Man, 18, arrested in rape of child, 4
Posted on Wednesday, February 13, 2008
A Springdale man is in jail after being arrested in connection with the rape of a 4-yearold girl.
Cesar Monarrez, 18, of 1015 Jefferson St., is being held in the Washington County jail on $ 100, 000 bond. The incident was said to have occurred while he was working as a child-care provider at Royal Children’s Academy, 1268 Electric Ave., according to police reports.
The investigation is ongoing; it is not known whether this was an isolated incident, said Springdale police Sgt. Shane Pegram.
Pegram said the incident was reported to the Arkansas State Police on Feb. 7, and Springdale police were brought in the next day. The two agencies worked together and had sufficient evidence to make an arrest after a four-day investigation.
Monarrez was arrested at his home, not the day care, Pegram said.
More charges could be brought in the case, as more children could be involved, Pegram said. It takes longer to gain information from children than from adults, he said.
Pegram said it is important for parents to communicate with their children and pay attention to anything they say that is unusual. If children say anything that indicates they may be being abused, parents are urged to contact police.
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