Trial scheduled for former Highfill mayor

BENTONVILLE — A jury trial was scheduled Monday to begin Jan. 8 for the former mayor of Highfill, who is accused of sexually assaulting a teenager.

Stacy Digby, 44, is charged with sexual assault and faces from six to 30 years in prison. He has pleaded not guilty to the felony charge.

Shane Wilkinson, Digby’s attorney, declined to comment on the case at his court appearance Monday.

Digby was arrested March 28. He’s free on $30,000 bond.

The case started after some residents and members of Highfill United Methodist Church expressed concern about Digby’s relationship with a 17-year-old girl, according to a probable cause affidavit.

A friend of Digby’s told detectives of a conversation she had with Digby after officers searched his home, according to the affidavit. Digby told the friend he and the girl began having sex when she was 12 or 13 years old and he had been getting photographs from the girl for years, according to the affidavit.

The girl then told detectives she and Digby had a sexual relationship, according to the affidavit. The teen said they had sex for the first time at Digby’s home when she turned 16, according court documents.

The teen said they sent nude photographs to each other, according to court documents.

Digby resigned from office after his arrest.

Digby