A 21-year-old Jonesboro man has been charged with rape after police alleged he had sexual contact with a child younger than 14, according to court documents.
Jamarion Antwun Franklin was arrested on Tuesday, August 11, following a warrant issued by investigators. The investigation began on Saturday, August 8, when police received a report from an adult who said they found the child with an adult male, according to a probable cause affidavit.
The child later told the Crimes Against Children Division during an interview that a friend introduced them to Franklin. They communicated via Snapchat, and the child reportedly believed Franklin was 17 years old. Investigators stated Franklin picked up the child from a neighborhood, and the two drove to an unspecified location where the alleged assault occurred.
According to the affidavit, the child identified Franklin from a photograph obtained during the investigation. A warrant application was presented to District Judge David Boling, who found probable cause for Franklin’s arrest on suspicion of rape involving a person under 14.
Franklin made a court appearance on Wednesday, August 12, before District Judge Tommy Fowler. His bond was set at $150,000 cash or surety, and a no-contact order was issued. The public defender’s office has been appointed to represent him.
Franklin is charged with rape, classified as a Class Y felony, Arkansas' most serious criminal charge, which carries a potential sentence of 10 to 40 years or life in prison. He is scheduled to appear before the court again on September 30 at 8:30 a.m. in the Craighead County Courthouse.
All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in court.