NWA LETTERS

Why let man charged in attacks out of jail?

Tracy Neal’s story in Wednesday’s paper is horrifying. It left me wondering who the judge is that allowed the man, accused of sexual contact and sexual assault against children younger than 14, to be released on bail after his second arrest. I’d like to make sure that judge is remembered in the election booth.

The man arrested is a former cop and resource officer in a local middle school. The story says he wasn’t working as such when the molestation of the children occurred, but is it possible that’s where he groomed those poor victims? We only know what the police have alleged about his behavior based on the victims who are willing to come forward.

Roy Eugene Mitchell, 45, was released on a $25,000 bond soon after his October arrest on two counts of sexual assault. That bond amount is very low, considering there was enough proof to charge him with sexually assaulting two minors (and no doubt scarring them for life). What judge allowed that low bond?

The horror deepens.

Our local police had enough evidence to arrest him again on Friday on a new accusation he had sexual contact with a minor younger than 14.

Mitchell was released on bond yet again. This time, he had to pay a little more. The bond was $50,000 and not even close to what he should pay to be free to prey on our children and grandchildren.

What Washington County judge allowed bond at all the second time?

Mitchell has pleaded not guilty to the first two charges of molestation. No trial date was given.

Records show police have evidence of this behavior since 2017. They also show he was released on Oct. 20 and was, according to the charges, at it again 12 days later on Nov. 2. That means child predator to me.

Where’s he at now? And what’s he doing? It’s horrifying to think a man facing such charges could pay a bondsman $5,000 and be out on the streets this holiday season capable of molesting another child.

Watch your kids, folks, because the Washington County justice system isn’t protecting them.

LORI ERICSON Springdale