SUSPECT ARRESTED ON SEXUAL ASSAULT CHARGES

Catrell WallaceEighteen-year-old Catrell Wallace, of Bryant, turned himself in at the Saline County Jail early Monday morning in reference to felony warrants for Sexual Assault 2nd Degree and Tampering. The incident leading to these charges reportedly occurred during the early morning hours on January 1.

Wallace was 18 years of age at the time of the incident; the victim was 12. Although it appears to have been a consensual encounter, BNPD detectives were able to determine that Wallace had reason to believe the victim was underage at the time of the crime. It was also noted that Wallace instructed witnesses to lie about the crime in an effort to conceal it. This investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Benton Police Department at 501-778-1171 or 501-315-TIPS. Anonymous tips may also be sent via text to CRIMES (274637) with the keyword BNPD in the body of the message, via the official Benton Police Department app available on iTunes and Google Play or at www.crimereports.com.