Bentonville man accused of rape and domestic battery

Arthur James Lewis
Arthur James Lewis

BENTONVILLE -- A Bentonville man pleaded not guilty Monday to charges accusing him of raping one girl and breaking another's leg.

Arthur James Lewis, 26, was arraigned before Benton County Circuit Judge Brad Karren by video from the Benton County Jail.

Lewis is charged with rape and domestic battery. He is being held in the Benton County Jail on $200,000 bond.

The investigation began Jan. 12 when Bentonville police were called to Mercy Convenient Care concerning a 10-month-old girl with a broken tibia, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Lewis told Mark Jordan, a Bentonville police detective, he was sleeping when the crying 10-month-old woke him up, according to the affidavit. Lewis said he yanked her out of the crib, but believed her leg got caught, according to the affidavit.

Lewis said he gave the girl Tylenol and she went back to sleep, according to the affidavit.

The child's mother noticed her daughter's leg was swollen and she had difficulty standing. The mother took her to the doctor, according to court documents.

The rape investigation concerns a 3-year-old girl. The girl was interviewed at the Children's Advocacy Center of Benton County where she responded she did not like some touches, according to the affidavit. She was able to provide details of being sexually abused by Lewis, according to court documents.

Lewis admitted to Jordan to having sexual contact with the girl, according to the affidavit. He later admitted to engaging once in a sex act with the child, according to the affidavit.

He was arrested Jan. 18. The judge scheduled Lewis' jury trial to begin July 9.

Lewis could be sentenced from 25 to 40 years in prison if convicted of rape. He faces from three to 10 years in prison if convicted of the domestic battery charge.

NW News on 02/27/2018

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