A Springdale School District employee was arrested in connection with the rape of a 12-year-old Sonora Middle School student, according to a probable-cause affidavit from the Benton County Sheriff's Office.
Dalton Ray Mize, 19, of 17584 Pleasure Heights Road in Springdale was arrested Thursday in connection with rape and sexual indecency with a child, both felonies.
Mize was an hourly employee for the district and mowed district properties, according to Rick Schaeffer, district spokesman. Mize has been fired, Schaeffer said Monday.
Mize told investigators that he had sexual contact with the girl but said "he messed up and it was a mistake."
Mize was being held Monday at the Benton County jail in lieu of bond. He is scheduled to appear at 8 a.m. June 6 in Benton County Circuit Court.
Mize and the student had exchanged more than 2,000 text messages, according to the report.
State Desk on 04/26/2016