GARLAND COUNTY, Ark. (KTHV) - Two arrested in Garland County on unrelated sexual assault charges involving minors.
Deputies say 21-year-old James Whisenhunt and 21-year-old Jonathan Ward were arrested over the weekend on felony sexual assault charges stemming from two different incidents.
According to the Garland County Sheriff's Department, Whisenhunt was taken into custody after allegedly having sex with a 14-year-old girl in March of 2012. She is now 15. Deputies say he admitted to it and that he was aware of her age.
Deputies say Whisenhunt was taken into custody Friday and remained in custody Monday in lieu of a $2,500 bond and is set to appear in court July 17.
According to the sheriff's department, an affidavit showed that Ward was reportedly at the home of a 15-year-old girl in July of 2011, and after her mother left, Ward allegedly became verbally abusive with the girl.
Deputies say Ward and the girl reportedly went across the street, into the woods, and he allegedly forcibly raped her.
Ward is facing charges of fourth degree sexual assault, obstructing government operations, contempt of court, and failure to appear, according to the sheriff's department.
Deputies say Ward was taken into custody Saturday and remained in custody Monday in lieu of a $20,000 bond. His court date is yet to be determined.
Source: Garland Co. Sheriff's Department