A man who once resided in Baxter County has been arrested for alleged rape charges stemming from an incident in August 2022.
According to the probable cause affidavit, on Aug. 19, 2022, the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office received a report from a victim concerning a forceable rape allegations.
The victim told investigators she worked with the suspect, 28-year-old Michael Smith, Jr. On August 17, she stated Smith had called her, asking to come to her home. When he arrived, another man was with him, who he described as an acquaintance from western Arkansas. The victim said her infant child was sleeping in the bedroom when Smith arrived. She went to check on the child, and when she turned around, Smith was blocking the bedroom door. She asked him to move and let her out, but Smith shut the door and locked her in. The victim stated Smith allegedly grabbed her by the throat and forced himself upon her.
Once the assault ended, the victim stated Smith and his acquaintance left the residence. She reported the acquaintance stayed in the living room while the assault happened. Fearing retaliation, the victim did not immediately report the assault. A few days later, she went to her doctor for a “sexual assault of adult” examination before filing a complaint with the Sheriff’s Office. The victim stated she was fearful of Smith’s return to her home.
During the investigation, deputies discovered Smith was a fugitive from Washington County in connection to rape and sexual assault charges from October 2021. Deputies learned Smith’s acquaintance was also present at the time of the incident, and they have been friends since childhood.
When Smith left the area, he was made aware of the victim’s allegations. On July 15, Smith was taken into custody in Columbia, Mo. on bench warrants from Washington County.
Smith is facing one Class Y felony count of rape and one felony count of false imprisonment. He is currently being held in the Baxter County Detention Center on $100,000 bond.
Rape is a Class Y felony, the most serious classification of crimes not punishable by death. A person convicted of a Class Y felony can face a sentence of life in prison if convicted.
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