A Pearcy man was arrested Wednesday on a felony charge of rape involving a 10-year-old girl stemming from an alleged incident that happened a year or two ago.
Harl Allen Garrett, 73, who lists a Graves Trail address, was taken into custody Wednesday morning and later released on $10,000 bond. The case was filed direct to Garland County Circuit Court and Garrett is set to appear Oct. 15. If convicted, he could face up to life in prison.
According to the probable cause affidavit, on Feb. 22, 2018, a report was filed with the Garland County Sheriff's Department alleging sexual contact and rape of a 10-year-old girl by a known suspect, identified as Garrett.
He allegedly told her, "What happens in this house, stays in this house," and threatened to hurt her if she ever told anyone what happened.
The girl stated the incident happened when she was 8 or 9 years old.
On April 6, Garrett was interviewed by sheriff's investigators after being read his Miranda rights and reportedly confirmed the girl had been to his house numerous times, but only spent the night once. He denied ever touching her.
He said the girl did see him naked once when she kicked open the bathroom door while he was in there. He reportedly admitted saying what happened in the house stayed in the house because "he wouldn't go telling on the kids for anything."
According to court documents, the affidavit was filed on Sept. 17 and a warrant for Garrett's arrest was issued on Monday.
Garrett's attorney, Benjamin Hooten, of Hot Springs, filed a motion for discovery on Thursday and a motion to reserve the right to cross-examine any witnesses.
Local on 10/05/2018