BENTONVILLE -- A local circuit judge set bond at $300,000 for Nathan Jack Clemons, who is accused of sexually assaulting three children at a Bentonville daycare.
Clemons, 24, was arrested in connection with sexual assault in the second degree, a Class B felony, which is punishable with a prison sentence ranging from five to 20 years. He's accused of sexually assaulting a 5-year-old boy.
Clemons was in court before Circuit Judge Brad Karren this morning for a probable cause/bond hearing.
Karren set bond at $300,000 after hearing from Tyler Williams, deputy prosecutor, and Kent McLemore, Clemons' attorney.
Clemons was free on $75,000 bond when he was arrested Thursday at his home. He had already been arrested twice in connection with sexually assaulting two other students at Mary's Little Lamb Preschool.
Tyler Williams, Benton County deputy prosecutor, said Clemons faces up to 60 years in prison if convicted on all three counts and told the judge Clemons is a danger to children in Benton County.
Police are reviewing video footage from the daycare and Clemons could face additional charges.
Williams told the judge the sexual assaults concerning the first two children are on video and parents of the third boy came forward with their concerns.
Kent McLemore, Clemons' attorney, questioned whether probable cause existed for his client's latest arrest. The defense attorney said the boy told conflicting stories to his mother and father. McLemore asked the judge to consider setting his client's bond at $100,000 and to have him wear a electronic ankle monitor.
The judge found that probable cause existed to detain Clemons in the last arrest. He set the bond at $300,000 which covers Clemons' last arrest.
Clemons has been ordered not to have any contact with the three children.
Clemons' arraignment is scheduled for 8 a.m. Sept. 12 in Karren's court.
He has already pleaded not guilty in connection with sexually assaulting a 7-year-old boy. Prosecutors have not yet filed formal charges in connection with the other two boys.
NW News on 08/25/2018