A reportedly homeless man was arrested on a felony warrant Wednesday afternoon stemming from allegations he sexually assaulted a 5-year-old girl he was baby-sitting earlier this year.
Tyler Ray McKeller, 18, who lists no permanent address, was taken into custody around 3 p.m. and charged with second-degree sexual assault, a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison. He remained in custody Thursday in lieu of $5,000 bond and is set to appear in Garland County District Court Aug. 8.
According to the affidavit, on May 2, Hot Springs police Detective Kenny May received a report that a 5-year-old female had alleged that McKeller had assaulted her. The incident, which allegedly occurred at the female's residence on April 28, was reported to the Arkansas State Police Child Abuse Hotline.
On May 2, the female was interviewed at the Cooper Anthony Mercy Child Advocacy Center and allegedly stated McKeller was left at her residence to watch her and other younger children. No other adults were reportedly present. She described the bedroom where the incident allegedly occurred.
Using anatomical diagrams and a doll, the forensic interviewer reportedly confirmed the victim was referring to her privates regarding the alleged incident, which involved McKeller touching that area.
On June 30, May spoke to the girl's mother, who reportedly confirmed McKeller was left to watch over the younger children for a short period of time the night of the alleged incident. She said she confronted McKeller about the allegations and he admitted he tickled the girl but denied any sexual contact.
The mother showed May the room where the alleged incident occurred and he noted it matched the description provided by the girl during her interview.
Local on 07/28/2017