BENTONVILLE -- A 18-year-old woman is competent to testify against the man she's accused of sexually abusing her years earlier, according to a Wednesday ruling by Benton County Circuit Judge Brad Karren.
Donald Adams, 44, of Gentry is charged with rape, two counts of sexual assault and battery. He's accused of sexually abusing two girls.
Adams' jury trial is scheduled to begin July 24.
Paul Younger, Adams' attorney, filed a motion challenging the competency of one of the accusers.
Karren held a hearing Wednesday on the issue.
The woman testified she has a history of suicide attempts and has been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder. She's currently taking prescribed medication, but said it won't affect her testimony.
"Do you understand you have to tell the whole truth," Younger asked her.
"Yes," she replied.
Younger said after her testimony he did not think there was any reason to challenge the woman's competency.
Adams was arrested Jan. 29, 2018 and is being held on $225,000 bond in the Benton County Jail.
He was arrested after a girl told deputies he had been raping her since she was 13 years old, according to a court affidavit. The girl was interviewed at the Children's Advocacy Center of Benton County.
Adams is also charged with sexually assaulting a 7-year-old girl, according to court documents.
NW News on 07/18/2019