A judge ordered the arrest of Steven Lawrence Manson Sr., 56, of Yellville, more than a week ago, but as of Tuesday, he remains at large. Records show Marion County Circuit Judge Andrew S. Bailey revoked Manson’s bond on August 5, directing that he be held without bail until a hearing later this month.
Court documents indicate that Judge Bailey’s order was issued at 11:38 a.m. on August 5 in case 45CR-26-14. The Marion County circuit clerk issued a warrant that same day, specifying immediate arrest and detention. The warrant, number 45CI-26-6, allows no bond to be set pending further proceedings. It also directs the Marion County Sheriff’s Office to act “with all diligence” to serve it. However, as confirmed by a search of the Marion County jail roster on Tuesday, Manson has not yet been taken into custody.
Neighbors near Manson's property on County Road 8054 told the Mountain Home Observer that Manson had not been detained. Concerns for their safety have led the Observer to withhold their identities, as members of the Manson family have allegedly issued threats. Neighbors claimed Manson has been leaving the area via rideshare services and noted that an online Facebook Marketplace account tied to him has remained active. The account, operating under the name "Mari Vest," has listed various items for sale, including cages, a ceiling fan, and welding equipment. Witnesses confirmed the account belongs to Manson Sr. None of the items on the account referenced his arrest.
Manson faces serious charges. He is accused of conspiracy to commit rape, a Class Y felony, alongside charges of first-degree terroristic threatening and coercion. These charges stem from an incident reported on March 7, 2026, involving the alleged rape of an 18-year-old woman at the County Road 8054 property. According to a probable cause affidavit signed by Marion County investigator Jarrod D. Poley, the victim escaped to a neighbor’s home and reported the assault to authorities. Manson Jr., Manson Sr.’s son, and another individual, Dezarae Shae-Lynn Manson, have also been charged in connection with the case.
Manson Sr.'s legal troubles recently deepened following a raid on his property on July 30. Deputies reportedly seized more than eight pounds of marijuana, packaged in a manner consistent with intent to sell, three firearms, and other evidence. He was charged with drug trafficking and unlawful possession of firearms. A $50,000 bond was set, which Manson posted the same day. However, his bond conditions did not include standard prohibitions against contact with victims, committing new offenses, or leaving the state. Court filings indicate prosecutors documented Manson’s recent travel to Missouri and Illinois while awaiting trial.
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney John Russo filed a motion on August 5 to revoke Manson’s earlier bond, citing Arkansas Rule of Criminal Procedure 9.6, which allows release to be revoked when new felony charges arise while awaiting trial. The motion highlighted that Manson could face 10 to 40 years or life imprisonment if convicted of the Class Y felony. Prosecutors also requested additional restrictions, including GPS monitoring and a prohibition on out-of-state travel, had new bond terms been set. Judge Bailey granted the bond revocation within two hours of the motion.
Manson’s next court appearance is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on August 18 at the Marion County Courthouse, coinciding with a status hearing for Manson Jr., who faces multiple criminal cases. Records show Manson Sr. currently lacks legal representation, as his prior attorney withdrew last month due to a conflict of interest. The court has given him 30 days to seek counsel before it considers appointing a public defender.
Manson Sr. also has a status hearing in October on the original charges. As with all criminal cases, the allegations against him remain unproven unless and until established in court.