A Hot Springs man was arrested Wednesday for the alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl last month.
Kenny Jason Walden, 35, who lists a Fairwood Circle address, was taken into custody shortly after 4 p.m. and charged with a felony count of rape, punishable by up to life in prison.
Walden remained in custody Thursday on zero bond and is set to appear today in Garland County District Court.
According to the probable cause affidavit, on April 11, the Garland County Sheriff's Department received a report of the alleged sexual abuse of a 14-year-old female by a known suspect.
In an interview on April 10 at the Cooper-Anthony Mercy Child Advocacy Center, the girl reportedly disclosed she was raped by the suspect, identified as Walden, when she was alone with him. She stated the last time it occurred was about two or three weeks prior to the interview.
She noted the first time it occurred was a year ago when she was 13. She stated Walden would also massage her legs, back and chest.
Walden reportedly declined to be interviewed by investigators and a warrant was later issued for his arrest. A court order barring him from contact with the victim was also issued.
Local on 05/25/2018