking employee. Clinard said he is willing to rehire Scott if possible.

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