Man pleads not guilty to two sexual assaults

BENTONVILLE — A former day care worker pleaded not guilty Wednesday to sexually assaulting two children at Mary’s Little Lamb Preschool in Bentonville.

Nathan Jack Clemons, 24, of Rogers has been arrested three times and also pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting another student. Wednesday’s plea is in connection with two additional students.

Clemons was free on $75,000 bond in connection with the first two arrests, but his bond is set at $300,000 for the third arrest. He is being held in the Benton County Jail.

Benton County Circuit Judge Brad Karren denied a request from Kim Weber, Clemons’ attorney, to reduce the bond.

Tyler Williams, deputy prosecutor, previously told the judge the sexual assaults of two of the children are on video, and the parents of the third boy came forward with their concerns. The children were interviewed at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Benton County, according to court documents.

Stuart Cearley, chief deputy prosecutor, said police are still reviewing video from the preschool, and Clemons could face additional charges.

A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for 8 a.m. Nov. 6.

Clemons worked in 2015 for a boys ranch in Jasper County, Mo., according to the affidavit. He was accused of touching children’s legs and feet and talking about self-gratification, sex and his history of being abused as a child, according to the affidavit.

Clemons worked for a school district in Galena, Kan., where he was accused of taking a photograph of a child and sending it to a friend with a lewd comment about the child, according to the affidavit.

The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office investigated Clemons in 2012 and 2013 for having inappropriate online conversations with juveniles including a 13-year-old, according to the affidavit.

Clemons wasn’t arrested in connection with the prior allegations. He faces up to 60 years in prison if convicted on all three counts.

Clemons