JONESBORO, Ark. — A $1 million cash-or-surety bond was set Friday for a man accused of attempting to arrange a sexual encounter with an individual he believed to be a 13-year-old girl.
Shelby Lee Thompson faces a charge of internet stalking of a child, a Class Y felony in Arkansas. If convicted, the crime carries a penalty of 10 to 40 years or life imprisonment.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Jonesboro police arrested Thompson on August 25 in the 3400 block of East Highland Drive, the location of a Chuck E. Cheese restaurant. Authorities allege Thompson had been communicating online with a profile portraying a 13-year-old girl and had arranged to meet her at approximately 8 p.m. with the intent of engaging in sexual activity.
The affidavit states Thompson made explicit remarks during the conversation, including saying they would "go straight to sex," asking if she would tell him to stop if things were "too much," and suggesting the use of a safe word. Investigators linked the phone number used in the communications to Thompson.
Police said they observed a black Ram 1500 truck displaying dealer tag EX39133 parked across the street from the meeting location. According to the affidavit, Thompson had previously been cited while driving a vehicle with the same tag.
Officers reported seeing Thompson walking near the planned meeting site before returning toward the truck. He was taken into custody, and police seized his phone, which investigators claimed had been used to communicate with the online profile.
Initially, a temporary bond was set at $250,000. After reviewing the defendant's history, Judge David Boling increased the bond to $1 million cash or surety during a hearing Friday. If released, Thompson will be required to wear a GPS ankle monitor, avoid contact with minor children, and refrain from possessing devices capable of internet or communication access.
Thompson is scheduled to appear at the Craighead County Courthouse on September 30 at 8:30 a.m.
All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.