Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Former deputy accused of assault Benton County fires Harrison, 52
BENTONVILLE — A former deputy and Benton County justice of the peace was arrested Thursday in connection with sexually assaulting a woman.
Richard Kevin Harrison, 52, is free on $7,500 bond after his arrest in connection with second-degree sexual assault, a felony punishable by a prison sentence of five to 20 years. Prosecutors haven’t filed a formal charge against Harrison.
Sgt. Shannon Jenkins, spokeswoman for the Sheriff ’s Office, said Harrison was fired Wednesday. The criminal case isn’t related to Harrison’s employment at the Sheriff’s Office, Jenkins said.
Harrison was placed on administrative leave Tuesday because of a criminal investigation, Jenkins said.
“I don’t have any comment,” Harrison said Thursday when reached by telephone. “I would love to, but I can’t talk to you right now.”
He referred questions to his attorney, Ed McClure.
“We are anxious for our day in court to get his version of what happened in front of a jury,” McClure said.
Rogers police were called Monday concerning a sexual assault. A woman reported she woke up at 1:30 a.m. Monday and saw Harrison, who was naked, touching her inappropriately, according to the affidavit.
The woman also reported in April she woke up and Harrison, who was naked, was lying next to her in bed, according to a probable cause affidavit
Harrison served three two-year terms on the Benton County Quorum Court as justice of the peace for District 5, which is the eastern part of Rogers.
He was first elected in 2010. He ran for re-election in 2016 and won another term, but resigned in December when he took a job with the Sheriff’s Office. Harrison was a work detail deputy when he was fired, Jenkins said.
Harrison’s arraignment is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Sept. 5 in Benton County Circuit Judge Robin Green’s court.