PARAGOULD, Ark. — A Paragould man who had been reported missing has been located and is now in custody, charged with two counts of second-degree sexual assault involving a child under 11.
Jonathan A. Hawkins, 35, was arrested on July 31 by the Paragould Police Department and booked into the Greene County Jail, according to the Greene County Sheriff’s Office jail roster. District Judge Curtis Hitt has set Hawkins’ bond at $250,000 surety. If released, he will be required to wear an ankle monitor, prohibited from possessing weapons, and restricted from contacting the alleged victim, witnesses, or anyone else involved in the case.
The charges, classified as Class B felonies, stem from incidents that allegedly occurred between July 28, 2025, and July 28, 2026, as detailed in a probable cause affidavit filed by Paragould authorities.
The Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline and Paragould police received a report on July 29 indicating a child had disclosed allegations of sexual abuse. Investigators from the Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Division spoke to the child on the same day. According to the affidavit, the child identified Hawkins and alleged he had touched the child inappropriately on multiple occasions since moving into a shared residence.
Further interviews were conducted with individuals the child reportedly confided in regarding the allegations. Investigators noted that these witnesses described the child’s statements as consistent and also shared concerns about Hawkins’ past behavior and comments.
Investigators also gathered text messages allegedly sent by Hawkins to the child and others. The messages allegedly included apologies, denials of the abuse, and statements such as, "I do not think I groped anyone."
According to the affidavit, Hawkins became aware of the accusations on July 28, before law enforcement had received the report. He reportedly left his workplace in Jonesboro early, appeared to disable his cellphone, and was later detected in Tipton County, Tennessee, by Flock license plate recognition cameras. Paragould police subsequently listed him as a missing person. Hawkins was later located and is no longer considered missing.
Hawkins remains in custody at the Greene County Jail. All individuals charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.