Arkansas man arrested in 2016 rape of 9-year-old girl, authorities say

Johnathan Williams, 19, of Jonesboro.
Johnathan Williams, 19, of Jonesboro.

Authorities said a Jonesboro man accused of raping a 9-year-old girl about two years ago was formally charged last week.

Johnathan Williams, 19, was arrested June 29 after the victim told investigators he raped her July 4, 2016, at an apartment complex in Jonesboro, police wrote.

The girl, who is now 11, told authorities she and her sisters were in a park popping fireworks when Williams approached her.

The report states Williams, who was 17 at the time, then took her into a nearby apartment building and raped her in the hallway.

The victim decided to report the assault when she was taken to the principal's office after being called names at school, authorities said.

In interviews with police, officers said they found inconsistencies in Williams' story, which also contradicted testimony from other interview subjects.

He was formally charged with rape July 2 and was released later that day from the Craighead County jail on $20,000 bond, jail officials said.

He is scheduled to appear in court Aug. 23.

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